Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 5

Hal Miller next to a layout

Follow Hal Miller as he shows you the progress on the latest Model Railroader staff project layout. Much of the trackwork is complete. Work is also underway on the compact engine terminal, including a motorized, Digital Command Control turntable from Walthers that Hal has installed. Jim Hediger is also at work on a prominent structure […]

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Family Train Layout: Bonus Episode – building a plastic kit

Family Train Layout building a plastic kit

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this bonus installment of the Family Train Layout project, David guides viewers through the steps for building a simple plastic water tower kit. Of course, the tools and modeling techniques demonstrated here can also be used to assemble numerous other structures for […]

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Video: Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 4

Steve Otte working on a model house.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Structures and trackwork dominate this episode of the Model Railroader staff’s Rice Harbor video journal. Associate editor Steve Otte describes the lighthouse for Rice Harbor. Steve built the structure from a Branchline Trains kit, and the model also features a working beacon. Editor […]

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Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 3

A Model Railroader holding a model building.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Layout designer David Popp describes his strategy for using various turnouts on the Rice Harbor project layout. The turnouts are controlled by New Rail Models Blue Point controllers. You’ll also get a look at the benchwork for the folding staging track and see […]

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Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 2

Hands holding a structure

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. […]

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Family Train Layout: episode 5 – adding hills and trees

Family Train Layout adding hills and trees

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this fifth and final installment of the Family Train Layout project, David shows viewers how to spruce up the railroad by adding a vacuum-formed hill, trees, and other small details. Would you like to learn more about how to get started in the […]

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Dave Durling’s O gauge layout

A Lionel starter set purchased for Christmas led to this great compact layout. Dave Durling has modeled favorite places from his life in New England, complemented by several stunning scratchbuilt structures. […]

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Video: Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 1

David Popp building a layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The Model Railroader staff’s 5 x 8 harbor railroad project begins in the January issue. In part 1 of this new video series, you’ll get an overview of the layout with its designer, David Popp. David also built the modular benchwork for the […]

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The Model Railroader staff’s Eagle Mountain RR

Scene of Eagle Mountain railroad

Don’t miss the latest Model Railroader project layout, the Eagle Mountain RR, in the January 2016 issue. The HO scale layout is inspired by mining operations in Southern California during the 1960s and 1970s. Follow along as associate editor Eric White shows you highlights of this 4 x 6-foot model railroad. […]

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Family Train Layout: episode 2 – install foam scenery board

Family Train Layout install foam scenery board

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page After building a 40 x 60-inch lightweight base for our family-friendly layout, David demonstrates how to fill the interior of the frame with foam insulation board used to support the train set tracks and scenery. Would you like to learn more about how to […]

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