Finishing Scenery | Back on Track, Episode 24

Man standing in front of a model train layout.

In this episode, Gerry finishes up scenery work and gives a tour of final touches he’s making to his railroad.   Getting to know Gerry Leone Back on Track host Gerry Leone is just as clever as he is comedic! But even better, he’s a masterful model railroader who’s knowledgeable in numerous areas of the […]

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HO scale number 6 turnouts

Group photo of HO scale No. 6 turnouts

HO scale number 6 turnouts HO scale number 6 turnouts. Running trains in a circle or oval may hold your attention for a little bit, but eventually you’ll want your trains to go somewhere beyond that basic loop. That’s where turnouts enter the scene. Turnouts let you split one line into two, design yards, model […]

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How to build a train table

How to build a train table butt jointed and L girder diagram

Giving your trains a permanent home starts with building a train table. Here are two popular construction types: butt-jointed and L-girder. We’ll show you how to build a simple 4 x 8-foot train table using both techniques. Modelers have been using these method since the early years of the hobby. In fact, the information and […]

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A small toy train Christmas layout for under the tree

Christmas tree with train layout underneath it

For the past several years I’ve enjoyed building a small toy train Christmas layout for the holiday season. I challenge myself to develop a new track plan every year. By using O-27 tubular track, I’ve been able to come up with a variety of interesting track plans that fit nicely under my Christmas tree. This […]

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Rerouting track | Back on Track, Episode 23

In this episode, Host Gerry Leone acknowledges two areas on his layout where he needs to rethink the track arrangements. He discusses possible solutions and then shows how he rerouted the track on the lower and upper decks to fit his vision. Getting to know Gerry Leone Back on Track host Gerry Leone is just […]

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Rerouting track | Back on Track, Episode 23

In this episode, Host Gerry Leone acknowledges two areas on his layout where he needs to rethink the track arrangements. He discusses possible solutions and then shows how he rerouted the track on the lower and upper decks to fit his vision. Getting to know Gerry Leone Back on Track host Gerry Leone is just […]

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Building Model Railroader’s HO scale Virginian Ry. part 6

David Popp next to unfinished layout

With the HO scale Virginian Ry. benchwork in the Model Railroader workshop, managing editor David Popp begins laying down track and cork roadbed. He describes some of the changes that he had to make to the track arrangement for this model train layout. You’ll also learn how David saved space on the Virginian by using […]

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Building Model Railroader’s HO scale Virginian Ry. part 6

David Popp next to unfinished layout

With the HO scale Virginian Ry. benchwork in the Model Railroader workshop, managing editor David Popp begins laying down track and cork roadbed. He describes some of the changes that he had to make to the track arrangement for this model train layout. You’ll also learn how David saved space on the Virginian by using […]

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MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 23 — Planning ahead

David Popp at his workbench

David has his hands full with projects cooking on his workbench and the Sand Creek On30 layout extension, referenced in MRVP’s special issue Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide 2020 (KalmbachHobbyStore.com). Follow along as he gets down to the details on his sand loader structure and the new track configuration. […]

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The HO scale Eastern Loggers exhibition layout

Drawing of a logging railroad trackplan

Facts & features Name: The Eastern Loggers Scale: HO (1:87) in standard, narrow (3-foot), and dual gauges Size: 10 x 20 feet Prototypes: Pennsylvania logging railroads Locale: mountains of Pennsylvania Era: summer, early 1920s Style: sectional Mainline run: 60 feet Minimum radius: 18″ Minimum turnout: no. 4 Maximum grade: 6 percent Benchwork: open grid Height: […]

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Where to find railroad maps online

A portion of a hand-drawn map from 1910 showing buildings, streets, and railroad lines

Model railroaders have long relied on historic maps for information about track arrangements, trackside industries, and building footprints. With the continual growth of the internet, finding these railroad maps online is becoming easier all the time. Here are some helpful sources for finding both current and historic railroad maps online. Sanborn Fire Insurance maps Sanborn […]

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Kirk Reddie’s N scale Chicago, Milwaukee & Puget Sound layout

Kirk Reddie's N scale Chicago, Milwaukee & Puget Sound layout.

Facts & features Name: Chicago, Milwaukee & Puget Sound Scale: N (1:160) Size: 48 x 96 feet Prototypes: Great Northern; Milwaukee Road; Northern Pacific; Pacific Coast RR; Spokane, Portland & Seattle; Tacoma Belt Line; and Union Pacific Locale: Pacific Northwest Era: circa 1950 Style: multi-deck walkaround Mainline run: approx. 1, 250 feet Minimum radius: 12 […]

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