Ron Hoess’ Eastbound Chestnut Hill & Stifftown Branch PRR

Scene of model train layout

This HO scale layout (13′ x 18′) is a point-to-point switching layout that depicts the Stifftown Branch and the first portion of the Chestnut Hill Branch of the PRR. The setting is North Philadelphia circa 1958. Since this is a prototype layout, all of the structures are scratchbuilt to better match the prototype. Key signature […]

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How to build a stow-away model railroad test track

modelrailroadtesttrack

Tom Knapp’s workshop now sports this N scale standard and narrow gauge model railroad test track that folds up. With the safety bolt retracted, Tom can lift the table out of its hangers and tip it up against the door. The test track folds flat against the door, where it’s held by a magnetic latch […]

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Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Part 24

The Olympia layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page You’ve been asking for a updated operating plan for the new and improved Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout. In this installment, David not only delivers a scheme, but he also runs a few trains to demonstrate how it all comes together. As a […]

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Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Part 24

The Olympia layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page You’ve been asking for a updated operating plan for the new and improved Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout. In this installment, David not only delivers a scheme, but he also runs a few trains to demonstrate how it all comes together. As a […]

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Lionel Trains a look at 1954: Lionel’s finest year; the second of three parts

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Absolutely stunning is the best way to describe Lionel’s classic no. 1520W Texas Special passenger set from 1954. [Missed Part 1? Click here to read the first installment] Middle of the O-27 line First in the catalog, with a designated listing of $39.95, came the no. 1503WS. Familiar? Yes, because Lionel had shown that outfit […]

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How-to Library: Arduinos in Model Railroading – Part 3 Use servos to save your trains

Gerry Leone holing up a servo

In part 3 of this MRVP mini-series, Gerry Leone resumes his helpful instructions for working with an Arduino. This time Gerry shows how he harnessed their usefulness to solve a problem on his HO scale layout. Turns out the tiny devices really are powerful enough to stop a train in its tracks…or from flying off […]

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How-to Library: Arduinos in Model Railroading – Part 3 Use servos to save your trains

Gerry Leone holing up a servo

In part 3 of this MRVP mini-series, Gerry Leone resumes his helpful instructions for working with an Arduino. This time Gerry shows how he harnessed their usefulness to solve a problem on his HO scale layout. Turns out the tiny devices really are powerful enough to stop a train in its tracks…or from flying off […]

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How-to Library: C&NW Suburban Service, Part 4

Cody painting the interior of a Chicago & North Western HO scale commuter car.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   In this episode, Cody works to paint the interior of a Chicago & North Western HO scale commuter car. From there, he shows how to add seated figures before reassembling the car. […]

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What’s in a photograph?: Mountain-type F3s on the Union Pacific

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Jerry A. Pinkepank 1 “Mountain Type” F3A. Briefly in 1947, EMD referred to its steam-generator-equipped, passenger-geared F3s as “The Mountain Type.” These units were intended for use on passenger trains that traversed grades for which E7s were not suitable. In September 1947 Union Pacific got eight F3 A-B-B sets, plus three extra A units, all […]

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