Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Adding legs, wheels, and braces

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Construction of the L-girder benchwork for MRVP’s HO scale layout, the Winston-Salem Southbound Railway, continues as David Popp attaches legs and structural bracing. He also shows how to add casters to the legs, which makes it much easier to move the layout around […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Build an L-girder frame

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The legendary model railroader Linn Westcott pioneered L-girder benchwork in the 1960s. But even today, it remains the most versatile layout framing system around! In this first of several instructional videos, MRVP’s David Popp shows you how to start assembling the key L-girder […]

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Red Oak Series: Benchwork construction

David Popp under a workbench.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Benchwork for the 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout didn’t need to be bulletproof, but it did need to be sturdy enough for us to move about the MR workshop and transport to shows. In this video, MRVP’s David Popp shows […]

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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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Olympia Logging Series: Part 2 – assembling the lower benchwork

Hands holding triangular "square" in a wood working project. Text on screen: "Speed square. These can be found at most home centers."

Construction on MRVP’s On30 display-style logging layout gets off to a fast start! MRVP’s David Popp introduces the sketched plans for the trackwork and diorama frame, before addressing the construction steps used to make the lower frame and leg assemblies. Also be sure to download the PDF of the Olympia benchwork specifications so you can […]

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Rice Harbor Series: build a swing-up staging section

David Popp with his hinged layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In addition to boasting a unique sectional design, MR’s 5×9-foot Rice Harbor HO scale layout also features a swing-up staging section topped with a car float. David Popp shares how he assembled and then installed this hinged section to the layout. […]

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Rice Harbor Series: Installing benchwork alignment pins

David Popp holding pins.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Are you building a sectional or modular layout that requires precise alignment of adjoining sections? If so, then you’ll want to see how David installed benchwork alignment dowels, also called pattern maker pins, on MR’s HO scale Rice Harbor. These steel dowels make […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Selecting lumber and hardware

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David and Kent head to a local home improvement store to collect the building materials they’ll need to start an all-new On30 project layout. Inside the store they’ll share insights for selecting quality lumber, essential hardware, layout lighting, and more. […]

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