How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 1 Research

Designing a layout.

In an all-new MRVP mini-series, David Popp takes you through the steps for turning an interesting layout concept into a specific plan. In Part 1, David gets things started by revisiting memories of his favorite midwestern fallen flag. He then shows how recollections, historic photos, and research can be used to narrow the focus of […]

Read More…

How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 3 Deciphering the Maps

David Popp looking at maps.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The series continues as David Popp takes a closer look at historic (Sanborn) maps to consider where and how to incorporate specific railroad trackwork, engineering, structures, industries, and more into his designs for a new layout. […]

Read More…

How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 2 Aerial Photos and Maps

David looking at arial photos and maps.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In Part 2, David turns to his computer to explore how aerial photos and maps can help modelers compose a detailed overview of a region, town, or even a specific railroad site. Follow along as he walks you through the process of examining […]

Read More…

How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 1 Research

Designing a layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In an all-new MRVP mini-series, David Popp takes you through the steps for turning an interesting layout concept into a specific plan. In Part 1, David gets things started by revisiting memories of his favorite midwestern fallen flag. He then shows how recollections, […]

Read More…

Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Part 20

Company houses on a model pond

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page It’s back to the blog for David! But not before he cleans up his workbench to make room to work on the company houses he’s installing along the pond. In this episode of the Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout expansion series, David shares […]

Read More…

City Terminal & Transfer Series: Episode 16 Running Trains

DCC throttles

In this final installment of our O gauge City Terminal & Transfer Railway series, Kent and Bob jump to the task of selecting and connecting a power supply needed to power the trains and accessories. But before all focus turns to the trains, David returns to add a finishing touch to the scenery and recap […]

Read More…

HO scale Canadian Pacific Ry. Montreal Terminals Division

HOscaleCanadianPacificMontrealTerminalsDivision

Name: CPR Montreal Terminals Division Layout owner: Ian Stronach Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 11′-6″ x 22′-0″ Prototype: Canadian Pacific Ry., Montreal Terminals Division Locale: Montreal Era: September 1968 Style: around the walls Mainline run: 72 feet Minimum radius: 30″ (main), 16″ (spur) Minimum turnout: no. 6 (main), no. 5 (yards) Maximum grade: 21⁄2 percent Benchwork: […]

Read More…

HO scale Morristown & Erie, Western Division

HOscaleMorristownErieWesternDivision

Name: Morristown & Erie RR, Western Division Layout owner: Frank Baker Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 18′-0″ x 33′-6″ Prototype: freelanced Locale: New England, Pittsburgh, and Pacific Northwest Era: 1940s to 1950s Style: walk-in Mainline run: 480 feet Minimum radius: 30″ Minimum turnout: no. 4 Maximum grade: 23⁄4 percent Benchwork: L girder Height: 43″ to 53″ […]

Read More…

HO scale Soo Line Latta Sub

HOscaleSooLineLattaSub

Name: Soo Line Latta Sub Layout owner: John Emley Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 26 x 28 feet Prototype: Soo Line Locale: southern Indiana Era: summer 1993 Style: around the walls Mainline run: 50 feet plus reversing loops Minimum radius: 32″ (main), 28″ (reversing loops), 24″ (branch) Minimum turnout: no. 6 (main), no. 5 (yard) Maximum […]

Read More…

On30 Gold Creek Timber Co.

On30GoldCreekTimberCo

Name: Gold Creek Timber Co. Layout owners: Loren Neufeld, Jim Lemmond Scale: On30 (1:48 proportion, 30″ narrow gauge) Size: 8′-0″ x 14′-41⁄2″ Prototype: freelanced Locale: Western redwood forest Style: portable display layout Mainline run: 38 feet Minimum radius: 19″ Minimum turnout: no. 5 Maximum grade: 1 percent Benchwork: plywood tabletop Height: 64″ Roadbed: none (track […]

Read More…

How-to Library: Airbrushing with Aaron, Episode 11, Realistic Metal Finishes

Aaron Skinner in an airbrushing studio.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   A shiny, natural metal finish looks just as nice on a streamlined passenger car as it does on a vintage airplane! Aaron Skinner walks you through the steps for applying a sleek finish using an airbrush. Plus, he also shares a clever […]

Read More…