Build a 1:22.5-scale Firehouse No. 1

Build a 1:22.5-scale Firehouse No. 1

Download the PDF of this project here. This PDF is formatted to print on your home printer. Most pieces are formatted to fit on a 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper. For larger parts of the plan, you will see “break lines.” Line up the break lines to create the larger piece. Despite our best […]

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How to build a paper structure

While David and Co. continue construction on the N scale project layout, Steve Sweeney shares his techniques for assembling a cardstock house kit. Follow along, as Steve walks and talks you through all of the essential tools, supplies, and processes — start to finish!   […]

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Designing a layout

Designing a layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In an all-new MRVP mini-series, David Popp takes you through the steps for turning an interesting layout concept into a specific plan. In Part 1, David gets things started by revisiting memories of his favorite midwestern fallen flag. He then shows how recollections, […]

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How to make a lake on a model railroad

By popular demand! Back on Track host Gerry Leone jumps ahead in time to begin an effort to shape a common layout space into a unique place! In this episode, you’ll see the start of the lake scene takes the curved mainline into consideration. First, Gerry works to build up a plate girder bridge to […]

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How to build a garden railroad

garden tracks

Click here to download a PDF version of this article. Don’t miss the other parts to this series! June 2010: Preliminary construction August 2010: Choosing track October 2010: Laying track and ballasting December 2010: Accessories, structures, and lighting […]

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Black Stag Lumber Co. RR

Name: Black Stag Lumber Co. RR Layout owner: Allen Hare Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 20 x 22 feet Prototype: Mann’s Creek Ry. Locale: West Virginia Era: 1930s Style: walk-in Mainline run: 140 feet Minimum radius: 18″ Minimum turnout: no. 4 Maximum grade: 5 percent Originally appeared in the May 2010 issue of Model Railroader. Click […]

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Lost Island Bluffs Ry.

Name: Lost Island Bluffs Ry. Layout designer: Robert P. Foster Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 9 x 11 feet Prototype: freelanced, inspired by the Philadelphia & Long Branch RR and the Island Heights Branch of the Pennsylvania RR Locale: Barnegat Bay shorelinein central New Jersey Era: 1884 to 1934 Style: walkaround Mainline run: 50 feet Minimum […]

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Roanoke & Southern

Name: Roanoke & Southern Layout owner: Jeff Kraker Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 9′-31/2″ x 22′-6″ Theme: freelanced Eastern coal hauler Locale: southwest Virginia Era: 1953-1960 Style: walk-in Mainline run: 78 feet Minimum radius: 22″ Minimum turnout: no. 5 Maximum grade: 4 percent Originally appeared in the May 2010 issue of Model Railroader. Click on the […]

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CTT Visits a layout factory

Having a professional builder design and construct a toy train or scale model railroad may not be for everyone. But for those who want to take full advantage of 21st-century technology this may be the way to go. CTT Visits a layout factory […]

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East Broad Top and Pennsylvania RR

Name: East Broad Top and Pennsylvania RR Layout owner: Don Shook Scale: HO (1:87.1) and HOn3 (1:87.1, three foot gauge) Size: 24′-3″ x 26′-3″ Prototype: EBT and PRR Locale: central Pennsylvania Era: Summer 1955 Style: walk-in Mainline run: 120 feet (EBT), 96 feet (PRR) Minimum radius: 24″ (EBT), 52″ (PRR) Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum […]

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