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What's on your workbench? April 2026

Started by Eric Hansmann in General discussion Workbench: Last month many of you brought your workbench and layout projects to the table with 200+ posts on the thread. Thank you for sharing! We begin anew for April and I am looking forward to seeing more of...
General discussion Workbench 60 4 1,798 1775754252
Not again...TCS WOW101-Steam no sounds

Started by GT Mills in Track and electrical/DCC: This is the one of the things I really, really dislike about DCC: Sound side of the decoder drops off the face of the Earth. This is a TCS WOW101-Steam decoder. In the past when...
Track and electrical/DCC 7 2 277 1775753710
Railbox boxcars

Started by dingy in Locos and rolling stock: Did Railbox have turquoise-colored boxcars at one time? I know they had yellow ones ( I have four) but I seem to vaguely remember seeing turquoise-colord boxcars when...
Locos and rolling stock 99 3 5,949 1775753375
In search of depot kit or plans

Started by Reg Hearn in General discussion: Does anyone have, or know of, plans for a depot similar to the Orbisonia depot on the East Broad Top? I know that B.T.S. has an excellent kit for that specific depot, and Bill produces high...
General discussion 14 2 225 1775752961
Rocky Mountain Train Show

Started by DaleMierzwik in General discussion: I was curious if anyone was planning on attending the Rocky Mountain Train Show in Denver this weekend?. I plan on heading down on Saturday morning. It’s about an hour drive for me from Northern...
General discussion 7 1 173 1775751496
Industries in Augusta, Maine

Started by Ben in Prototype railroading: In Augusta there is (or was) a propane dealer that had a spur off the old MEC Lower Road (422 Riverside Dr, Augusta, ME 04330). Per railroad.net, they did receive tank cars of propane at one time....
Prototype railroading 57 1 1,133 1775751043
CadRail Replacement Options

Started by Whitman500 in Dream and design: It looks like CadRail is defunct (you can no longer purchase or download the software from its site). I’ve been using the software for close to 20 years and have a quite detailed layout plan in...
Dream and design 4 1 135 1775749772
Water works

Started by Earl Gilmore in General discussion: All model railroad activity is halted for now. A water leak is dripping down on the layout. I found a leaking flange on the toilet upstairs and replaced that, but I still have a drip, so more...
General discussion 4 5 279 1775748560
Chicago Switching Layout

Started by Windswept Rails in Dream and design Switching Layout chicago street running industrial: Hi everyone, this is my first post (and a long one sorry!), but I have seen posts on here as a non-member and it's been invaluable for my research. I'm based in Scotland, so I can only use...
Dream and design Switching Layout chicago street running industrial 245 9 8,341 1775748162
Chicago and Erie Terminal Railroad

Started by dehanley in Journals/Blogs: 2 years ago my wife and I retired and moved back across country to our old home that had been a rental for approximately 20 years. Needless to say it was tired , worn out, and needed a major remodel....
Journals/Blogs 50 17 3,516 1775747505
Weekly Photo Fun - Apr 5-11, 2026

Started by JC Shall in General discussion Photos: It's another week . . . post 'em if you got 'em. We had a page full of late-hour postings in last week's post . Check them out, then come back here afterward.
General discussion Photos 23 2 912 1775744984
Show me your M.T. Arms Hotel by Woodland Scenics

Started by dcforbes in Scenery and structures: I am building a Woodland Scenics DPM kit of the M.T. Arms Hotel. I would love to see some finished hotels so I might find some inspiration in painting it. If you have one finished, would...
Scenery and structures 16 1 1,272 1775743882
SMA20 Low Cost 17 Channel DCC Decoders Ver 6.01 with Sound,Triggered Sound,Stepper,Dual Motor,LED and Servo Control

Started by Geoff Bunza in Journals/Blogs: This is the next evolution of the original $5 Mobile/Accessory/Multifunction 17 Channel Configurable DCC Decoder. This edition: 1.expands major functionality to drive a stepper motor , d ual...
Journals/Blogs 811 2 188,091 1775742704
SMA23 – A New DCC & DC Car & Loco Detector – Differential Absolute Position Detector (DAPD)

Started by Geoff Bunza in Journals/Blogs: Every so often one needs an absolute position detector, rather than a block detector. The best I’ve used employ their own light source, but older designs use Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) photocells and...
Journals/Blogs 127 1 48,747 1775741937
Broadway RSD-15 locomotive problems

Started by railandsail in Locos and rolling stock: I have a number of Broadway RSD-15's with the low long nose. I liked the looks of them. The first ones I got were 'bluelines, and subsequently then one QSI equipped one, and then 2...
Locos and rolling stock 33 1 971 1775737370
Shelf Switching Layout - N Scale SP

Started by CraigH in Journals/Blogs: In my teens and twenties I was active in HO scale Southern Pacific, had a couple of simple layouts but mostly I was into detailing, kit bashing and airbrush painting. That was...
Journals/Blogs 1 10 148 1775728462
Marshfield. A developing story

Started by Railman284 in Scenery and structures early rail: Before we visit Marshfield let us visit Miller's Slough with a view of the Mill from the slough; 📷 and the community that developed around it. 📷 Following the tracks...
Scenery and structures early rail 45 25 1,934 1775715462
Long Road to a Layout

Started by Ben in Journals/Blogs beginner: I think having a blog here will help me track progress as I prep for building a layout. The layout I'd like to build is detailed in this thread:...
Journals/Blogs beginner 208 9 6,331 1775714920
Fall Damage Repair for Brass Locomotive

Started by Whitman500 in Locos and rolling stock: I have a brass locomotive that got knocked off a shelf by a cat. The cowcatcher got badly bent n impact. Does anyone have any recommendations for a repair person? I had been in Jeff Lemke’s queue...
Locos and rolling stock 13 2 449 1775708018
The ongoing making and remaking of a branch line terminus, and stories...

Started by Deemiorgos in Journals/Blogs: This ongoing project started at the beginning of 2013. 📷 and was put on hiatus from March 2013 📷 to December 2016. ...
Journals/Blogs 426 4 61,583 1775705995
ET&WNC Stoney Creek branch

Started by p51 in Journals/Blogs: I'm modeling the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina in On30 (yes, using Bachmann locomotives). Knowing I'd never be able to do true justice to the real railroad, I 'protolanced' a fictional...
Journals/Blogs 787 12 96,504 1775705808
BRIDGE STRIPPERS

Started by blackz28 in General discussion: So , I bought another house here in Cape coral 🪸 FLA. as I was cleaning out my old house and curbing everything I threw out a double tracked test bridge with code 100 flex track on it .Here in fla...
General discussion 24 5 845 1775698229
Train Masters TV

Started by JerryRGS in TMTV general discussion: Since I am broken from spinal surgery at the moment I thought I would watch Train Masters TV on my television. Unfortunately my TV will not let me sign in on the internet page. When...
TMTV general discussion 3 2 136 1775695706
This is probably a phone setting problem

Started by Rick Beatty in MRH forum help: I recently inserted photos of a structure with animated signs in a thread. They are GIF files and work as intended when I look at the thread on my PC. When I look at the thread on my...
MRH forum help 5 2 123 1775694806
A Sad Day for Airbrushing

Started by mesimpson in General discussion Airbrushing: 📷 I was prepping to do some airbrushing on some freight cars and loaded my Gaahleri Barbatos Rex Swallowtail trigger style airbrush with black paint. I picked up the airbrush and saw a...
General discussion Airbrushing 18 5 1,043 1775686558
How many modelers here feel that a frequent "hand from the sky" should be part of normal operations of a model railroad

Started by Andy Reichert in General discussion Scenery Operations: For my own curiosity, I've decided to offer this poll to see the relative interest of "Hands Free" operating versus "Hand from the Sky" operating and running trains.
General discussion Scenery Operations 56 3 1,134 1775685221
Modeling pulpwood cars

Started by Danno164 in Locos and rolling stock: Does Athearn still put out their 40ft pulpwood cars, cant find any, anywhere...?
Locos and rolling stock 37 0 1,926 1775682964
Getting Real: Modeling military loads

Started by MRH in Magazine feedback: 📷 Buy this issue! Share this: 📷 📷 📷 📷 Please post any comments or questions you have here. ◄ Back to issue home page 📷 Want more articles like this one? Give...
Magazine feedback 12 18 416 1775682841
how do you mount your DCC command-station/booster on your layout?

Started by greg ciurpita in Track and electrical/DCC: i'm trying to figure out where to locate and how to mount a command -station. Doesn't look like it has screw holes to hand on board. looks like it and the power supply need to sit on a...
Track and electrical/DCC 47 1 1,259 1775682086
What is a good source for undec passenger cars

Started by JeffBulman in Locos and rolling stock: Where is a good source for undec passenger cars. I just picked up the BLI F units in my home road the Aberdeen Carolina and Western and I need some undec passenger cars to paint and decal as...
Locos and rolling stock 16 1 367 1775681114
is DCC jam up/delay a real thing

Started by DavidJones in Track and electrical/DCC: that people have encountered in real (model) life? Its one of the rationale for LCC proposed- basically getting too much info going through the DCC system that commands (like slow down) get...
Track and electrical/DCC 29 1 549 1775678451
Henderson Bay Railway & Transportation Co.

Started by Reg Hearn in Journals/Blogs On30: Wait! You thought it was the Henderson Bay Branch! That journal shall stand. Though serious consideration is being given to the demise of the layout...
Journals/Blogs On30 85 6 6,278 1775674196
Questions about Walthers roadbed

Started by Omaha53 in Benchwork and roadbed: I'm getting ready to lay track on a new layout. On my previous layout I used cork. Now I'm wondering about Walthers foam roadbed. I've searched and I find articles mentioning WS roadbed. Has anyone...
Benchwork and roadbed 6 1 426 1775672119
Stepping into O scale

Started by dperry in Journals/Blogs O scale: I am a long-time HO modeler with a garage layout in progress. Glacial progress. I have been thinking about O for a number of years and a while back I finally did something about it: I...
Journals/Blogs O scale 87 9 3,889 1775670481
Let's See A Model Of... April, 2026 Edition

Started by Kevin Parson in General discussion: 📷
General discussion 34 4 1,093 1775670376
Rick's Diner... April, 2026 Edition

Started by Kevin Parson in General discussion: 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷
General discussion 48 6 984 1775667727
Rio Grande - Tennessee Pass ‘78

Started by ezlyamuzd66 in Journals/Blogs: 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 I thought I’d start this blog to keep a record of my slow but consistent progress on my layout I’ve attached my initial layout design but have already...
Journals/Blogs 399 21 15,307 1775666501
DCC & Sound Installation in Proto 1K locos, and specifically the DL-109

Started by railandsail in Journals/Blogs: I have a number of these Proto 1000 locomotives that I intend to use in several combinations. They are very heavy engines with great pulling power and smooth operation. Their weight is the result of...
Journals/Blogs 27 1 1,028 1775665485
CP Rail's Newport & Lyndonville Subdivision

Started by CP Rail Vermont in Journals/Blogs HO scale Weathering Scenery: About a year ago I started a Facebook Group dedicated to construction of my layout and sharing photos as I went, but unfortunately I haven't been posting much on the MRH forum. I'd like to...
Journals/Blogs HO scale Weathering Scenery 1,898 32 136,603 1775663253
Hello, I 'm new here

Started by K Hill Railways in General discussion: Hello and thank you for letting me into your group! Ken Hill here and I'm retired at 63 for health reason. I decided to restart my n scale hobby that I use to have in my 20s. Collection of parts...
General discussion 7 14 311 1775661170
Japanese model trains

Started by ABMinOR in Locos and rolling stock: Greetings, My wife and I just returned from a trip to Japan (our first) and I thought I'd start a thread to discuss Japanese railway modeling. No, I'm not planning to abandon my North...
Locos and rolling stock 15 7 356 1775659115
Tom Johnson's Cass County Railroad

Started by TomJohnson in Journals/Blogs: 📷 Hello! It has been a long time since I have posted anything here. I had a blog (journal) going several years ago under the L&IN and INRAIL theme that had a big following. That...
Journals/Blogs 1,190 69 98,000 1775658021
Timonium Train Show This Weekend

Started by Ken Meade in Hobby event notices: The Great Scale Model Train Show will be at Timonium this weekend, 11 and 12 April. My club, the PWMRC will be in the south hall this time with about 50 modules or so with the blue skirting. We...
Hobby event notices 2 2 151 1775655629
Bellows Falls Subdivision build

Started by skiwiggy in Journals/Blogs: This Journal/Blog will showcase the construction and scratchbuilding of structures along the Rutland Bellows Falls Subdivision. Various Scenes starting in Bellows Falls Vermont, heading...
Journals/Blogs 642 20 27,127 1775617121
Charismatic prototype: Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel Co and the Ballard Terminal RR

Started by Ken Rice in Prototype railroading: Youtube railfanning this evening turned up a video of the Ballard Terminal RR switching the Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel Co, running to their interchange with BNSF with empties, bringing back loads,...
Prototype railroading 0 7 115 1775613498
Dutch Country Conrail

Started by Mitchell Schuessler in Journals/Blogs Reading Railroad Operations Pennsylvania Design drawing & 1 more: I figured this would be a good place for a supplemental blog to my article “Dutch Country Conrail” in the April 2025 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman. I have a few threads floating...
Journals/Blogs Reading Railroad Operations Pennsylvania Design drawing & 1 more 115 15 3,519 1775612022
Southern Pacific's Ventura Subdivision in Los Angeles

Started by Ray Hamilton in Journals/Blogs Southern Pacific Northridge GEMCO Raymer: My layout planning thread was in Dream and Design. http://forum.mrhmag.com/post/southern-pacifics-ventura-subdivision-in-los-angeles-12675291?pid=1335516651 After much delay, we...
Journals/Blogs Southern Pacific Northridge GEMCO Raymer 222 26 13,395 1775610930
IR Power & Rolling Stock fall 1979

Started by Vince P in Locos and rolling stock: Here's a P2K SW8 I've been working on for a while that stalled out after a move so this will be IR SW8 #99 one of a small handful of SW8-SW900m units Proto pic I'm working from is BN #99...
Locos and rolling stock 310 13 7,858 1775609943
Publisher’s Welcome: Making SMD LED headlight lenses

Started by MRH in Magazine feedback: 📷 Buy this issue! Share this: 📷 📷 📷 📷 ARTICLE SHOPPING LIST 1/32" (0.8mm) clear plastic rods, 10 pcs, $10, Amazon Prime: ($1.00 ea.) https://amzn.to/4bnXmiJ...
Magazine feedback 4 14 339 1775604091
Encanto: Alpha-Beta

Started by AzBaja in Scenery and structures: Encanto: Alpha-Beta All the parts that make up Alpha-Beta are now completely glued into an actual building shape. Next steps will be primer and sanding and more primer than color Bombs. You...
Scenery and structures 12 16 672 1775602341

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