DJ Arlia’s N scale layout for Walthers

Train yard

Check out the layout built by open class contestant DJ Arlia for the 2021 Walthers National Model Railroad Build-Off! Designed to look like an old chemical plant based in Pittsburgh, Pa., this module is full of interesting details and thought-out designs. Interested in hearing more from DJ? Check out his interview!  […]

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Building the HO scale Bay Junction layout

Bay Junction

Bay Junction was a project railroad for the editors of Model Railroaders in the early 2010s. Track plans and videos for that project are linked to below. Bay Junction track plans The Bay Junction track plan Industries and tracks and Williams Bay   Bay Junction overview article Read the first article about the second Milwaukee, […]

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Build the 3 x 7 Red Oak layout online extras

an HO scale layout with a red diesel pulling boxcars

The 2015 N scale Red Oak project layout Fifty miles west of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy RR division point of Creston, Iowa, lies the town of Red Oak, the inspiration for Model Railroader’s 2015 project model train layout. Named for the trees that line the Red Oak Creek, the town came into being with […]

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Build a 5 x 8 harbor railroad online extras

Builda5x8harborrailroad

The HO scale Rice Harbor Welcome to Rice Harbor, Model Railroader’s new staff-built project railroad. In this and subsequent issues, we’ll show you how we built this 5 x 8 layout – from the wheels at the bottom of its legs to the top of the illuminated lighthouse. Rice Harbor is an HO model of […]

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Tour the Model Railroader staff’s HO scale Beer Line addition

Beer Line addition

Don’t miss the latest Model Railroader staff project layout series, beginning in the January 2017 issue. The staffs adds the Snake Track branch to its popular HO scale Milwaukee Road Beer Line layout. Get highlights of the new addition, including a look at the various trackside industries and structures, with associate editor Eric White. […]

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Structures and backdrops on the HO scale Eagle Mountain RR

Eric White next to Eagle Mountain Railroad

As the Model Railroader staff’s Eagle Mountain RR project nears completion, associate editor Eric White turns his attention to the structures and backdrops that finish off the desert setting. Get an overview of the kits used on the model train layout and some tips for working with preprinted backdrops on a model train layout. […]

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Track and wiring for the HO scale Eagle Mountain RR

Model track on top of styrofom

Associate editor Eric White continues his behind-the-scenes look at building the Model Railroader staff’s latest project model train layout. In this installment, Eric describes how he laid out the track plan full size on the benchwork tabletop, including how he used curve and turnout templates. He’ll also show you the basics of how he laid […]

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