February 2023

The February cover for Model Railroader magazine

Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Creating and sharing expertise NEWS & PRODUCTS, pg. 12 Hobby industry news ASK MR, pg. 18 How do I build a layout swing gate? RAILWAY POST OFFICE, pg. 22 letters from our readers STEP BY STEP, pg. […]

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News & Products for the week of January 16th 2023

An image of a model locomotive

News & Products for the week of January 16th 2023 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. Here are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of January 16th 2023.   […]

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Can you help find a specific X-Acto cutting mat?

Can you help find a specific X-Acto cutting mat?: I enjoyed the Bob Karig authored article on scratchbuilding a steam crane tender in the January 2023 Model Railroader. One technique I learned was laying out accurate sheet cuts using an X-acto cutting mat with 10 squares to the inch. Can you help me find a source for either a mat with 1/8" or 1/10" squares?

Can you help find a specific X-Acto cutting mat?: Cody helps a viewer find a specific X-Acto cutting mat with 1/8″ or 1/10″ cutting squares as seen in a Model Railroader story story from January 2023. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send […]

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Can you help find a specific X-Acto cutting mat?

Can you help find a specific X-Acto cutting mat?: I enjoyed the Bob Karig authored article on scratchbuilding a steam crane tender in the January 2023 Model Railroader. One technique I learned was laying out accurate sheet cuts using an X-acto cutting mat with 10 squares to the inch. Can you help me find a source for either a mat with 1/8" or 1/10" squares?

Can you help find a specific X-Acto cutting mat?: Cody helps a viewer find a specific X-Acto cutting mat with 1/8″ or 1/10″ cutting squares as seen in a Model Railroader story story from January 2023. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send […]

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12 notable model railroaders who died in 2022

Model Railroader

Here are some personal recollections of 12 notable model railroaders who died in 2022. Don Ball For many years, Don Ball was a regular contributor to Model Railroader. I worked with him on several stories, including his big feature in Model Railroad Planning 2011 about building his Stockton & Copperopolis HO layout. I visited Don […]

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Model a weather-beaten wood structure

Model a weather-beaten wood structure: An image of a model structure alongside model rail tracks

Model a weather-beaten wood structure: In model railroading, weathering is typically associated with freight cars and locomotives. However, structure weathering is another way to add realism to a layout. Peeling and faded paint, a roof in need of repair, and broken glass are just a few of the ways to turn an ordinary structure into […]

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How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets?

How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets?: I have a Kato N scale RS3 locomotive (17708) from back in the 1980s. I'm considering swapping out the wheels with traction tires for those without. I've been in contact with Kato USA and they're unable to help, and Kato Japan doesn't provide support outside Japan. I've found these locomotives on eBay, but they are priced at $200. I'm looking for either a junker I can use for spares, or just a couple of replacement wheelsets. Can you help?

How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets? Cody provides tips for finding out of production locomotive wheelsets at various locations, from online bidding sites to the consignment section of a local model railroad shops. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send […]

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How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets?

How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets?: I have a Kato N scale RS3 locomotive (17708) from back in the 1980s. I'm considering swapping out the wheels with traction tires for those without. I've been in contact with Kato USA and they're unable to help, and Kato Japan doesn't provide support outside Japan. I've found these locomotives on eBay, but they are priced at $200. I'm looking for either a junker I can use for spares, or just a couple of replacement wheelsets. Can you help?

How do I find out of production locomotive wheelsets? Cody provides tips for finding out of production locomotive wheelsets at various locations, from online bidding sites to the consignment section of a local model railroad shops. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send […]

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Model railroad snow products

Let’s Make a Scene with Kathy Millatt Part 15

Winter is my favorite season, especially for watching trains. The snow gives everything in the background and foreground a pure, white canvas. Snow in the air gives photographs depth. Iced-over bodies of water give an awesome effect. It seems like snow scenes are quite rare when it comes to HO and N scale layouts, and […]

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Learning resin kit basics

Resin kits are a practical solution when a particular car or structure isn’t available as a mass-produced item. But unlike injection-molded plastic models, resin kits require a unique modeling and assembly process to yield the best results. In this video, Eric White first shares his insights on the most useful tools and materials. He then […]

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