Thin Branch Series: Introduction and operation of our HO scale branch line

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The Thin Branch is an HO scale addition to Model Railroader‘s Virginian project railroad. This video introduces the project and also explains how a typical operating session on the Thin Branch works. […]

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Build the HO scale Beer Line: Add lights to a layout

The darkened street of a model town layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader’s HO scale Beer Line layout was built to celebrate the magazine’s 75th anniversary. In this video, David Popp shows you how he added miniature lighting to the layout. This is a project that can be accomplished on most model railroads. […]

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Thin Branch Series: Working with cork roadbed

David Popp laying cork roadbed.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Cork is one of the common materials used when adding roadbed to a layout. In this video David Popp explains how to get the best results with cork, and he shows you how to lay one of the more difficult pieces of roadbed […]

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Thin Branch Series: How to soldering rail joints

David Popp getting ready to solder tracks.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Metal rail joiners are a poor conductor of electricity. As shown in this video, soldering the rail joints improves electrical conductivity and provides more reliable locomotive operation. […]

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Thin Branch Series: Switchmotor part 1 – installation

David holding a motor.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page To operate the turnouts on your layout by remote control requires some sort of switch machine or motor. In part 1 of this series, we show you how to install the motor mechanism onour Thin Branch layout. […]

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Thin Branch Series: Switchmotor part 2 – wiring

A close-up of model tracks.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page To operate the turnouts on your layout by remote control requires some sort of switch machine or motor. In part 2 of this video series, we install a DC power bus, connect the motors and toggle switches, and align the mechanism to work […]

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Thin Branch Series: Wiring a model railroad for DCC

David Popp showing wiring.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Wiring for your model railroad depends upon the type of control system you wish to use. When working with Digital Command Control, you’ll need a power bus and feeders. In this video we show you how we installed those items on our Thin […]

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Building the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch part 11

Jim Hediger next to layout

Model Railroader senior editor Jim Hediger built the gravel loader for the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch project. In this episode Jim describes some of the kitbashing techniques he used as well as how he fit the structure into the scenery and over the model railroad track. You’ll also hear from associate editor Steve […]

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