The Roundhouse: Episode 16

Hal Miller, Drew Halverson, and Steve Sweeney

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Host Hal Miller welcomes star of Drew’s Trackside Adventures, Drew Halverson and Trains associate editor, Mr. Steve Sweeney on The Roundhouse set to talk modern railroading, including discussions about current motive power offerings, the state of passenger/commuter service, favorite North American railfan locations, […]

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Cody’s Workshop: Episode 12 – adding etched brass steps

Cody Grivno sitting at his workbench

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode of Cody’s Workshop, host Cody Grivno shows how to install etched-brass steps on a diesel locomotive. He also shares how to use tools specifically designed for bending thin metal parts to shape. Finally, Cody’s Express Mail segment reveals answers and […]

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Rice Harbor Series: build a swing-up staging section

David Popp with his hinged layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   In addition to boasting a unique sectional design, MR’s 5×9-foot Rice Harbor HO scale layout also features a swing-up staging section topped with a car float. David Popp shares how he assembled and then installed this hinged section to the layout. […]

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Rice Harbor Series: Installing benchwork alignment pins

David Popp holding pins.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Are you building a sectional or modular layout that requires precise alignment of adjoining sections? If so, then you’ll want to see how David installed benchwork alignment dowels, also called pattern maker pins, on MR’s HO scale Rice Harbor. These steel dowels […]

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History According to Hediger: Visiting Union Pacific’s Los Angeles subdivision

Yellow diesel switcher in yard

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In co-operation with the railroad, MR’s Senior Editor Jim Hediger once took a trip to research Union Pacific’s Los Angeles subdivision. Upon Jim’s arrival in California, his host made a rather embarrassing discovery about the railroad operations for the day. Hear how Jim […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 1 – display-style design

Olympia Logging Series: Part 1 - display-style design

Before starting construction, MRVP’s Kent Johnson introduces the concept of an all-new On30 display-style layout. Kent touches on On30 equipment, track, and a shadow box design he, David Popp, and other MR staff modelers will use to showcase a freelance logging operation set in the Pacific Northwest mountains. […]

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Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 5

Hal Miller next to a layout

Follow Hal Miller as he shows you the progress on the latest Model Railroader staff project layout. Much of the trackwork is complete. Work is also underway on the compact engine terminal, including a motorized, Digital Command Control turntable from Walthers that Hal has installed. Jim Hediger is also at work on a prominent structure […]

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History According to Hediger: Al Kalmbach’s Gulch Route Passenger Cars

Man with railroad car models

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode, MR Senior Editor Jim Hediger shares insights related to two custom-built O scale passenger cars owned by Model Railroader magazine founder Al Kalmbach in the early days of the hobby. In the course of examining the amazing craftsmanship, Jim also […]

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Thin Branch Series: Build a river part 4 – waves and rapids

David adding waves to poured resin water.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   David concludes the river making tasks on the HO scale Thin Branch layout by adding waves and rapids to the poured resin water. A commercial water effects product, white acrylic paint, and a paint brush makes it quite simple to turn still […]

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