The Salt Lake Route, Part 1: The inspiration for a small layout

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The rugged mountain desert scenery of the Meadow Valley Wash provides a picturesque backdrop for trains on the N scale Union Pacific Salt Lake Route. The 4 x 9-foot model railroad, built by retired managing editor Dick Christianson, features Kato Unitrack with superelevated curves. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno and graphic designer Drew Halverson […]

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Big Boy braking power

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Ten hoppers coupled to the Big Boy consist in January 2014 were used for additional braking power. Steve Sweeney Q Why was there a string of hopper cars in the consist moving Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 from Pomona to West Colton, Calif., in January 2014? – David Tritenbach, Kerrville, Texas A Although Union […]

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Computer desktop wallpaper from the June 2017 Model Railroader

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Click on the links at left to download this image sized appropriately for your computer screen. Pat Ryan built and photographed this HO scale model railroad scene of the Norfolk & Western Powhatan Arrow rounding a river bend as a Virginian Ry. coal train rumbles across a steel truss bridge. Click on the links below […]

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Build a realistic toy train layout

Build a realistic toy train layout

Use the ideas in this booklet to get started today on how-to projects to add realistic detail to your toy train layout. Inside, you’ll find: Three ways to make rivers and lakes Instructions to create a realistic wood roadway crossing 20 easy scenery tips A step-by-step guide to drawing a track plan Enter your email […]

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25 ways to make your model railroad better

This 15-page supplement includes: Tips for more operational possibility Full-color schematics A handy checklist for planning your layout Suggestions for improving the space around your railroad Ways to make offstage yards operate flawlessly Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter and get your free download! […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 24

David Popp standing at a table in the Model Railroader workshop introducing a video.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Looks like show host David Popp (and the crew too) has a case of spring fever! What a perfect reason for this episode of Ask MRVP to venture into “wild” Wisconsin! This month, David tackles Q&As from the MR workshop, the aisles of […]

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Lionel’s Disappearing Train Layout

Lionel’s Disappearing Train Layout

  This free PDF exposes the secret behind one of Lionel’s greatest layouts; The Lionel disappearing train tunnel adds a wow factor to any classic toy train layout. Explore the detailed illustrations for assembling Lionel’s D-27 disappearing train layout in this free download. […]

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