Adding DCC power districts to a model train layout

ToomanysoundequippedlocomotivesinoneplacelikethoseshownhereontheMRTcanspelltroubleforaDCClayoutPaulDolkostakesyouthroughthestepsheusedtosetuppowerdistrictsonhisHOmodelrailroad

Too many sound-equipped locomotives in one place, like those shown here on the MR&T, can spell trouble for a DCC layout. Paul Dolkos takes you through the steps he used to set up power districts on his HO model railroad. Imagine you’ve just begun running trains on a layout equipped for Digital Command Control (DCC) […]

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How to wire a layout for two-train operation

The initial goal of a new model railroader flush with locomotives, track, and rolling stock is to operate two trains on his layout at the same time, each with independent speed and direction control. This milepost can be reached with cab-control wiring. With two direct- current power packs, single-pole double-throw toggle switches, and hardware-store wire, […]

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HO scale Progressive Rail

ProgressiveRail

Name: Progressive Rail Layout designer: Jim Hediger Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 3 x 16 feet Prototype: Airlake Industrial Park Locale: Minnesota Era: 1970s Style: Island Minimum turnout: no. 5 Originally appeared in the June 2002 Model Railroader. Click on the link to download the PDF of this track plan. […]

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MR Insider Weekly: May 26, 2014

David Popp

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp catches MRVP host Drew Halverson in Kent Johnson’s office stealing a sneak peek at video clips of Union Pacific’s Big Boy no. 4014 steam locomotive on the move from California to Wyoming. Drew shares tales of his travels with fellow Trains […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 7 – modifying a turnout

David Popp sitting at workbench in the Model Railroader workshop

Before the trackwork can be added to MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout, David Popp first makes a few modifications to the turnouts. In this video, he guides you through trimming the ties, preparing the connection points, soldering new wires, cutting the rails, and testing the modifications – steps that are intended to make […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 7 – modifying a turnout

David Popp sitting at workbench in the Model Railroader workshop

Before the trackwork can be added to MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout, David Popp first makes a few modifications to the turnouts. In this video, he guides you through trimming the ties, preparing the connection points, soldering new wires, cutting the rails, and testing the modifications – steps that are intended to make […]

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Modelers Spotlight Video: Inside Cody’s Office for May 2014

Cody sitting at his desk with trains in front of him

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Big diesels abound in this episode of Cody’s Office. This month Cody takes a look at prototype-specific HO scale SDP45 diesel locomotives from Athearn Trains. He’ll also show you HO scale ES44AC and SD70ACe diesels decked out in Norfolk Southern heritage paint schemes […]

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Modelers Spotlight Video: Inside Cody’s Office for May 2014

Cody sitting at his desk with trains in front of him

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Big diesels abound in this episode of Cody’s Office. This month Cody takes a look at prototype-specific HO scale SDP45 diesel locomotives from Athearn Trains. He’ll also show you HO scale ES44AC and SD70ACe diesels decked out in Norfolk Southern heritage paint schemes […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 5 – installing subroadbed

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Now that the framework and backdrop are in place on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout, work can continue on installing the plywood surface used to support track and scenery. In this video, David takes you through the cutting, fitting, and assembling steps, […]

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DCC Programming: episode 7 – Programming modes

Operations mode, programming on the main.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader magazine’s Dana Kawala addresses basic DCC programming modes. Dana first talks through Operations mode programming on the main, as well as Service mode programming. As with every episode in this helpful DCC Programming series, Dana shows you the essential steps, while the […]

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DCC Programming: episode 7 – Programming modes

Operations mode, programming on the main.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Model Railroader magazine’s Dana Kawala addresses basic DCC programming modes. Dana first talks through Operations mode programming on the main, as well as Service mode programming. As with every episode in this helpful DCC Programming series, Dana shows you the essential steps, while […]

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