Desktop wallpaper from the May 2015 Model Railroader

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Bob Johnson’s model train layout is set along the Union Pacific branch line from Pocatello, Idaho, to Butte, Mont., in 1954. You can read about the HO scale Union Pacific Butte Line in the May 2015 Model Railroader. This month you can use this image of Bob’s model railroad as a background on your computer […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Build an L-girder frame

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The legendary model railroader Linn Westcott pioneered L-girder benchwork in the 1960s. But even today, it remains the most versatile layout framing system around! In this first of several instructional videos, MRVP’s David Popp shows you how to start assembling the key L-girder […]

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Building the 3 x 7 Red Oak N scale model railroad part 6

Scene of Red Oak project railroad

The N scale Red Oak model train layout features a backdrop that runs down its center. Learn how the Model Railroader staff uses model trees and other scenery to conceal openings in the backdrop. Model Railroader editor Neil Besougloff and associate editor Steve Otte will also show you how to use scenery along the backdrop […]

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Building the 3 x 7 Red Oak N scale model railroad part 7

Steve Otte next to Red Oak project layout

Editor Neil Besougloff and associate editor Cody Grivno go over some of the finishing touches that the Model Railroader staff applied to the N scale Red Oak model train layout. While Cody is busy airbrushing track ballast, Neil points out some of the scenery and structure details added to the model railroad. You’ll also see […]

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Building the 3 x 7 Red Oak N scale model railroad part 5

Neil Besougloff next to Red Oak project layout

Model Railroader editor Neil Besougloff continues work on the Red Oak layout’s Iowa scenery. He’ll also show you some of the structures that have been completed and are awaiting installation on the layout. Speaking of structures, associate editor Eric White is busy building a signal tower for the N scale model railroad. Associate editor Steve […]

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5+ multi-deck layout design and construction tips

HO scale Yosemite Valley RR

Builder Jack Burgess uses two layout decks on his HO scale Yosemite Valley RR to yield a long main line. Author Tony Koester discusses the key points he, Jack, and other successful builders considered before they began constructing double-deck layouts. Jack Burgess photo Why would anyone want, let alone need, a model railroad with more […]

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Red Oak Series: Applying static grass

David Popp holding static grass.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   In this video, David Popp demonstrates the steps for adding static grass that will help make your scenery texture appear more authentic – even in small spaces like those found on Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak project layout. […]

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Refurbishing a railway in the redwoods

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1. The Sierras. From Little Truckee River’s sawmill, trains pass several towns all the way to Lake Tahoe’s mines in the distance. Thirty years ago, Don and Sue Watters planted more redwoods in their already woodsy backyard to remind them of their favorite recreational area. The effect is quite dwarfing for viewers, who can picture […]

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Red Oak Series: Installing fascia

David Popp next to a half built layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   One the quickest ways to give even a small layout a more finished appearance is to add a protective fascia around its perimeter. That’s exactly what David Popp did for Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout. In […]

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Red Oak Series: Adding ballast

Red Oak Series Adding ballast

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Just a little bit of a ballast goes a long way toward making Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout look more realistic. In this video, David Popp walks you through the steps you’ll need to prepare the trackwork, […]

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Red Oak Series: DCC system installation

David Popp standing at a work table

While a complete Digital Command Control (DCC) system installation might not initially sound like a simple process, MRVP’s David Popp sure makes it seem that way in this how-to video. In his demonstration, David paces you through the steps he used to add a Digitrax Super Empire Builder Xtra system to Model Railroader magazine’s 3 […]

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