Ask MRVP: Episode 38

David Popp wearing a Hawaiian shirt and standing in front of the N scale Canadian Canyons layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this first episode of the fall season, Host David Popp tackles some of your toughest hobby questions! With assistance from Cody Grivno, David addresses inquiries related to layout wiring, illuminating structures, couplers, rolling stock details, and much more! […]

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Computer desktop wallpaper from Great Model Railroads 2019

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Get computer desktop wallpaper from all 10 layouts featured in this Model Railroader special issue. Great Model Railroads 2019 features 10 spectacular model train layouts in HO, N, and O scales. In this Model Railroader special issue you’ll see a variety of model railroading themes, settings, and eras. As an online bonus, download images from […]

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Why long hood vs. short?

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Although this CNJ RS3 had dual engineer controls, the “F” defines the leading end for hand or radio signals. Bert Pennypacker Q When diesels replaced steam locomotives, early cab units had snub noses with good front visibility for the engineer. When hood units appeared, some railroads set them up to run short hood forward and […]

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Computer desktop wallpaper from the October 2018 Model Railroader

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Click on the links at left to download the image sized appropriately for your computer screen A pair of well-worn Alcos waits in the early morning light for their next assignments at White Pass Landing on Kenny Ravenscroft’s HO scale Pilar Valley Ry. The FA-1 was made in Brazil by Fratesch, and the RSC-2 is […]

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Stuff We Use: Get straight cuts with a miter box and razor saw

Hand cutting styrene in a miter box

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Getting straight cuts is a necessary skill for any modeler. That’s why a good razor saw and miter box are essential tools for any model railroader’s workshop. Senior editor Dana Kawala shows you the basics of using this razor saw/miter box set from […]

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Stuff We Use: Get straight cuts with a miter box and razor saw

Hand cutting styrene in a miter box

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Getting straight cuts is a necessary skill for any modeler. That’s why a good razor saw and miter box are essential tools for any model railroader’s workshop. Senior editor Dana Kawala shows you the basics of using this razor saw/miter box set from […]

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How to use a cone-tip sander

Hand using a cone tip sander

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The Flex-I-File cone-tip sander is a versatile tool for getting into tight corners and odd shapes. Model Railroader associate editor Eric White shows you how he uses the sander and its peel-and-stick pads for his modeling projects. Pick up a sander and a […]

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Stuff We Use: Bachmann HO scale track cleaning car

Bachmann track cleaning car

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page One way to help keep your model railroad running smoothly is to regularly run a cleaning train along the line. Senior Editor Dana Kawala shows you how to make your track cleaning chores easier with a Bachmann HO scale Track Cleaning Car. […]

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Stuff We Use: Bachmann HO scale track cleaning car

Bachmann track cleaning car

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page One way to help keep your model railroad running smoothly is to regularly run a cleaning train along the line. Senior Editor Dana Kawala shows you how to make your track cleaning chores easier with a Bachmann HO scale Track Cleaning Car. […]

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