In the June 2012 Model Railroader managing editor David Popp describes how to install a Model Rectifier Corp. (MRC) no. 0001957 Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder into a Kato N scale F7A diesel locomotive model. Watch a demonstration of the DCC sound equipped models, as they haul the Kato N scale El Capitan around […]
Section: Videos & Photos
Doing the hustle

Union Pacific No. 6945 hustles past the railroad park in Rochelle, Ill., with double-stacked K-Line containers from Global 3. Photo by Sean Valk […]
CN sunrise

Morning sunlight glints off a Canadian National freight train rolling across Broadway in Waukesha, Wis., in August 2011. The train left Chicago in the wee hours and is headed for western Canada. Photo by Matt Van Hattem […]
In a word: Wow!

On July 2, 1994, a Montana Rail Link local heads east at Manhattan, Mont., with an incredible SD9/SD9/SD9/SD9/GP9/GP35/GP9/GP9 lashup. Photo by Tom Danneman […]
Video: Animated grade crossing signal on Pelle Soeborg’s HO scale model railroad

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Expert model railroader Pelle Søeborg added an animated grade crossing signal with flashing lights, gates, and sound to his HO scale model railroad. Pelle models the modern-era Union Pacific on his model train layout. See a Digital Command Control (DCC) sound equipped locomotive […]
Building the Virginian Ry. part 18

It’s weathering time on the Model Railroader staff’s HO scale Virginian Ry. Associate editor Cody Grivno shows you his techniques for weathering the freight train cars on the model railroad. He’ll also show you how to use an airbrush to realistically weather a diesel locomotive model. All those weathered coal hoppers need loads, so managing […]
Building the HO scale Virginian Ry. part 17

In this Virginian Ry. video journal, Model Railroader managing editor David Popp shows you step by step how to install realistic ground cover on a model train layout. David has installed the station at Rogers Yard. You’ll learn about the model railroad scenery products and techniques that he used to finish the scene. […]
Building the HO Virginian Ry. part 20

In this last installment of the Virginian Ry. video journal, you’ll learn about the operating sequence for this HO scale model railroad. Follow along as Model Railroader staff members show you how to operate the model train layout. You can also see some of the prototypical paperwork used during the operating session. […]
Rolling by rocks

A southbound Canadian National freight rolls through a limestone quarry in Waukesha, Wis., in August 2011. Stone, sand, and gravel make up the largest source of originating traffic on Wisconsin railroads. Photo by Matt Van Hattem […]
Autumn in Montana

Montana Rail Link’s Missoula-Laurel manifest freight rolls through Bearmouth, Mont., on Sept. 2, 2003. This is MRL’s 3rd Subdivision which is from Helena to Missoula. Photo by Tom Danneman […]
Overnight stay

Illinois Railway Museum’s Burlington E5 No. 9911-A, and the Nebraska Zephyr occasionally makes an appearance outside of the museum. On Sept. 29, 1993, the set overnights on the Wisconsin Central in Burlington, Wis. Photo by Tom Danneman […]
Morning bath

Union Pacific No. 7875 heads east through Rochelle, Ill., bathed in bright morning light. Photo by Sean Valk […]