Ask MRVP: Episode 7

Man wearing a Hawaiian-style shirt facing camera before a model train layout.

In this episode of Ask MRVP, many of the questioned focused on the various project layouts that have come your way in the pages MR and on MR Video Plus. Of course, David and Cody answer other inquiries regarding modeling techniques. Plus, a new guest sheds some light on what’s happening in David’s basement. But […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Installing a hardboard backdrop, Part 3 – Layout lighting

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page This episode of the ongoing backdrop installation series highlights (pun intended) how David added an inexpensive track lighting fixture along the top edge of the hardboard. David wasn’t entirely pleased with the resulting bright lights at eye level, so you’ll get to see […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Installing a hardboard backdrop – Part 2

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In part 2 of MRVP’s Winston-Salem backdrop installation series, David Popp demonstrates the techniques used for patching the seams where two hardboard sections abut. He covers everything from preparing the working surface to sanding the joint compound smooth — all of the steps […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Installing a hardboard backdrop – Part 1

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page MRVP’s David Popp launches into another informative multi-part series. This time he shows why and how to install, finish, paint, and even light a hardboard backdrop along the back of our Winston-Salem HO scale project layout. Part 1 covers the initial assembly process. […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Kitbashing industrial structures – Part 4

For the final installment of this kitbashing mini-series, David shows you how to give industrial structures a gritty, weathered appearance. David keeps things simple by using little more than an array of modeling paints applied with a brush and a wash (diluted stain). He even shares tips for adding a weather-beaten sign to the brick […]

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Rehab My Railroad: Episode 9

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page A brand-new season of Rehab My Railroad is finally here! This time host Drew Halverson and layout owner Chuck Sable get involved in the renovation work MRVP talents David Popp and Cody Grivno begin last year on Chuck’s HO scale model railroad. Of […]

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MRVP Video Vault – Layout Tour: Allen McClelland’s HO Virginian & Ohio

Allen McClelland's HO Virginian & Ohio

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Trace the origins of the famous Virginian & Ohio that highlighted the pages of Model Railroader magazine throughout the 1980s. Host Allen Keller interviews the man behind the layout that was as much of a real railroad as a model can be! […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Kitbashing industrial structures – Part 3

In this episode, David begins painting the small industrial structure for MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout. He provides tips and techniques for using an airbrush to paint the base color, before masking off the walls to paint the windows, doors, and roof. Follow along to see how he ends up with a neat and […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 6

Man wearing Hawaiian-style shirt sitting near models or trinkets from science fiction TV shows.

We turned the place upside down looking for answers to subscriber’s inquiries in this episode of Ask MRVP! This round, host David Popp answers questions about hopper cars, layout wiring, additional turnout troubles, and much more. There’s even an inquiry about his fabulous wardrobe! Tune in and check it out! […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Swing-out section – Part 2

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp continues working on a swing-out extension for MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout. In this second and final installment of the construction process, he shares how to attach and support the section before adding the track and finishing touches. […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Working with static-grass mats

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Construction on MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout has come to a point where the scenery can start to take shape. In this installment, David shares a variety of techniques for applying ground covering, this time in the form of various grass mats […]

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Modeler’s Spotlight Video — Inside Cody’s Office for August 2015

Inside Cody's Office for August 2015

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode associate editor Cody Grivno will show you the RIP track on the Model Railroader staff’s club layout, the HO scale Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. He’ll also give you some tips for fixing up your freight car models, including adding coupler […]

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