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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Off The Rails: Episode 31

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 31

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode of OTR, Gerry shares his tips and tricks for modeling the lineside poles that make a main line look authentic. After sorting through the many options for poles, Gerry shows how to give them realistic texture, color, and details, including […]

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Charlie’s Trackside Postcards: A Day at the Office

View of a derailment from an office building.

Just another day at his downtown Seattle office for Charlie Conway – until he discovered that a cut of empty hoppers had derailed on the busy BNSF main line routing in front of the building! Chas grabbed his camera and captured the Hulcher Services crew working to get trains rolling again. […]

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Drew’s Trackside Adventures: Episode 40 Union Pacific Sunset Route

Drew Halverson and his crew continue making the most of their trek into the Arizona desert. This time the guys scope out sites along Union Pacific’s transcontinental main line until the sweltering heat becomes unbearable. But even then, the intense action continues at the border town of Nogales, Arizona, in downtown Tucson, Ariz., and along […]

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Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Part 20

Company houses on a model pond

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page It’s back to the blog for David! But not before he cleans up his workbench to make room to work on the company houses he’s installing along the pond. In this episode of the Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout expansion series, David shares […]

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Video: Inside the December 2018 Model Railroader

Inside the December 2018 Model Railroader

It’s always the present-day on Eric Brooman’s HO scale Utah Belt. See the latest updates to this proto-freelanced masterpiece in the December issue of Model Railroader magazine. You’ll also learn about a modular model railroad club in the United Kingdom that models the Southern Pacific, get plans for a small-town depot, and much more. See […]

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