Model Railroad Planning 2022

Model Railroad Planning 2022 cover

PLUS   Modeling a Mountain State coal hauler C&O and NYC’s jointly owned Nicholas, Fayette & Greenbrier From demolition to discovery Modeling an unknown part of a known ­prototype The “accidental” mushroom layout The rewards were well worth the extra effort Virginia & Truckee in the transition era A proto-freelanced HO track plan A compact […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Modeling rock walls, Episode 16

Using drybrushing techniques to add color to rubber rock castings

David is ready to work on the largest industry on our State Line Route project railroad – the rock quarry! He demonstrates how to use rubber rock castings to make the quarry walls. Then he shows to add realistic color to them using craft paints and drybrushing techniques. […]

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Union Pacific N Scale and HO Scale inspiration gallery

Yellow Union Pacific locomotives lead an intermodal train over a double-track bridge.

Union Pacific N Scale and HO Scale inspiration gallery Union Pacific N Scale and HO Scale layouts offer model railroaders the option to create wide-open plains, vast rail yards, and craggy mountain canyons. Sometimes, these features appear on the same layouts.   This photo gallery blends top images from Daryl Kruse‘s N Scale Geneva (Illinois) […]

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Rapido Trains announces N scale FreightCar America AutoFlood III coal hopper

Group image of paint schemes offered on Rapido Trains’ N scale Freightcar America AutoFlood III five-bay coal hopper

Rapido Trains announced that a FreightCar America AutoFlood III five-bay hopper is the next release in the company’s growing N scale lineup. The modern-era coal hauler is scheduled for release in 2022. The ready-to-run car will feature a die-cast metal frame and floor; full interior rivet and K-member details; Barber S-2 100-ton trucks with metal […]

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DCC Currents: Digitrax’s Quad Switch Stationary Decoder

The Digitrax Quad Switch Stationary Decoder with a ribbon cable

I’ve wired a number of control panels for clubs. Control panels stick out into aisles and therefore need to be rugged. Control panels also take a good amount of time to wire. If you make a change in your track, modifying the panel to reflect the change can be difficult. I’ve always liked being able […]

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MR&T State Line N scale layout

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: MR&T State Line Scale: N (160:1) Size: 4 x 12 feet Prototype: Freelanced; Milwaukee, Racine & Troy Era: 1980s Style: island Mainline run: 28 feet Minimum radius: 18″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 1 percent Benchwork: plywood subroadbed on L-girder Height: 49″ Roadbed: cork Track: Micro Engineering code 55 Scenery: […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Painting a backdrop and adding horizon lines, Episode 13

David Popp talking to Rene Schweitzer while pointing to the backdrop on a model railroad

In this episode, David demonstrates how to paint a gradient blue-sky backdrop for the State Line Route N scale layout. Then he enlists Rene to help create horizon lines using sections from various SceniKing photo backdrops. Watch how the backdrop comes together using these techniques! […]

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