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DCC Controller recommendations for EASY operation

Started by JoeyBoerner in Track and electrical/DCC DCC: I’m sure this has been discussed elsewhere, so I welcome links to existing discussion, but I couldn’t find any topics with my specific request, so I’ll ask here to get it started. My...
Track and electrical/DCC DCC 45 1 1,095 1793723520
Great Scale Model Train Show at Timonium, MD This Coming Weekend

Started by Ken Meade in Hobby event notices Train Show: Yep, this is a true model train show. No doll houses, no "other stuff". Just trains on a modelers level of interest. A huge White Elephant table. Several modular layouts by major modular...
Hobby event notices Train Show 19 3 401 1793723178
Universal Coupling Joint for Drive Shaft

Started by Ken Meade in Operation and maintenance Repair gears: Now I need a universal coupling joint for this DD35 truck. The one that's on there now is cracked. Here's a picture of the existing one. I opened the crack a little bit and put some CA glue in...
Operation and maintenance Repair gears 28 1 252 1793723077
Large Concrete Pads for Buildings

Started by Jake G in Scenery and structures Scenery AI: Hello, I was wondering if Illustration board would be a good idea for large concrete pads as shown in my rendition (AI generated). I plan on using evg4518 styrene paving plates for sidewalks as well....
Scenery and structures Scenery AI 2 0 94 1793722124
Mod Podge

Started by Rick Beatty in Scenery and structures Scenery how-to materials: Mod Podge Gloss has been suggested for creating water scenes. I decided to get some and experiment. I see it comes in many different size containers - 2 fl oz to 128 fl oz. I only need a...
Scenery and structures Scenery how-to materials 15 1 319 1793721766
UglyK5 Layout v5.0 Blog

Started by UglyK5 in Journals/Blogs: I’ve started building the fifth iteration of my model railroad, and will blog about it here. We moved three times in the last three years. I had hoped to reuse the many modules that I had...
Journals/Blogs 110 9 4,700 1793721242
N&AC 2.0 Track Planning

Started by anteaum2666 in Dream and design Track Planning layout design Benchwork: Welcome to my Blog! After 10 years of fun I had to take down the Nicholas & Ashley Creek RY for a move to a new home. I saved most of the major scenes and have started planning for the new space....
Dream and design Track Planning layout design Benchwork 226 14 4,785 1793719885
Rick's Diner - November 2026 Edition

Started by Kevin Parson in General discussion: 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷
General discussion 32 2 466 1793717916
What’s on your workbench? November 2026

Started by Eric Hansmann in General discussion Workbench Photos project sharing: Holy cow! MRH Forum modelers posted and shared nearly 300 comments and projects to the Workbench thread last month! Thank you for taking the time to comment and post photos and descriptions of your...
General discussion Workbench Photos project sharing 25 4 726 1793717313
Landisburg in On30 Module, built by Ron Lane, looking for information

Started by MannsCreekRR in Modular and TOMA modeling On30 Module: I visited a layout last week and in his entry way he had an On30 module that the owner had purchased. He was looking for information on who constructed it. I recognized it right away as the module...
Modular and TOMA modeling On30 Module 0 0 23 1793716322
An idea to reduce voltage loss due to limited capacity Digitrax Zephyr and Digitrax PM74 terminal wire size limitations

Started by JimGnitecki in Track and electrical/DCC DCC Digitrax Wiring: I have discovered something that Digitrax does not publicize very well if at all: The Digitrax Zephyr and Digitrax PM74 apparently will not reliably accept any wire gauge larger than 16...
Track and electrical/DCC DCC Digitrax Wiring 48 2 549 1793712373
Another terrible HST crash in Spain. Something went seriously wrong.

Started by Andy Reichert in General discussion: No news at this early stage, but how one train managed to rear end another is indicative of a very serious problem. Andy
General discussion 51 3 1,245 1793710632
Another JMRI OperationsPro worked example

Started by Craig Thomasson in Journals/Blogs: This blog post will cover a JMRI OperationsPro worked example with emphasis on the features mentioned in this post . It builds on the fine example done by David Haynes and adds some additional more...
Journals/Blogs 33 0 11,873 1793710299
Looking north on model railroads is completely arbitrary

Started by Alex Wood in Dream and design Track Planning Layout Dream and Design: Continuation of discussion from this thread: https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/looking-for-opinions-on-my-track-plan-13882149?trail=50 So my original post I was responding to was...
Dream and design Track Planning Layout Dream and Design 133 0 2,327 1793707452
Weekly Photo Fun - Nov 1-7, 2026

Started by JC Shall in General discussion Photos photography model railroad photography: It's another week . . . post 'em if you got 'em. There were a few late-comers in last week's post . Check them out, then come back here afterward. Please avoid posting photos manipulated or...
General discussion Photos photography model railroad photography 12 0 485 1793702665
Soviet Modular Collective

Started by Rustman in General discussion Train Show Free-mo Speed-Mo: This past weekend at the Timonium show several of us setup... 📷 📷 📷 This show was the first time that a few different members of the Soviet Modular Collective gathered...
General discussion Train Show Free-mo Speed-Mo 0 11 80 1793698291
Flexible Hose Connectors for Drive Shafts

Started by Ken Meade in Locos and rolling stock Repair: I received some hose replacements and some solid couplings to repair the drive shafts on my DD35 as pictured below. I think the couplings may be to long so I'm opting for the hose coupling. The...
Locos and rolling stock Repair 13 4 259 1793698206
Bachmann 2-6-2 - Operating Characteristics

Started by Mark Pruitt in Locos and rolling stock Locomotive Bachmann: I'm in need of a fleet of Prairie locomotives for my layout. The BC&Q was one of two railroads with a large fleet of this type, so I need a half dozen or more. The only model of the...
Locos and rolling stock Locomotive Bachmann 15 5 314 1793687827
Let's See A Model Of... November, 2026 Edition

Started by Kevin Parson in General discussion: 📷
General discussion 15 0 365 1793687084
Envirotex water

Started by Rick Beatty in Scenery and structures: What is the thickness of the cured product when using Envirotex Lite to create a harbor scene?
Scenery and structures 75 1 1,354 1793686973
A New Start: Beyond Stonehammer

Started by Deemiorgos in Journals/Blogs CN layout design proto-freelance: Ryan has inspired me to start a new topic about my new layout. The location will still be in the Maritimes/Eastern Canada circa 1956 far up the river from the Bay of Fundy hence the...
Journals/Blogs CN layout design proto-freelance 22 18 591 1793681489
I did not know that Woodland Scenics offered this expandable & multi-featured sound system

Started by JimGnitecki in Track and electrical/DCC Just-Plug Lighting Woodland Scenics Sound Effects: I saw a mention of it somewhere, and Googled it. Google's AI said: " Woodland Scenics sound triggers are physical activation accessories designed to play pre-recorded audio files on...
Track and electrical/DCC Just-Plug Lighting Woodland Scenics Sound Effects 13 5 328 1793679739
Building Riverbend

Started by thewizard1 in Scenery and structures: After leaving Beaver Falls heading north through the mountain you come to the town of Riverbend. After crossing the Emerson river is the town of Moosehead. It has taken me awhile to decide...
Scenery and structures 261 20 5,697 1793679532
My first attempt at a switching layout.

Started by SimonMoore82 in Journals/Blogs Switching Layout beginner UK: Hello everyone, I thought i would introduce myself & show my little slice of Chicagoland. For years I have followed various blogs & enjoyed watching a variety of modellers on...
Journals/Blogs Switching Layout beginner UK 8 15 389 1793678066
Weakly AI Foto Phun November 1 - 7, 2026

Started by jeffshultz in General discussion AI: The Weakly AI Foto Phun is for photos, both model and prototype, that have been manipulated via AI for more than simply removing a pole or adding a sky backdrop. This week's starter image...
General discussion AI 5 5 153 1793677712
What's New to You – November 2026

Started by blhs569 in General discussion Scenery scenic materials: Had a pretty good turn out for October for the re-start of this series... Let's keep it going for November... I expecting some Martin Welberg scenic material from Scenic Express tomorrow......
General discussion Scenery scenic materials 6 3 234 1793676850
Cincinnati West-B&O/PC 1975

Started by RSeiler in Journals/Blogs: Welcome to the Cincinnati West thread! Thanks for stopping by. The photos are hosted here on MRH, so this thread will remain intact as long as MRH exists. Click on 'Read More' for an index with...
Journals/Blogs 4,740 28 535,509 1793674625
SP Lordsburg Sub - Construction

Started by Paul Mac in Journals/Blogs: Construction of my SP Lordsburg Sub has begun! My first (of four) stud walls went up yesterday. The first view is standing in the doorway looking in and the second is from the opposite corner of...
Journals/Blogs 500 9 47,559 1793674516
The Ruphe & Tumbelle Railway Company, What's New

Started by On30guy in Journals/Blogs: Hello all. 📷 I've been posting here for a few years now and have decided that instead of starting separate little blogs for every little idea I have I should consolidate things a...
Journals/Blogs 4,457 28 424,583 1793674254
P48 O Scale Layout Build: ‘Ashland City’

Started by JD.Hill in Journals/Blogs O scale Switching Layout: As my HO scale layout nears completion, I'm embarking on my next modeling journey: a small 2-Rail O scale layout. This new layout will occupy currently-vacant space above my display cabinets in the...
Journals/Blogs O scale Switching Layout 106 33 7,632 1793671174
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 869 20 37,239 1793668116
Achievable? 28-ton Narrow Gauge Climax

Started by RyanAK in Journals/Blogs Narrow Gauge Scratchbuilding climax proto-freelance: Some here may remember that I have a long interest in the short lines and logging railroads of my native Pennsylvania. Particularly, the White Deer & Loganton has had a firm grip on me for...
Journals/Blogs Narrow Gauge Scratchbuilding climax proto-freelance 92 6 1,586 1793667660
Barchester, Pennsylvania

Started by Robert (Robin) Mountenay in Journals/Blogs: I haven’t been a regular poster here, though I have shared pictures of several of the layouts I’ve built, including my latest, Barchester. This layout depicted a central Pennsylvania...
Journals/Blogs 944 48 47,466 1793665351
Why some of my purchased used railcars don't roll well?

Started by JimGnitecki in Locos and rolling stock N Scale: I am new to model railroading so do not yet know much about rolling stock performance.I bought a batch of used N scale railcars to help build a "startup fleet" for the model railway I am...
Locos and rolling stock N Scale 34 2 632 1793659771
Silesian Mountain Railway Germany/Czechoslovakia/Poland 1950-1970 (ish) A Make-Believe Railroad (MBR)

Started by DavidGibson in Journals/Blogs European: My layout while purporting to be the Silesian Mountain (range) Railroad (East Germany to Czechoslovakia/Poland 1950s-1970s) it is mostly make-believe. I am not worried if the buildings look right or...
Journals/Blogs European 41 17 1,431 1793659140
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 91 6 6,530 1793657095
Bowser RS3M new pre-order deadline

Started by Redfish in Locos and rolling stock Locomotive Preorders: Last year Bowser announced production of the Dewitt/Juniata built RS3M's but unfortunately they didn't get enough pre-orders. Today Bowser re-announced the pre-order for these units which runs until...
Locos and rolling stock Locomotive Preorders 0 1 84 1793650333
Request ADVICE: Best Ammeter Connection Design

Started by GT Mills in Track and electrical/DCC: I have two possible ways to connect a little panel-mount $3 digital ammeter/volt meter. Is there any advantage of one of these over the other, say power loss at the rails? Next, to avoid...
Track and electrical/DCC 11 1 247 1793646641
AI's advice on limiting rail expansion and contraction due to temperature changes appears to be holding well - an update

Started by JimGnitecki in Benchwork and roadbed Track layout design: As some of you know, I am building a model N scale railway in a detached garage, NOT used for vehicles so there is no "big" door opening, only a regular "people...
Benchwork and roadbed Track layout design 12 0 170 1793645979
The Beaver Falls RR

Started by thewizard1 in Journals/Blogs HO scale: This thread probably should be called how to build a railroad backwards. You will understand why I say this as I explain the history. I left the hobby for a number of years, I returned in late 2016....
Journals/Blogs HO scale 1,679 28 45,030 1793645749
Best Monitor For Photo Editing

Started by soo.line.steve in General discussion photography: I got some great and helpful replies to my question about camera recommendations so thought to ask a new question about computer monitors and photo editing. I’m currently scanning my collection...
General discussion photography 8 1 205 1793643696
AI scenic background for a River crossing

Started by Tim VanMersbergen in Scenery and structures Scenery Backdrop AI: I have a very compressed Mississippi River crossing on my layout between East Dubuque, IL and Dubuque, IA. The area has been without a backdrop and I’ve been OK with that but with AI, I...
Scenery and structures Scenery Backdrop AI 2 12 150 1793642448
Questions on first time painting w/acrylic paint in air brush

Started by JK-28 in Locos and rolling stock Airbrushing Painting acrylic: I am preparing to paint plastic rolling stock with acrylic hobby paint like paints found in craft stores. What type of thinner do I need to run acrylic paint through an airbrush? Is...
Locos and rolling stock Airbrushing Painting acrylic 19 1 301 1793637071
Dutch Country Railroads

Started by Mitchell Schuessler in Journals/Blogs Operations Planning Penn Central Reading Company: 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 Operations Planning Penn Central Reading Company 363 20 15,188 1793633599
Premier Equipment Company (PREC) & micro layouts

Started by EMD_Rich in Journals/Blogs: I thought I'd create a thread somewhere to share my adventures in creating my freelance small leasing/operating company called Premier Equipment Company and as I world build. The brainchild...
Journals/Blogs 25 12 1,062 1793632430
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 451 21 18,158 1793618254
Apparent concerns with the Proto:87 Standard

Started by Andy Reichert in General discussion #how to: Some recent posts on turnout construction have mentioned an apparent lack of Support for Proto:87 in the US MR community. Rather than have that distract further from the turnout topic, I'm...
General discussion #how to 229 3 5,368 1793594623
Canadian Pacific branchline and logging road

Started by Stephane in Journals/Blogs Canadian Pacific: Well, here we are, I've finally started construction of an HO layout! I started in N-scale back in 2018, and I never got that layout finished. I worked on it on and off until about 2023, and...
Journals/Blogs Canadian Pacific 34 21 1,380 1793593312
Let's See A Model Of... October, 2026 Edition

Started by Kevin Parson in General discussion: 📷
General discussion 150 3 4,473 1793592229
A novel 16.5 mm shelf layout idea and experiment.

Started by Andy Reichert in Dream and design Shelf Layout Passenger Trains HO 00: Could this work? I'm about to try. Building a passenger oriented shelf layout along a 56 ft outdoor back yard fence. One that could be used (with lots of imagination) to operate as several...
Dream and design Shelf Layout Passenger Trains HO 00 29 3 1,087 1793590446

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