Running trains with Digital Com-mand Control (DCC) is a lot of fun, and it can make operating a model railroad an enjoyable experience. However, all those DCC electronic components and sound decoders don’t mean much if you can’t get a reliable signal to the tracks. When it comes down to it, nickel-silver rail is a […]
How to wire power-routing turnouts: While it may initially seem difficult, basic two-rail wiring for power-routing turnouts is easy if you understand and apply just two simple rules. The diagrams below demonstrate these crucial wiring principles. Rule 1: Gap the rails between turnouts located frog-to-frog. Place gaps in both rails, between turnout frogs in opposite […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page A self-healing cutting mat is a useful addition to any model railroader’s workshop. Model Railroader associate editor Eric White shows some of his favorite features of this self-healing cutting mat from the Kalmbach Hobby Store. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page A self-healing cutting mat is a useful addition to any model railroader’s workshop. Model Railroader associate editor Eric White shows some of his favorite features of this self-healing cutting mat from the Kalmbach Hobby Store. […]
Paul Helgeson has less than 100 square feet dedicated to his layout, but the variety of scenes is astonishing. Here we offer some additional photographs showing more of his spectacular modeling. Click on each photo to see a larger image. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows the best way to pack up your model trains so the cars and paint won’t get damaged. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows the best way to pack up your model trains so the cars and paint won’t get damaged. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader managing editor David Popp shows how to prepare plastic parts for painting. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader managing editor David Popp shows how to prepare plastic parts for painting. […]
Sometimes we have more photos than we can possibly fit in the allotted pages for a layout article. After choosing the ones we considered to best illustrate the story of Wayne’s layout, we thought we’d share some of the “outtakes” with our subscribers for even more sights on this fabulous railroad. Click on each photo […]
Q How do railroads figure how much power is necessary for a train?– Richard Panarese, Mesa, Ariz.A Railroads determine power needed for a train based on the route, and the train’s weight and priority. BNSF, for instance, considers the “horsepower per ton” required based on what officials call the train’s “transportation service plan.” The transportation […]
A messy work area is not only unsightly, it is unsafe. A shop floor needs to be kept clear of dust and debris. Losing your footing can result in a sprained ankle, not to mention hitting your head on your workbench. Sweeping up at the end of your work session is all that is needed […]
