Choosing rail for the garden railroad

Garden Railways

Rail comes in many different sizes and materials. Here’s a little background information to help you chose the one that’s right for you. Rail sizes The size of model-train rail in any scale is referred to by “code.” For instance, in large-scale railroading we commonly use code-332, code-250, or code-215 rail, although code 197 is […]

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Basics of gauge-1 switches, part 2

Marc Horovitz Marc Horovitz Marc Horovitz Marc Horovitz Marc Horovitz Keeping dirt and debris out of the moving points is imperative to proper operation. The author uses a stiff brush to keep things moving freely through an operating session. Kevin Strong The frog and guardrail flangeways—like the points—need to be kept clear. These areas aren’t […]

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Video: Remembering the N scale Clinchfield RR

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The Clinchfield RR was a staff-built N scale layout featured in the November 1978 through June 1979 issues of Model Railroader. In this video Model Railroader staff member Dana Kawala interviews senior editor Jim Hediger about his experiences researching, building, and operating this […]

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Modeler’s spotlight for June 4, 2009 — Inside Cody’s office

Modeler's spotlight for June 4, 2009 -- Inside Cody's office

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Associate Editor Cody Grivno is on vacation, so other members of the Model Railroader staff help out in this week’s Cody’s office episode. Associate Editor Steve Otte will show you some new model train products. Many layouts use skirting under the fascia to […]

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Modeler’s spotlight video for April 23, 2009 — Inside Cody’s office

Modeler's spotlight video for April 23, 2009 -- Inside Cody's office

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Learn all about how to clean your airbrush in part 3 of Model Railroader Associate Editor Cody Grivno’s how to airbrush series. Cody will also show you some of the latest model train products and will share a bit of history on some […]

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