Ask MRVP: Episode 52

Host David Popp has scores of your hobby-related questions to address in his triumphant return to MRVP headquarters! As he tools around the MR workshop, MR&T layout, and other popular project railroads (several are up for sale!), he tackles inquiries regarding benchwork, trackwork, wiring, scenery, and so much more. […]

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HO scale Midwest & Southern Atlantic RR

HO scale Midwest & Southern Atlantic RR

The layout at a glance Name: Midwest & Southern Atlantic RR Layout owner: Dale Martell Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 8 x 22 feet Theme: freelanced Locale: Midwest to western North Carolina Era: 1954 Style: walk-in Mainline run: 78 feet Minimum radius: 24″ (main), 18″ (sidings) Minimum turnout: Peco small radius Maximum grade: 1.5 percent Benchwork: […]

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Off The Rails: Not-so-big Birthday Bash, Episode 50

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 50

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Would you believe it? Gerry made it to 5-0! Fifty episodes of Off The Rails, that is. Join his not-so-big (sans balloons and noisemakers) 4th anniversary party, where he addresses questions and comments from the previous 12 episodes — all from a new […]

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Off The Rails: Not-so-big Birthday Bash, Episode 50

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 50

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Would you believe it? Gerry made it to 5-0! Fifty episodes of Off The Rails, that is. Join his not-so-big (sans balloons and noisemakers) 4th anniversary party, where he addresses questions and comments from the previous 12 episodes — all from a new […]

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Off The Rails: Swingers, lifters, and setters, Episode 49

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 49

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Gerry’s former Bona Vista Rwy. HO scale model railroad included a swinging gate section that allowed operators to enter the room and the layout itself. Follow along as he shares how to keep trackwork aligned on moveable benchwork that swings, lifts, or sets […]

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Off The Rails: Swingers, lifters, and setters, Episode 49

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 49

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Gerry’s former Bona Vista Rwy. HO scale model railroad included a swinging gate section that allowed operators to enter the room and the layout itself. Follow along as he shares how to keep trackwork aligned on moveable benchwork that swings, lifts, or sets […]

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Olympia & Sand Creek: Benchwork, Episode 1

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David is back to building out his O scale (1:48) Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout. But this time, he’s got a little bit of extra help from MRVP Contributing Editor Gerry Leone! Watch as the two team up to construct new benchwork for […]

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How to lay track for smooth operation

track on pink foam board

Good tracklaying has a direct bearing on your railroad’s performance, so take the time to do a good job and it’ll pay off in a smooth-operating layout. Roadbed is used under model track to simulate the layer of crushed rock that supports prototype track. Shaped cork or flexible plastic foam roadbed bends easily so it […]

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Scratchbuild a freight truck

scratchbuilt_truck_lead

Mike Lafond Figure 1 Mike Lafond Photo 1 Printed templates glued on the aluminum. I left the templates stuck on the alumimum until I had drilled out all the holes. I “cheated” here and used a bandsaw to cut these pieces from the main sheet. The two upper pieces are the outer bolster parts, cut […]

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