Computer desktop wallpaper from the August 2015 Model Railroader

Augustwallpaperthumbnail

Click the links to use this image of the HO scale Saginaw passenger station from the Michigan Lines model railroad as computer desktop wallpaper. It’s October 1950 in Saginaw, Mich., on Brook and Jay Qualman’s HO scale Michigan Lines layout that features a scratchbuilt model of the Saginaw passenger station. The photo is a featured […]

Read More…

Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Handlaying track – Part 2

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page MR contributing editor Tony Koester continues handlaying a turnout on MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout. In this episode, Tony shows how to sand, prep, and stain the wood ties prior to installing the rail. […]

Read More…

Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Handlaying track – Part 3

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model railroading masters like Tony Koester have the experience and skills to handlay near-perfect trackwork on the fly. But most of us can use as many of the helpful hobby tools and aids as we can muster! In this bonus video, David Popp […]

Read More…

Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Installing Homasote roadbed

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Construction continues on MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout. In this video, David Popp shows how to add Homasote roadbed along the track plan he transferred onto the plywood subroadbed. […]

Read More…

Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Handlaying track – Part 1

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Renowned MR contributing editor Tony Koester helps take your modeling skills to the next level by walking you through the process of handlaying a turnout on MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout. In part one of multiple videos, Tony first discusses turnout terminology […]

Read More…

Red Oak Series: Weathering freight cars

Fingers hold a small scale model boxcar.

Now that scenes on Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout are nearly compete, MR associate editor Eric White turns his attention to enhancing the rolling stock with realistic weathering effects. In this video, Eric shares his techniques for applying weathering powders on both dark and light-colored freight cars. […]

Read More…

Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Attaching subroadbed

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Every layout, including MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound Railway, needs a foundation or “subroadbed” for attaching trackwork. In this video, David Popp shows how to install plywood subroadbed over L-girder benchwork. Along the way, he pauses to share helpful tips for making minor […]

Read More…

Computer desktop wallpaper from the July 2015 Model Railroader

Julywallpaperthumbnail

Click on the links to download the desktop wallpaper in your preferred screen size. The July issue of Model Railroader magazine features this standout trackside photo of Kenny Ravenscroft’s HO scale Pilar Valley Ry. This month you can download this image to use as a background on your computer screen. Click on your preferred image […]

Read More…

Red Oak Series: Paving roads

Steve Otte pointing to a paved roadway.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Model Railroader magazine’s Steve Otte shows how to add a realistic paved roadway to any model railroad, including Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout. The secret behind Steve’s success is the Woodland Scenics Smooth-It road system, but […]

Read More…

Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Adding joists, risers, and subroadbed

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page L-girder benchwork construction moves forward on the HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound project layout. MRVP’s David Popp works on adding everything that goes above the L-girder members, including joists, risers, and subroadbed components! […]

Read More…

Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Adding legs, wheels, and braces

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Construction of the L-girder benchwork for MRVP’s HO scale layout, the Winston-Salem Southbound Railway, continues as David Popp attaches legs and structural bracing. He also shows how to add casters to the legs, which makes it much easier to move the layout around […]

Read More…