Track buses for Digital Command Control

Fig1

Track buses for Digital Command Control: Layouts wired for direct-current block control have several isolated track sections called blocks. Each block has an electrical switch that controls which DC throttle powers that track section. In theory, a Digital Command Control (DCC) layout could be wired as one large block with two wires feeding the power […]

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Resin kit construction basics

In this video, Eric White continues sharing his insights on the most useful tools and materials. Even better, he demonstrates techniques you can use to make your resin modeling more precise! Be sure to follow the exclusive In The Workshop series for tips, tricks, and clever insights, as demonstrated by various members of Trains.com staff […]

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Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 6 | Mechanical turnout control

With underside wiring in place, David returns front and center at the side of his Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout. That’s where he temporarily placed the fascia, and prepared to into install hand-operated, mechanical Blue Point turnout controls. Follow along to learn the process and techniques pros like David use! And be sure to explore […]

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Model railroad snow plow rolling stock

Photo of HO scale snow plow painted Oxide Red and yellow on white background

In model railroad snow plow rolling stock round-up, we thought it would be fun to take a look at models of snow fighting equipment available in N, HO, and O scales. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Rather, it’s a look at some of the ready-to-run models and a few kits that […]

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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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