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I bought a laser cutter

Started by David Emery in General discussion laser cutter laser cutting: Today I pulled the trigger on a laser cutter and some associated stuff. So I'll start a narration here about the experience. For lower cost lasers, there are 2 basic choices: C02...
General discussion laser cutter laser cutting 112 11 2,227 1789268538
Gorre & Daphetid still an NMRA trademark?

Started by Mnemonic in General discussion: Does the NMRA still hold the trademark to the Gorre & Daphetid and Devil's Gulch & Helegon, John Allen's wonderful creations? What about the Alturas & Lone Pine (Whit Towers' classic HO scale...
General discussion 14 1 1,223 1789268149
Just Runnin Op Session Today - Video

Started by Ken Meade in General discussion: I hosted a Just Runnin Op Session today for members of the train club. It seems they like this kind of running trains better than delivering and picking up freight cars. (32) Just Runni Op...
General discussion 0 0 4 1789267634
BLI diesel locomotives

Started by Rick Beatty in Locos and rolling stock: I only have one BLI locomotive - a 4-8-4 Northern. While I am please with the overall look and performance it did need to go back to the factory twice for repairs right out of the box to get it to...
Locos and rolling stock 10 2 377 1789267293
Adding Handrails to an Accurail Tri-Level Open Auto Rack

Started by IronBeltKen in Locos and rolling stock: Ever since I first saw the Athearn Genesis line of tri-level open auto racks back in 2017 , I knew that my Accurail models were missing an important detail: Handrails along the third level. I didn't...
Locos and rolling stock 6 0 7 1789267008
Passenger operation at a terminal station question.

Started by oldstuff in Operation and maintenance: I live in the UK and I'm interested to know how to model the arrival and departure of passenger trains at a terminal station (such as Chicago Dearborn for example). Specifically, my question relates...
Operation and maintenance 7 1 164 1789266345
N Scale Cat Mountain & Santa Fe

Started by Bobby Hamilton in Modular and TOMA modeling: Though I would start a blog to share my current modeling project, an n scale version of a track plan David Barrow designed for Model Railroad Planning 1996. However, I have become a firm believer in...
Modular and TOMA modeling 13 8 381 1789265341
Prototype Photographs 2026

Started by Nick Santo in Prototype railroading Photos: Hello! I enjoyed all your photographs from 2025 and before! Thank You for posting them!!! Please feel free to add photos when you have them! I’m sure I’ll have more to add this...
Prototype railroading Photos 413 6 13,497 1789265107
What’s on your workbench? September 2026

Started by Eric Hansmann in General discussion Workbench: Here we are in the last few weeks of summer! I’ll bet there are several layout and workbench projects that are nearing completion. A big thanks go out to everyone who has been contributing to this...
General discussion Workbench 83 3 2,868 1789264869
Tangent caboose truck weathering

Started by Craig Hatter in Locos and rolling stock: Has anyone who owns a Tangent caboose, specifically the ICC versions, weathered the trucks and wheel sets? I own 4 and went to remove the trucks and noticed the wiring attached to the side plates....
Locos and rolling stock 1 1 44 1789263971
Next 18 decoder on a motherboard with stay alive in a SW1

Started by Nick Santo in Track and electrical/DCC DCC: Here's a shout out for one of the prototype N18+s that I sent out. Tom Austin added a SoundTraxx TSU-N18 to a prototype NixTrainz N18+ Decoder Buddy and installed it into a Walthers SW1. Tom gets...
Track and electrical/DCC DCC 20 18 558 1789263813
Pin or glue flex track

Started by glarson52 in Track and electrical/DCC: When laying flex track do you prefer pin or glue? Or some other method? Why?
Track and electrical/DCC 27 2 494 1789263692
Tracking Shipments with Shop

Started by Ken Meade in General discussion: I placed an order with Model Train Stuff a couple weeks ago. Now I have a tracking notice but its with an agent called "Shop". It's a QR code that ya scan with your phone. In this case, it...
General discussion 25 3 290 1789263165
Why I am a Model Railroader

Started by JW53 in Dream and design: This is a picture that is based on a series of short essays that I have been drafting and it was inspired by Joe Fugate's recent publisher editorial August edition. What struck me most was the quote...
Dream and design 6 11 211 1789262880
Unusual tools that make modeling easier

Started by thewizard1 in Scenery and structures: I would love to see tools that are not commonly thought of as model building tools as well as custom made tools.
Scenery and structures 402 6 20,567 1789262383
LCC-protocol Wifi Throttles

Started by Mark Pruitt in Track and electrical/DCC: By far the most prevalent wifi throttle protocol is WiThrottle's, used by both Engine Driver and WiThrottle apps for Android and iOS (iPhone and iPad) respectively. About two years ago the...
Track and electrical/DCC 33 1 410 1789261279
Indian Rock 4 axle road units

Started by Indian Rock in Locos and rolling stock: This is where my 4 axle road builds will take place and post here. Both EMD, GE, and Alco Pics once I figure out what my first 4 axle unit will be to start here and complete Heres...
Locos and rolling stock 10 5 298 1789259607
Need LED resistors help - SIGNALS

Started by GT Mills in Track and electrical/DCC Signals: Been struggling with resistors to get my signal LEDs balanced and dim enough to look right. For now, until I get them right, using two SPDT toggles (to be replaced with photonic detectors after...
Track and electrical/DCC Signals 34 0 485 1789253749
color recomendation

Started by redP in General discussion Paint: What color would best represent (new) bare wood? -Scott
General discussion Paint 6 0 133 1789253024
How to extract a tiny screw/bolt

Started by TrainFan in Locos and rolling stock: Well I did it - I broke off one of the screws/bolts that hold the side rods to the drivers of an HO scale steam locomotive. The break is just below, or flush with, the top of the hole. Not sure what...
Locos and rolling stock 46 1 1,056 1789252730
Transparent Corrugated Styrene Sheet?

Started by CN/IC Isaac in Scenery and structures: In planning to build structures for my layout , I'm stuck on how to replicate the transparent corrugated skylights. If I could find transparent corrugated styrene, I could tape the skylights and...
Scenery and structures 15 3 262 1789252100
ET&WNC Stoney Creek branch in On30

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 851 12 98,758 1789251943
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 121 3 7,378 1789251394
Small Modifications to an Accurail Reading 36' Boxcar

Started by Elephant in Locos and rolling stock: I recently reached the stage of my layout where I can start refining my freight car choices. Although I model the B&O, I love the Reading. Combine that with the fact I model Maryland and some...
Locos and rolling stock 6 13 145 1789249959
Andre Ming

Started by Ancientmariner in In Memoriam: Andre Ming has passed away, from complications following heart surgery.
In Memoriam 161 13 5,050 1789249841
Weekly Photo Fun - Sep 6-12, 2026

Started by JC Shall in General discussion Photos: 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.
General discussion Photos 24 2 1,323 1789248342
My Fictional Southern Railway Line

Started by Sauced07 in Journals/Blogs: I don't think I have posted a drawing or plan of my layout. I'm not an artist or computer person so this is all I have. I have spoken about my layout elsewhere but figured I would keep some...
Journals/Blogs 233 16 6,345 1789248203
Anyone With Experience with Miller Engineering “Window” Signs?

Started by Karle in Scenery and structures: Miller Engineering makes signs for mounting in windows such as this: ...
Scenery and structures 6 1 135 1789247445
70-Ton Hart Ballast Cars

Started by Dearborn Station in Locos and rolling stock: I have several Chicago & North Western 70-ton Hart Ballast Cars. To date, I run them empty, but I would like to add loads. Were these cars ever used to haul something other...
Locos and rolling stock 5 2 110 1789244472
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 2 7 52 1789242629
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 822 20 35,060 1789240187
What's new to me September 2026

Started by Indian Rock in General discussion: Just arrived dcc sound Athearn Genesis F45 was ATSF blue bonnet Going to jeep its silver trucks maybe see how it looks when I get there. Horn goes beacon stand goes So it...
General discussion 16 6 630 1789238720
Eastside trains in Kirkland Washington

Started by Indian Rock in General discussion: Stores final days after 43 years will be closing on December 30th 2026 Per owner all sales final
General discussion 34 2 548 1789237458
Trackplan Database - Have you posted yours?

Started by MRH in Dream and design: Post your trackplan. We want to see it! 📷 Please include as much of the following with your plan as possible: Prototype modeled (if any) Scale Minimum radius Room size Turnout...
Dream and design 502 7 1,044,502 1789233107
Help building a kit loading dock ...

Started by William Barry in Journals/Blogs N Scale Kit help: I am building the N Scale Interstate Fuel and Oil kit. The simple stuff is easy but the Loading Dock is a challenge. Has any one successfully completed this component? If so.....would ask you post...
Journals/Blogs N Scale Kit help 6 0 378 1789232585
The Fidalgo Island RR #13 - Back in Action

Started by RRKreitler in Journals/Blogs N Scale layout construction: Well, hello again. It has been a while but I am finally getting back to my railroad after a much longer than expected hiatus. While I know it has been a while, it is a bit shocking to realize it has...
Journals/Blogs N Scale layout construction 4 2 115 1789232025
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 1,961 32 143,388 1789231471
Norfolk Southern - Morristown Airport Industrial District (MAID) in N Scale

Started by Ronald Bokleman in Journals/Blogs: Introduction There exists a wide variety of Model Railroaders who often model railroads of some significance to them from some perspective. That perspective drives and inspires them...
Journals/Blogs 28 8 2,440 1789229948
Musings on a Switching layout...which got outta hand (was "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 319 9 11,737 1789229458
Union Pacific's N Scale Canyon Division...

Started by Sumner in Journals/Blogs: Scenery to Track Elevator – Part 1 ...... . Finally after months of CAD, 3D printing and Electronics projects I’m back actually doing something constructive on the layout. Before laying more...
Journals/Blogs 174 8 6,250 1789224200
Identify the gauge of this track

Started by porthos in Prototype railroading Narrow Gauge: I spend time browsing through the digitized historical photographs from the local library (which is extensive) looking for different views of the railroad I loosely model. I came across this one,...
Prototype railroading Narrow Gauge 12 3 203 1789213109
Need help with new layout with two previous modules integrated into it.

Started by Deemiorgos in Dream and design: I need help on how to wire this layout so it is able to be switched back and forth when needed from DCC to DC. I am researching how to completely isolate the two power systems, but it is...
Dream and design 28 5 573 1789209343
Let's See A Model Of... September, 2026 Edition

Started by Kevin Parson in General discussion: 📷
General discussion 72 1 1,815 1789206886
Controlling locomotives in a consist

Started by Rick Beatty in Prototype railroading: I have read that modern diesel locomotives in a consist are all controlled by the engineer in the lead unit. Are there separate controls for each unit or are they just linked so that they all...
Prototype railroading 12 0 338 1789197871
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 4,411 24 422,055 1789197471
The Fidalgo Island Rail and Steamship Company

Started by RRKreitler in Journals/Blogs N Scale layout construction: This is the story of the Fidalgo Island Rail and Steamship Company - FIRST in Freight! The Fidalgo Island RR #13 - Back in Action ... 2026-09-11 The Fidalgo Island RR #12 - Benchwork and...
Journals/Blogs N Scale layout construction 0 0 68 1789186716
Rick's Diner - September, 2026 Edition

Started by Kevin Parson in General discussion: 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷
General discussion 44 1 1,307 1789181781
Easily and always (almost) distracted in the hobby......am I alone?

Started by Loren Clarke in Operation and maintenance: There are many a time when I think that I should be kicked to the curb and out of this wonderful hobby. For context, please look at the picture below. The first and most important thing to notice, is...
Operation and maintenance 30 5 493 1789180943
SD40M-2 in Brass - Video

Started by Ken Meade in Locos and rolling stock: Just a little eye candy for ya all. After I uploaded the video and posted it here, I noticed the front handrail wasn't secured into the side of the cab. SD40m 2 in Brass (youtube.com)
Locos and rolling stock 25 4 425 1789178768
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 25 15 1,528 1789176694

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