Trains Presents: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Visit Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad with Editor Jim Wrinn. The train operates on a former Baltimore & Ohio line through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park south of Cleveland. You’ll see visiting Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 No. 765, tour cars from the famed California Zephyr, and much more! […]

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The Golden Spike National Historic Site

Sign marking where 10 miles of track where laid in one day with desert scrub land and mountains as background.

Tour the Golden Spike National Historic Site in Utah with Trains! You’ll see replica locomotives Union Pacific No. 119 and Central Pacific Jupiter along with the many reenactors that bring history to life. Be sure to check out Trains‘ special issue Journey to Promontory, available January 2019, and the companion DVD, available now! […]

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Video 101: Scouting locations

Location scouting is a vital part of filmmaking. A movie-production company sends an advance team to review scenery, camera angles, lighting, weather, and more. We are one-person studios but we need to include location scouting, too, including scouting the rolling stock, the trains and their stories, structures, and environment; time and lighting conditions; camera locations; […]

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How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 1 Research

Designing a layout.

In an all-new MRVP mini-series, David Popp takes you through the steps for turning an interesting layout concept into a specific plan. In Part 1, David gets things started by revisiting memories of his favorite midwestern fallen flag. He then shows how recollections, historic photos, and research can be used to narrow the focus of […]

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How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 3 Deciphering the Maps

David Popp looking at maps.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The series continues as David Popp takes a closer look at historic (Sanborn) maps to consider where and how to incorporate specific railroad trackwork, engineering, structures, industries, and more into his designs for a new layout. […]

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How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 2 Aerial Photos and Maps

David looking at arial photos and maps.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In Part 2, David turns to his computer to explore how aerial photos and maps can help modelers compose a detailed overview of a region, town, or even a specific railroad site. Follow along as he walks you through the process of examining […]

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How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 1 Research

Designing a layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In an all-new MRVP mini-series, David Popp takes you through the steps for turning an interesting layout concept into a specific plan. In Part 1, David gets things started by revisiting memories of his favorite midwestern fallen flag. He then shows how recollections, […]

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Modeler’s Spotlight Video — Inside Codys Office for October 2018

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page New locomotives, freight cars, books, and a UFO highlight this month’s episode of Cody’s Office. In addition to new model railroading products, Model Railroader staff member Cody Grivno will show you how use common kitchen sifters to screen sand and create different sized […]

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Cody’s Workshop: Episode 31: Downright Dirty Locomotive

Cody Grivno’s Workshop Part 31

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Cody continues adding realistic weathering effects to a modern N scale locomotive – all without using an airbrush! Follow along as he shares tips and techniques for working with powders (see the December 2017 issue of Model Railroader magazine) to weather the unit from […]

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