Adhesives for structure models

Cody Grivno next to assortment of adhesives

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno gives you an overview of the different types of adhesives that he uses for various structure projects. Cody will also give you a tip for adding interior bracing to make a finished structure model more durable. […]

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Removing locomotive shells

Hand removing scale locomotive shell

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Whether you’re installing a Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder or preparing for a painting project, there are times when you’ll need to remove the body shell from a locomotive model. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows you tips for easily and carefully […]

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Making straight cuts for benchwork

Hand holding jigsaw

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page A jigsaw is a handy tool for building model railroad benchwork. Follow managing editor David Popp as he gives you tips for making straight cuts when using a jigsaw for layout benchwork. […]

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Basic steam locomotive weathering

Weathering a steam locomotive shell

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Check out the techniques used to make this Proto 2000 from Walthers 0-8-0 steam locomotive look like it works for a living. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows you how he used airbrushing, drybrushing, and other methods to weather this steam locomotive […]

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Atlas Model Railroad Co. HO scale EMD GP40-2(W)

Atlas Model RR Co HO scale EMD GP402W

Atlas Model Railroad Co. HO scale EMD GP40-2(W) Before the wide-nosed “safety cab” became practically a standard feature on North American locomotives, it was known as the “Canadian cab” due to its development north of the border. One of the earliest Electro-Motive Division locomotives to use that cab, the four-axle GP40-2(W), is now offered in […]

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Video: MTH HO scale F3 train set

The MTH HO scale F3 train set features a locomotive, freight cars, track, and power pack. These model train sets are also available with the MTH Digital Command System and ProtoSound 3.0 sound system. Model Railroader senior editor Dana Kawala shows you how to get the train set up and running. […]

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Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0 steam locomotive

Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0 steam locomotive

Bachmann HO scale 2-8-0 steam locomotive This Bachmann 2-8-0 is a wonderful scale model to model railroading with steam. It features NMRA- complaint Digital Command Controller decoder and metal details, such as handrails, bells and steam generator. It also has a detailed cab interior and painted cab figures. The tender has a metal ladder and […]

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Small freight house drawings in N, HO, S, and O scales

A small Pennsylvania RR freight house

Small freight houses were once a common sight in rural towns across North America. Built in the early 20th century, they provided a link for less-than-carload-lot (LCL) and full carload shipments between the railroad and its local customers. This freight house served Montour Falls, a small community about two miles south of Watkins Glen, N.Y., […]

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LLG Specialty Coke Co.

LLG Specialty Coke Co

Name: LLG Specialty Coke Co. Layout designer: Gary Gealy Scale: O (1:48) Size: 6′-0″ x 10′-6″ Theme: by-product coke plant Locale: western Pennsylvania Era: early 1960s Style: shelf with peninsula Minimum radius: 27″ Minimum turnout: no. 3 Maximum grade: none Originally appeared in the September 2011 issue of Model Railroader. Click on the link to […]

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North Montana Line

Milwaukee Road North Montana Line

Name: North Montana Line Layout designer: Dan Lewis Scale: N (1:160) Size: 18 x 24 feet Prototype: Milwaukee Road Locale: central Montana Era: 1953-54 Style: walk-in Mainline run: 115 feet Minimum radius: 121⁄2″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 (main), no. 4 (industrial spurs) Maximum grade: 2.2 percent Originally appeared in the September 2011 issue of Model […]

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Mountain railroad grade profiles

For railroad builders in North America, a 2.2 percent climb was considered the standard maximum grade for a well-engineered mountain railroad. But why this number? And how did its adoption become so widespread? Using modern-day analysis of some famous mountain railroad grades, Trains Magazine’s September 2011 issue explores the origins and adoption of 2.2 percent […]

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