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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What kind of day did you have?

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Bystanders inspect a sedan deluged with coke during a derailment of an L&N train in Chattanooga. C. K. Marsh Jr. One day in 1965, a friend and I were searching for the obscure terminal of the Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia Railroad in the Alton Park section of Chattanooga. Coming up on a railroad crossing, we […]

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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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Fastest hogger on the slim-gauge

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A predecessor of this Rio Grande engineer made a daring Chama–Durango run in 1923. A. C. Kalmbach My grandfather, Marvin Rhodes, lived for almost a century, and he spent more than half of his long life working out of Durango, Colo., on the narrow-gauge lines of the Denver & Rio Grande Western. He hired out […]

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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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Demonstration of magnetic air hoses on HO scale freight cars

Model locomotive and boxcar connected by magnetic hoses

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader contributing editor Pelle Søeborg installed MagnaLock air brake lines (hoses) from North American Railcar Corp. on his HO scale freight cars. In this video you can see how the air hoses work during switching moves on Pelle’s Union Pacific Daneville Sub model train […]

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Demonstration of magnetic air hoses on HO scale freight cars

Model locomotive and boxcar connected by magnetic hoses

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader contributing editor Pelle Søeborg installed MagnaLock air brake lines (hoses) from North American Railcar Corp. on his HO scale freight cars. In this video you can see how the air hoses work during switching moves on Pelle’s Union Pacific Daneville Sub model train […]

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