Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 5

Man gesturing over a model train 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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Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 4

Steve Otte working on a model house.

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 Neil Besougloff is also at the workbench finishing up a depot, coal […]

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Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 3

A Model Railroader holding a model building.

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 how pattern maker’s pins make is easy to align the layout sections. […]

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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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The Roundhouse: Episode 10

Hal Miller, Dana Kawala, and Neil Besougloff

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Steve Haynes, sales manager for track manufacturer Peco, returns as Hal’s guest on The Roundhouse. Youth in the hobby, the National Train Show, and what it takes to produce models are all topics on this episode. And look for the first Unofficial Roundhouse […]

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Thin Branch Series: Backdrops part 2B – The river

Jay Smith painting a river.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Painting backdrops involves trial and error, even for professional artists. In part 2B of our backdrop series, Jay Smith shows you how he painted the river from start to finish, including changing colors “midstream” several times to get the right look. […]

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History According to Hediger: Riding the Auto-Train

Passenger train models

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Planes, trains, automobiles, and even a tornado, this episode has it all! Jim recounts his trip to Florida in the 1970s on the then-new Auto-Train, but half the adventure proved to be just getting to the station! Related Topics: history according to hediger […]

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