Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp breaks out the Hawaiian shirt (and crutch) for this spring episode of Ask MRVP! This month he addresses your questions regarding trackwork, wiring, the glass on Cody’s workbench, packing a layout for a move, painting, and more! Watch, learn, and then […]
A northbound BNSF coal train passes Coal Creek Junction, Wyo., in July 2008. Steve Glischinski Q The picture on page 42 of the March 2016 issue shows some interesting trackside equipment. It looks like they could be switch heater propane tanks, however, I don’t see any switches. – Bruce Bussert, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. A The […]
Download this free 11-page PDF for train set scenery tips, techniques, and tricks! In this free download you will learn how to enhance the overall appearance of a layout, how to make artificial grass for models, and where to buy modeling scenery, structures, and tools. […]
A southbound CN freight passes the former Soo Line station in Waukesha, Wis., in 2012. Brian Schmidt Q How did Canadian National end up operating the former Soo Line route through Wisconsin. I thought the Soo was affiliated with Canadian Pacific. – Kirk Gobain, Dodge City, Kan. A The Soo Line acquired the Milwaukee Road […]
Click on the links at left to download the image sized appropriately for your computer screen. Mat Thompson Oregon Coast RR no. 40 rounds the bend by the Columbia River on Mat Thompson’s HO scale model railroad. Mat’s photo is this month’s featured computer desktop wallpaper. Click on the links below to download the image […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Ask MRVP host David Popp gets back to the task of answering your specific questions! In this episode, he tackles topics related to DCC wiring, layout planning, applying static grass, and many other inquiries from MRVP subscribers. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Ask MRVP host David Popp gets back to the task of answering your specific questions! In this episode, he tackles topics related to DCC wiring, layout planning, applying static grass, and many other inquiries from MRVP subscribers. […]
A track-level platform at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport station near Baltimore enables the use of the middle track, at bottom, for passenger boarding and detraining. Note the yellow step box behind the railing, for use with the lower platforms. Brian Schmidt Q I live near Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and see short track-level platform extensions at […]
Get copies of the 24-page booklet (left) or tri-fold pamphlet (right) for your next model train show or event. The World’s Greatest Hobby, Inc. (WGH) is a non-profit educational program to promote the enjoyment and benefits of model railroading. As part of that initiative the group developed a 24-page booklet Getting Started in Model Trains, […]
Garden railroad electrical/electricity questions and answers Is it safe to power your trains outdoors? Will I get electrocuted? It’s completely safe to run track power outdoors! Our trains, like those in the smaller scales, run on low-voltage DC, usually 18-24V. Thus, it is perfectly safe to run your trains outdoors, even in the rain or […]
What grade can an engine climb? Different engines will climb different grades. If you are trying to stay within full-size railroad practice, your grades should be no more than about 3 percent for mainline traffic (3″ of rise in 100″ of travel) or 5 percent to 6 percent for logging, mining, or industrial lines. I […]
Download this free 24-page PDF for a brief overview of track-planning terms, tips, and techniques as well as a handful of Lionel FasTrack plans of all sizes. […]
