Expert Tips Archives - Page 28 of 35

Model Railroader Quick Tips: Corrugated metal siding

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Accessible 3-D printing for model railroaders

Free software available online, such as Sketchup, can be used to design models that are produced by 3-D printing services like Shapeways. Alex Marchand followed this path to model a CSX class U-13 phosphate hopper in N scale. When I was in high school in the late ’90s, I saw a TV show that ran […]

5+ multi-deck layout design and construction tips

Builder Jack Burgess uses two layout decks on his HO scale Yosemite Valley RR to yield a long main line. Author Tony Koester discusses the key points he, Jack, and other successful builders considered before they began constructing double-deck layouts. Jack Burgess photo Why would anyone want, let alone need, a model railroad with more […]

“Mechanical interlocking and signaling” article series

Interlocking machine The intricacies of interlocking plants have fascinated me since I read Model Railroader’s “Mechanical interlocking and signaling” series in 1961. In that series, MR’s Gordon Odegard and Paul Larson explained how they scratchbuilt a miniature interlocking machine that included operating finger-size levers for Paul’s HO layout. It took me almost 50 years to […]

Add wear and tear to a steel gondola freight car models

A few dents and weathering add “years” of hauling rough, heavy loads to the pair of gondolas on the right. Compare Tony’s well-worn older cars with his fresh, new car at left. It’s relatively easy to simulate normal wear and tear on a plastic model of a steel gondola. I begin by clamping a medium-wattage […]

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 […]

Operate turnouts with servo motors

Modified radio control servo motors operate the remote control turnouts on Jim Lomison’s HO layout. Turnout motors always seemed a bit pricey to me until I learned about servos from a friend who’s a radio control (RC) enthusiast. He uses servos in his aircraft, and they sell for less than $10 each. The “servo” name […]

Demonstration of magnetic air hoses on HO scale freight cars

Model locomotive and boxcar connected by magnetic hoses

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader contributing editor Pelle Søeborg installed MagnaLock air brake lines (hoses) from North American Railcar Corp. on his HO scale freight cars. In this video you can see how the air hoses work during switching moves on Pelle’s Union Pacific Daneville Sub model train […]

How to tap screw holes

Tapping a screw hole in piece of rolling stock

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Tapping screw holes is an important skill for a model railroader, especially when it comes to adding trucks or couplers to a resin freight car kit. Follow Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno as he shows you how to easily use a tap […]