Download this free 14-page PDF to learn what makes one model railroad track plan better for operation than another. Inside this eBook, the editors of Model Railroader magazine discuss how to add realistic operation to freight yards, engine terminals, staging yards, loading zones, and more! […]
When creating model railroads, it’s important to give your model cities and scenery the same realistic treatment you give your trains. A well-detailed and realistic downtown scene and scenery can add as much to a model railroad as any lineside industry. Download this free 15-page PDF for layout planning ideas that will bring your layout […]
When it comes to designing your own model railroad layout, getting your ideas down on paper is the first and most important step. Drawing your plan to scale with a reasonable degree of accuracy will ensure you that your plan will fit your space. Download this free 15-page PDF to learn how to draw accurate […]
So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the first of five quick articles on how to check for and fix common mechanical and electrical track problems with model railroad track. First, you’ll need to run a test train over […]
Theo Cobb illustration Theo Cobb illustration For each turnout, make sure that the check gauge — spacing between the guardrail and the frog — is correct. Paul J. Dolkos So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the second of […]
Check the track voltage using a multimeter. The voltage reading should be the same along each powered track section. Paul J. Dolkos So long as your rails are clean and your rolling stock is fine-tuned, it’s time to inspect your right-of-way for problems. This is the third of five quick articles on how to check […]
A locomotive leaning into a superelevated curve is a dramatic scene on a prototype and model railroad. Follow the simple method above for making superelevated curves on your model train layout using layers of cardstock shims I think the most exciting railroad photos are of a locomotive at speed leaning into a curve. This “lean” […]
Download this free 24-page PDF for a brief overview of track-planning terms, tips, and techniques as well as a handful of Lionel FasTrack plans of all sizes. […]
When you have more than a bedroom for your railroad, you have some choices to make regarding what to fill the space with. Download this free 15-page PDF for 28 inspiring N, Nn3, HO, HOn 2 ½, Sn3, and On 2 ½ layout plans. […]
Staging, major industries, interchanges between railroads, and prototype inspiration are four characteristics that all successful model railroads tend to have. However, incorporating all four of these characteristics into one small space can be challenging. Download this free 12-page PDF download for HO and N scale plans, waterfront railroad layouts, small shelf Union Pacific inspired layouts, […]
Download this free 33-page PDF for a detailed look at how to recreate the town of Red Oak, Iowa. We organized this free PDF into four, easy-to-follow, sections: Part one covers how to utilize a hollow-core household door for a 3 x 7 N scale layout. Part two dives into building benchwork, working on terrain, […]
Download this free 31-page PDF download for an in-depth look at how to build a 4 x 9 N scale modern-era Western layout. This beginner-to-intermediate skill level layout of the Union Pacific Salt Lake Route is broken up into five sections: Part one covers the inspiration behind the layout. Part two gets into how to […]
