HO scale Midwest & Southern Atlantic RR

HO scale Midwest & Southern Atlantic RR

The layout at a glance Name: Midwest & Southern Atlantic RR Layout owner: Dale Martell Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 8 x 22 feet Theme: freelanced Locale: Midwest to western North Carolina Era: 1954 Style: walk-in Mainline run: 78 feet Minimum radius: 24″ (main), 18″ (sidings) Minimum turnout: Peco small radius Maximum grade: 1.5 percent Benchwork: […]

Read More…

Lighting your garden railroad for nighttime running

Nighttime trackside scene with lit station

I’ve enjoyed some of the most peaceful times on my railroad after the sun has set. Most of us likely have a porch light we can turn on to offer some light in the back yard. If yours is anything like my light, it gives off enough light to make sure your dog does his […]

Read More…

MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 23 — Planning ahead

David Popp at his workbench

David has his hands full with projects cooking on his workbench and the Sand Creek On30 layout extension, referenced in MRVP’s special issue Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide 2020 (KalmbachHobbyStore.com). Follow along as he gets down to the details on his sand loader structure and the new track configuration. […]

Read More…

Tunneling through tough times

The author designed her rear-of-the-railway tunnel for viewing from a glider on the front door stoop

Like a grade-school report, “What I did on my spring 2020 vacation,” this story is about optimism in the face of confusion and lack of resources. We had just started a new little garden railway loop in front of our house, but hidden from the street. Having built a gallery along the walkway, we next […]

Read More…

Virtual garden railroad visits during quarantine

We’ve kept close to home since quarantine and social distancing guidelines have been issued. Club meetings have been canceled; events and open houses have been put on hold. Our hearts go out to anyone affected by COVID-19. Time at home has spawned creative moments, though. I’ve refurbished structures, maintained locomotives and rolling stock, and looked […]

Read More…

Scene and scale lighting options for your garden railroad

Solar powered lighting

Scene lighting allows you to shine a spotlight on your favorite railroad scenes. Again, the idea is to draw the viewer’s eye toward something you want to emphasize, like ridges, waterfalls, and pathways. You can be as creative as you want. You’ll want to hit the landscape lighting section at your local home improvement store. […]

Read More…

Pros and cons of solar lighting in the garden railway

Solar garden light in the dark

Solar lights are convenient and are available in a wide variety of styles. You just put them where you want them and you’re good to go. The sun charges the battery during the daylight hours, and the lights come on after dark. On a good charge, they may stay on all night, but they’re supposed […]

Read More…

MRVP Summer Camp: Day 1

Welcome campers! Two fun-filled weeks of Summer Camp 2020 have begun. This week and next, David Popp will be your Camp Director guiding you through various all-scale modeling efforts covering structure-building, detailing, painting, weathering, and more. Get your permission slip submitted so you can join the Day One painting prep activities exclusively on MRVideoPlus.com! […]

Read More…