Don’t miss the updated track buyer’s guide in the January 2015 issue! Download this companion article on how to select the best track for your layout. How to select the best track for your layout […]
How to select the best track for your layout
Modeling Topic: Track Planning
Big steam in the coal fields
Layout designer: Ray Stuber Scale: O Layout size: 8 x 12 Track type: Lionel Fastrack Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the December 2014 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Steam in the coal fields track plan Steam in the coal fields track plan schematic […]
Olympia Logging Series: Part 6 – building a sector plate
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The sector plate used to transfer trains from one track to another is just one of the many intriguing features included on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout. David Popp walks you through sector plate and base assembly, installation, and alignment steps, […]
Olympia Logging Series: Part 6 – building a sector plate
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The sector plate used to transfer trains from one track to another is just one of the many intriguing features included on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout. David Popp walks you through sector plate and base assembly, installation, and alignment steps, […]
Tracklaying tricks with curved turnouts
Three Peco curved turnouts (left) helped senior editor Jim Hediger fit this reverse loop staging yard on his HO scale Ohio Southern. The switch machines are top mounted for clearance underneath and easier maintenance. The smooth-flowing lines of a gently curved switch lead produce some of the most realistic looking trackwork we’re likely to find […]
Olympia Logging Series: Part 1 – display-style design
Before starting construction, MRVP’s Kent Johnson introduces the concept of an all-new On30 display-style layout. Kent touches on On30 equipment, track, and a shadow box design he, David Popp, and other MR staff modelers will use to showcase a freelance logging operation set in the Pacific Northwest mountains. […]
Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 8
It’s time to lay tracks along the waterfront on the Model Railroader staff’s HO scale Rice Harbor project layout. Associate editor Cody Grivno shows you how he used styrene to simulate concrete apron. He’ll also give you some tips for modeling rails in pavement. The harbor bottom has also been painted and is ready for […]
Realistic model railroading with Pelle Søeborg
Pelle Søeborg is a model railroader known for his ability to create ultra-realistic scenes. His main modeling focus is modern-era railroading in the California desert, but his techniques are useful whatever your modeling subject. This article collection includes two track plans: one for a shelf layout and another for Pelle’s 11′-6″ x 22′-0″ Union Pacific […]
Olympia Logging Series: Part 1 – display-style design
Before starting construction, MRVP’s Kent Johnson introduces the concept of an all-new On30 display-style layout. Kent touches on On30 equipment, track, and a shadow box design he, David Popp, and other MR staff modelers will use to showcase a freelance logging operation set in the Pacific Northwest mountains. […]
Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 2
Work continues on the Model Railroader staff’s HO scale Rice Harbor project layout. David Popp begins track work on the railroad. Editor Neil Besougloff discusses his options for modeling a passenger station that will fit the model railroad’s setting and era. […]
Four fun-filled 4 x 8 track plans: Boston & Albany RR
Layout designer: Michael Tylick Scale: O Layout size: 4 x 8 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-36 Originally appeared in the February 2014 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Four fun-filled 4 x 8 track plans: Boston & Albany RR Four fun-filled 4 x 8 track plans: Boston & Albany RR components […]
Four fun-filled 4 x 8 track plans: Frisco Railroad
Layout designer: Michael Tylick Scale: O Layout size: 4 x 8 feet Track type: MTH RealTrax Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the February 2014 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Four fun-filled 4 x 8 track plans: Frisco Railroad Four fun-filled 4 x 8 track plans: Frisco Railroad components […]
