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It’s hard to believe, but we’re already into the summer months. Before you take that long road trip, head out to the lake to reel in some fish, or spend time mowing the yard, you’ll want to check out the June 2025 episode of Cody’s Office. What’s on tap this time around? Well, we start […]
David and Bryson can’t run trains on the HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park project layout without routing power to the rails! Follow along, as the hosts work to attach feeders to the rails and string a network of wiring underneath the model railroad. You won’t want to miss any of the insider tips […]
Working with suitcase connectors | While also known as insulation displacement connectors, the name “suitcase connector” is a more common term used to describe one the most helpful fasteners in all of model railroading. These plastic cases include a conductive metal blade used to bridge (electrically) two press-fit wires. Let David show you how to […]
Hosts David Popp and Bryson Sleppy take a swing at the curves! Specifically, the process required to install sections of flexible track around the arching mainline, sidings, and spurs on the HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park project layout. Follow their insightful instructions for making free-flowing, yet reliable trackwork on your next model railroad! […]
The HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park project layout wouldn’t be a model railroad without the trackwork! In this episode, hosts David Popp and Bryson Sleppy work to install sections of flexible straight track, before demonstrating how to add standard turnouts (track switches) along the line. Be sure to keep up with the construction […]
Track selection and tracklaying insights | Join David, as he first surveys a wide array of flexible trackwork offerings, and then shares helpful tips and tricks for properly preparing and installing sections of flex track on your next model railroad! Be sure to find other helpful videos like this in the How-to category on Trains.com […]
Now it’s time for scenery on David Popp’s Olympia & Sand Creek On30 display layout to take shape! In this episode, the efforts begins by adding a few more details, before David works to cover new ground with static grass and a variety of turf and brush materials. View the complete Olympia series exclusively on […]
This reboot of The Roundhouse, an on-camera interview series established in 2013, welcomes host Brian Schmidt, Editor of Classic Trains Magazine, and guest Rob McGonigal, former (retired) Editor of Classic Trains Magazine, back to the roundtable. Just as the Summer 2025 issue of the now 25-year-old periodical is set for publication, Brian and Rob sit […]
Facts and features Name: Buffalo & PittsburghScale: N (1:160)Size: 27 x 31 feet plus 14 x 14 feetPrototype: Buffalo & PittsburghLocale: western New York and PennsylvaniaEra: 1988Style: multi-deck walk-inMainline run: 187 feetMinimum radius: 16″Minimum turnout: No. 5Maximum grade: 2.5%Benchwork: open grid and modularHeight: 44″ to 62″Roadbed: cork over plywood and extruded-foam insulation boardTrack: Atlas code […]
Facts and features Name: NorthbrookScale: O gaugeSize: 29 x 36 feetPrototype: freelanceLocale: Northeast and Midwest U.S.Era: 1956Style: donutMainline run: 155 feetMinimum radius: 45″Minimum turnout: No. 5Maximum grade: noneBenchwork: open gridHeight: 42″Roadbed: corkTrack: Atlas O three-railScenery: painted extruded-foam insulation boardBackdrop: painted 1∕8” tempered hardboardControl: Lionel TMCC and Legacy; Sound Traxx Blunami Click the link to download […]
Welcome to the May 2025 installment of Cody’s Office. Thanks for all of the positive feedback from last month’s episode. It’s great to be back! Four new products are featured in the May 2025 episode of Cody’s Office. First up is the Rapido Trains HO scale Electro-Motive Division F40PHM-2 diesel locomotive. The commuter engine is […]
Q: I need help identifying a specific Pennsylvania RR steam engine. The number on the cab was 1299. What class was this locomotive? I have a picture of me as a boy looking out the fireman’s window and want to model the engine in HO scale. — John Nagle A: Thanks for writing in and […]
