I recently took out my old toy trains that have been packed away for about 25 years. The tubular track sections that were brand new back then now have black marks on them. How do I clean them and get them usable again? — Joe Rampe If it’s just dry corrosion, a Scotch-Brite pad will […]
Are you aware of any kind of commercial device that can prevent Lionel and MTH trains from running in reverse? Whenever any of my young grandchildren try to run a freight train in reverse, the cars inevitably derail and ruin our fun. This is an interesting problem to have! I can’t think of any device […]
In this special episode, hosts David Popp and Bryson Sleppy take a moment to address a few questions from viewers like you! As the work on the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) project layout has forged ahead rapidly, we’ve certainly appreciated the wide assortment of inquires you’ve submitted in the Comments field. Keep’em […]
Menards continues to release an interesting variety of structures for your O gauge layout, from industrial, to whimsical, and anything else you might see in Anytown U.S.A. This latest structure, called “O gauge Main Street,” fits squarely in that Anytown category. A sticker on the clamshell box states that this is part of the Main […]
Hosts David Popp and Bryson Sleppy work together to install the roadbed sections used to support trackwork for the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) project layout. While a variety of roadbed material is available for all scales and track gauges, the guys focus on the process for adding strips of HO scale (1:87.1) […]
Ken Rodig’s Gunnison City Old Town Line layout is fascinating for many reasons. The 22 x 36 Gn3 (1:22.5 proportion) model railroad was built on the benchwork of his former HO scale Ironwood System. The indoor large scale layout is set in southwestern Colorado and features industrial narrow gauge railroading in the 1950s. Steam locomotives of […]
In this episode of the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) project layout series, David and Bryson work to install trim panels at the front of the model railroad. These removable fascia panels are both decorative and protective hardboard components that help give the layout a finished look. The guys show you how to […]
With joists on the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) model railroad installed, David and Bryson set out to establish elevated and lowered sections, along with the grades required to reach those new heights and depths. Follow the duo as they measure, test, and recheck how the sections fit and function, before installing the […]
David keeps the hammer down and drill humming, as he works to install the joists and subroadbed sections across the entire HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) model railroad. Watch, learn, and discover clever insights to adding the critical components used to create realistic trackwork and scenery set at various elevations. Be sure to […]
Once you’ve decided you’re going to build a model railroad, it won’t take you long to realize there are a few tools you’ll need to get the job done. Some of the more common hand tools may already be knocking around your workshop. However, unless you do a lot of woodworking projects, you likely don’t […]
In this episode, David demonstrates a simple process for plotting the track plan for the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) model railroad onto the essential layer of subroadbed material. After measuring twice, he then shows the next steps to carefully cutting out the parts and pieces needed to assemble a foundation for layout […]
Lionel has reissued the U28C diesel locomotive for the first time since 2012. The model was announced in the 2024 Volume 1 catalog. This six-axle unit was not that common on prototype railroads, and its unique appearance will allow it to stand out on your layout. The prototype was produced by General Electric between February […]
