Athearn N scale class Z-8 Challenger 4-6-6-4

MRRNP0918_41a

Athearn N scale class Z-8 Challenger 4-6-6-4 Even in N scale the class Z-8 4-6-6-4 is an imposing steam locomotive. Like the Athearn Genesis HO Z-8 that I reviewed in the August 2017 Model Railroader, the accurately detailed N scale model is available with a factory installed SoundTraxx Tsunami dual-mode decoder. The model delivered smooth […]

Read More…

Quick Look: Bachmann N scale tight-bottom ore gondola

MRRPR1118_09

Bachmann N scale tight-bottom ore gondola Price: $33 Manufacturer Bachmann Industries 1400 E. Erie Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19124 www.bachmanntrains.com Era: 1960s to 1990s Road names: Union Pacific; Pennsylvania (black or Tuscan Red) Canadian Pacific; Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range; Norfolk & Western Comments: An ore car that’s been offered in HO scale for decades is […]

Read More…

DCC Programming: Epsiode 20 Steam Locomotive Drift

Title screen for DCC Programming, Episode 20: Steam Locomotive Drift

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Dana Kawala, senior editor for Model Railroader magazine, is back with more digital command control (DCC) tips, techniques, and insights. In this episode, Dana examines a realistic steam locomotive sound effect that’s barely audible! On the MR&T HO scale layout, Dana shows how to […]

Read More…

DCC Programming: Epsiode 20 Steam Locomotive Drift

Title screen for DCC Programming, Episode 20: Steam Locomotive Drift

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Dana Kawala, senior editor for Model Railroader magazine, is back with more digital command control (DCC) tips, techniques, and insights. In this episode, Dana examines a realistic steam locomotive sound effect that’s barely audible! On the MR&T HO scale layout, Dana shows how to […]

Read More…

How-to Library: Airbrushing with Aaron, Episode 10, Applying Decals

Aaron Skinner in an airbrushing studio.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Host Aaron Skinner is back to show you an important finishing technique that doesn’t have a thing to do with airbrushing! Watch this video to learn how you can flawlessly apply water-slide decals — even on a model with irregular surfaces! […]

Read More…

How-to Library: Airbrushing with Aaron, Episode 10, Applying Decals

Aaron Skinner in an airbrushing studio.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Host Aaron Skinner is back to show you an important finishing technique that doesn’t have a thing to do with airbrushing! Watch this video to learn how you can flawlessly apply water-slide decals — even on a model with irregular surfaces! […]

Read More…

How to build floating shelf benchwork for a model railroad

Mindheimfloatingmodelrailroadbenchwork_01

Without any legs, brackets, or other visible means of support, floating benchwork keeps all attention focused on the model railroad. Follow along as author Lance Mindheim shows how to build these lightweight, yet sturdy shelves. Lance designed his benchwork for a 16″ shelf width. Use as many benchwork segments (shown above) as needed to match […]

Read More…

Canadian Canyons Series: Modeling a Burnt Forest

David Popp next to layout scenery

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp and Drew Halverson work to add a signature forest fire scene to the Thompson River Canyon on our Canadian Canyons N scale layout. Even without incorporating animated fire or smoke effects, the guys show how use of subtle color and scenery […]

Read More…

Canadian Canyons Series: Modeling a Burnt Forest

David Popp next to layout scenery

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp and Drew Halverson work to add a signature forest fire scene to the Thompson River Canyon on our Canadian Canyons N scale layout. Even without incorporating animated fire or smoke effects, the guys show how use of subtle color and scenery […]

Read More…

Canadian Canyons Series: Coloring the Thompson Canyon rock walls

Kent Johnson next to layout scenery

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The rock walls along the Thompson River Canyon are characterized by rugged, eroding formations that appear in a multitude of colors. In this video, Kent shares his techniques for adding realistic color to the wall of our Canadian Canyons N scale layout using […]

Read More…