Add a valance and dust cover

HowardLloydmadeasimplevalancetoconceallightfixturesandfocusviewersattentiononhisHOscaleNationalDocksRylayout

I think every model railroad should have a valance. What is a valance, you may ask? A valance is a view block suspended from the ceiling that follows the edge of the benchwork and frames the layout for viewing. If you think of a model railroad as a stage, then a valance serves the purpose […]

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Rice Harbor Series: build a swing-up staging section

David Popp with his hinged layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In addition to boasting a unique sectional design, MR’s 5×9-foot Rice Harbor HO scale layout also features a swing-up staging section topped with a car float. David Popp shares how he assembled and then installed this hinged section to the layout. […]

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Rice Harbor Series: build a swing-up staging section

David Popp with his hinged layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   In addition to boasting a unique sectional design, MR’s 5×9-foot Rice Harbor HO scale layout also features a swing-up staging section topped with a car float. David Popp shares how he assembled and then installed this hinged section to the layout. […]

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Rice Harbor Series: Installing benchwork alignment pins

David Popp holding pins.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Are you building a sectional or modular layout that requires precise alignment of adjoining sections? If so, then you’ll want to see how David installed benchwork alignment dowels, also called pattern maker pins, on MR’s HO scale Rice Harbor. These steel dowels make […]

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Rice Harbor Series: Installing benchwork alignment pins

David Popp holding pins.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Are you building a sectional or modular layout that requires precise alignment of adjoining sections? If so, then you’ll want to see how David installed benchwork alignment dowels, also called pattern maker pins, on MR’s HO scale Rice Harbor. These steel dowels […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Selecting lumber and hardware

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David and Kent head to a local home improvement store to collect the building materials they’ll need to start an all-new On30 project layout. Inside the store they’ll share insights for selecting quality lumber, essential hardware, layout lighting, and more. […]

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Family Train Layout: episode 2 – install foam scenery board

Family Train Layout install foam scenery board

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page After building a 40 x 60-inch lightweight base for our family-friendly layout, David demonstrates how to fill the interior of the frame with foam insulation board used to support the train set tracks and scenery. Would you like to learn more about how to […]

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Family Train Layout: episode 1 – building the frame

Family Train Layout building the frame

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Ready to build a model railroad the entire family can enjoy? Starting with a basic train set, David guides you through the materials, tools, and step-by-step instructions needed to build a simple 40 x 60 inch base for a lightweight and family-friendly layout. Would […]

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