HO scale Utah Belt (2018)

HOscaleUtahBelt2018

Name: Utah Belt (2018) Layout owner: Eric Brooman Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 22′-8″ x 39′-6″ Prototype: freelanced Locale: northern New Mexico Era: the present Style: linear walkaround Mainline run: 173 feet Minimum radius: 39″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 1.5 percent Benchwork: L girder Height: 46″ to 58-1/2″ Roadbed: cork on 3/8″ plywood, with […]

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HO scale Quisling, CA

Name: Quisling, CA Layout owner: Brian Moore Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 21 inches x 24 feet Prototype: proto-freelanced Southern Pacific Locale: Central/Northern California Era: circa 1982 Style: modular Mainline run: 24 feet Minimum radius: 42″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: none Benchwork: extruded-foam insulation board sheets, wrapped in plywood Height: 45″ Roadbed: none Track: […]

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Computer desktop wallpaper from the December 2018 Model Railroader

ModelRailroaderDecember2018thumb

Click on the links at left to download the image sized appropriately for your computer screen. A General Electric ES44AC leads an eastbound coal train in Furnace Creek Canyon on Eric Brooman’s HO scale Utah Belt. Modern motive power is one of the many recent developments of the ever-evolving UB. This month you can use […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Wiring the Upper Level

Canadian Canyons Series: Wiring the Upper Level

In this layout wiring walk-through, MRVP’s Ben Lake shares his approach to completing the wiring for the trackwork, block detection system, and planned signal installations. Ben’s technical explanations will help prepare you for the next bold step into MRVP Tech — computer control! […]

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How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 1 Research

Designing a layout.

In an all-new MRVP mini-series, David Popp takes you through the steps for turning an interesting layout concept into a specific plan. In Part 1, David gets things started by revisiting memories of his favorite midwestern fallen flag. He then shows how recollections, historic photos, and research can be used to narrow the focus of […]

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How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 3 Deciphering the Maps

David Popp looking at maps.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The series continues as David Popp takes a closer look at historic (Sanborn) maps to consider where and how to incorporate specific railroad trackwork, engineering, structures, industries, and more into his designs for a new layout. […]

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How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 3 Deciphering the Maps

David Popp looking at maps.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The series continues as David Popp takes a closer look at historic (Sanborn) maps to consider where and how to incorporate specific railroad trackwork, engineering, structures, industries, and more into his designs for a new layout. […]

Read More…

How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 2 Aerial Photos and Maps

David looking at arial photos and maps.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In Part 2, David turns to his computer to explore how aerial photos and maps can help modelers compose a detailed overview of a region, town, or even a specific railroad site. Follow along as he walks you through the process of examining […]

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How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 2 Aerial Photos and Maps

David looking at arial photos and maps.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In Part 2, David turns to his computer to explore how aerial photos and maps can help modelers compose a detailed overview of a region, town, or even a specific railroad site. Follow along as he walks you through the process of examining […]

Read More…

How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 1 Research

Designing a layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In an all-new MRVP mini-series, David Popp takes you through the steps for turning an interesting layout concept into a specific plan. In Part 1, David gets things started by revisiting memories of his favorite midwestern fallen flag. He then shows how recollections, […]

Read More…