Len Smith’s O gauge layout

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: Len Smith’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 24 x 27 feet Track and switches: Atlas O (diameters range from 54 to 99 inches) Motive power: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH Rolling stock: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Weaver Controls: Lionel types KW and ZW, MTH no. Z-4000 (2) transformers with MTH Digital Command […]

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Bill Clark’s S gauge layout

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: Bill Clark’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 9 x 20½ feet Track and switches: Gilbert American Flyer Motive power: American Models, Gilbert and Lionel American Flyer Rolling stock: American Models, Gilbert and Lionel American Flyer Controls: American Flyer nos. 12B (2), 30B (2) transformers with Lionel FlyerChief and Legacy command control Accessories: […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Laying down track, Episode 6

David Popp standing next to the State Line model railroadholding up an N scale turnout

After sanding the cork roadbed, David is ready to lay track on the State Line Route N scale layout. His tip: start with the most complex piece of track, which, in this case, is in the train yard! Plus, David checks in with Rene and Jenny to see how their structures for the layout are […]

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Back on Track: How to hide backdrop seams, Episode 12

In this episode, host Gerry Leone gets back to the backdrop. Namely, he’s working to disguise those unpreventable seams that appear between sections of hardboard panels. Gerry shares his techniques for getting the job done in a satisfactory way, but without the painstaking efforts of a professional drywall installer! […]

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Back on Track: Layout progress report and more, Episode 11

It’s hard to keep with Gerry’s rapid pace of construction. Fortunately, he slowed down for a quick recap of what he’s accomplished with the cameras turned off. Then, it’s back to solving benchwork problems! […]

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Back on Track: Tips for testing and tweaking a track plan, Episode 10

Host Gerry Leone continues to plan and build out a switching area for his all-new Bona Vista HO scale model railroad. This time, Gerry shares how he uses actual model structures and track remnants to visualize and plot his plans, and then adjust them to suit layout realities. […]

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It’s My Railroad: Cutting in a track crossover, Ep. 25

In this episode, Host Steve Brown has more trackwork to revamp. This time he’s working to insert a new crossover turnout configuration (a pair of track switches) into a yard lead. Learn why and how he did it…the “Regular Guy” way! […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Laying down cork roadbed, Episode 5

David works Rene and Sammi into the layout construction rotation. To start, David puts finishing touches on the subroadbed. He steps aside to let Rene and Sammi install the strips of cork roadbed that form the base for the N scale trackwork. Plus, you’ll see a preview of some structures to come! […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Adding layout elevations, Episode 4

Time to turn a flat tabletop into a layout with aesthetically pleasing elevations and undulations. But before David gets too far into cutting plywood, he first talks through a few changes to the N scale track plan. Plus, you’ll also see his clever, easily removable backdrop installation. […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Building legs for a layout, Episode 3

David and Jenny jump right into the assembly of the removeable, wood legs and braces used to elevate the L-girder benchwork off the ground. Along the way, David shares construction tips and tricks that apply to the construction of any layout – large or small! […]

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Introducing the MR&T State Line Route in N scale, Episode 1

Trains.com and Model Railroader magazine unite to launch an all-new project railroad! Series host David Popp leads the way into the initial overview and planning of this N scale (1:160) layout. This mid-sized, stand-alone model railroad draws inspiration from the legendary HO scale Milwaukee, Racine & Troy, so you’ll see plenty of new and familiar […]

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