HO scale AHM helium car decals

HOscaleAHMHeliumcarsdecals

AHM helium tank car The unusual-looking helium tank car might seem like a fantasy model to some, but it’s based on a real prototype. General American, American Car & Foundry, and Magor built about 200 ­helium cars from 1930 to 1962. The early cars were lettered for the U.S. Navy (with USNX reporting marks), then […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 10 – painting trackwork

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Adding weathering effects to the trackwork of MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout can be just as beneficial as adding them to locomotives, rolling stock and structures. In this video, Cody Grivno walks through the steps for giving the rails and ties a […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 9 – laying track

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page All the prep work is done, so now David can get down to the task of installing flexible On30 track and turnouts on MRVP’s Olympia Logging Co. layout. David demonstrates all of the essential tracklaying steps, including how to cut and trim the […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 8 – installing cork roadbed

David Popp laying cork roadbed.

Installing cork roadbed is the first step to laying reliable trackwork on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout. In this video, David shows you basic techniques for preparing, cutting, fitting, and securing the HO scale roadbed along the main line, sidings, and on the sector plate. Plus, David also demonstrates how one specific product […]

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Adding DCC power districts to a model train layout

ToomanysoundequippedlocomotivesinoneplacelikethoseshownhereontheMRTcanspelltroubleforaDCClayoutPaulDolkostakesyouthroughthestepsheusedtosetuppowerdistrictsonhisHOmodelrailroad

Too many sound-equipped locomotives in one place, like those shown here on the MR&T, can spell trouble for a DCC layout. Paul Dolkos takes you through the steps he used to set up power districts on his HO model railroad. Imagine you’ve just begun running trains on a layout equipped for Digital Command Control (DCC) […]

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How to wire a layout for two-train operation

The initial goal of a new model railroader flush with locomotives, track, and rolling stock is to operate two trains on his layout at the same time, each with independent speed and direction control. This milepost can be reached with cab-control wiring. With two direct- current power packs, single-pole double-throw toggle switches, and hardware-store wire, […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 7 – modifying a turnout

David Popp sitting at workbench in the Model Railroader workshop

Before the trackwork can be added to MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout, David Popp first makes a few modifications to the turnouts. In this video, he guides you through trimming the ties, preparing the connection points, soldering new wires, cutting the rails, and testing the modifications – steps that are intended to make […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 6 – building a sector plate

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The sector plate used to transfer trains from one track to another is just one of the many intriguing features included on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout. David Popp walks you through sector plate and base assembly, installation, and alignment steps, […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 5 – installing subroadbed

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Now that the framework and backdrop are in place on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout, work can continue on installing the plywood surface used to support track and scenery. In this video, David takes you through the cutting, fitting, and assembling steps, […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 4 – installing the curved backdrop

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page As part of the shadow box construction on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout, David Popp shows how to add a curved styrene backdrop. In this video, David demonstrates how he cuts and installs support components, makes cutouts in the styrene sheet, and […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 2 – assembling the lower benchwork

Hands holding triangular "square" in a wood working project. Text on screen: "Speed square. These can be found at most home centers."

Construction on MRVP’s On30 display-style logging layout gets off to a fast start! MRVP’s David Popp introduces the sketched plans for the trackwork and diorama frame, before addressing the construction steps used to make the lower frame and leg assemblies. Also be sure to download the PDF of the Olympia benchwork specifications so you can […]

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