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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 231 16 6,204 1789113599
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 15 18 459 1789111285
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 29 1 297 1789111137
Tsunami 1000 LED Lighting

Started by sanchomurphy in Track and electrical/DCC: I have two 0402 LEDs (3V, 1-15 mA, 20 max mA) that I plan to wire as the head and tail lights on a locomotive with separate functions. What resistance do I need to wire in if any? Thanks...
Track and electrical/DCC 5 0 61 1789110111
Cutting HO scale corrugated metal roofing or siding

Started by Matthew W Hardey in Scenery and structures: I would appreciate suggestions of the best way to cut Campbell or K&S metal corrugated roofing material in a way that does not destroy the corrugations. I'm building a large industrial...
Scenery and structures 7 3 176 1789109846
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 104 11 2,066 1789109750
Passenger car passengers.

Started by JeffBulman in Locos and rolling stock: What are some recommendations for passengers inside HO passenger cars. Jeff
Locos and rolling stock 10 0 181 1789108898
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 11 4 137 1789101089
So many sounds, no unused function keys

Started by George Sinos in General discussion: I recently added a couple of new locomotives to the fleet. Very nice, run great, Loksound 5 decoders factory installed. Over the last couple of days I've been optimizing them for use...
General discussion 25 4 414 1789100872
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 24 15 1,427 1789100733
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 73 3 2,491 1789100564
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 363 6 19,983 1789100538
Cutting hardboard fascia profile

Started by Rick Beatty in Benchwork and roadbed: I have read many articles and threads about cutting hardboard. I recently put up some pegboard my wife wanted and followed one of the tips that I had read. That was to cut the material in...
Benchwork and roadbed 6 1 48 1789097143
A Grumpy Old Diesel

Started by southdown in Locos and rolling stock: 🎬 This is a switching video with my little Athearn Blue Box I got as a gift from my grandmother when I was around fourteen. I put it together, put it on a shelf, and promptly forgot about...
Locos and rolling stock 17 14 656 1789094358
Sometimes, folks forget this is a hobby

Started by atsfcf7 in General discussion: Excuse me while I go off on a little bit of a rant. I follow several model railroad forums. One particular forum (not MRH), seems to be over-run with rivet counters and model snobs. There is...
General discussion 59 31 1,484 1789094049
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 3 0 211 1789093698
Looking for a tile base material that stays flat

Started by Dan Sullivan in Benchwork and roadbed: For making buildings, or small scenes of a foot or two, I like to build them on the bench and make them removable. I've been using either 1 inch foam, or 3/16 foamcore, for the bases. But...
Benchwork and roadbed 11 1 204 1789093631
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 27 1 480 1789093302
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 20 2 1,031 1789087409
Let's See A Model Of... September, 2026 Edition

Started by Kevin Parson in General discussion: 📷
General discussion 60 1 1,533 1789087110
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 1,958 32 143,051 1789086901
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 9 7 288 1789086789
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 285 26 16,560 1789086657
End to End shunting layout.

Started by RS1975 in Getting started: Hi all from Australia, after 30 years I’m getting back into the hobby. My main focus is that I have space for a 8ft by 2ft space to build and end to end layout. I’m thinking edge of town...
Getting started 23 4 903 1789080112
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 125 1 2,549 1789079466
Aisle width

Started by Rick Beatty in Benchwork and roadbed: What is your narrowest aisle width? Is that just a pinch point or does it have some length? I started out with the goal of a minimum width of 30”. That didn’t make it...
Benchwork and roadbed 25 3 557 1789078274
The Erie Lackawanna Dayton Branch 1964

Started by Jeff Youst in Journals/Blogs: Starting up a blog to chronicle my trials and tribulations for the build of the EL Dayton Branch 1964 has been a long time coming. The past 8 years or so have seen a few fits and starts and some...
Journals/Blogs 94 13 4,511 1789077921
USA, Illinois, Naperville, RPM Naperville October 16 & 17, 2026

Started by Eric Hansmann in Hobby event notices RPM: The 30 th RPM Naperville opens at the Northern Illinois University Conference Center on October 16 and 17. Steve Hile has a solid line up of presentations for the two day event. Nearly all...
Hobby event notices RPM 0 1 36 1789069924
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 27 5 514 1789069099
Rick's Diner - September, 2026 Edition

Started by Kevin Parson in General discussion: 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷
General discussion 43 1 1,230 1789067183
Nicholas & Ashley Creek Railway - v2.0

Started by anteaum2666 in Journals/Blogs Layout: I officially "broke ground" on version 2.0 of the Nicholas & Ashley Creek Railway on February 19, 2026. It's been about 7 months since our move and I'm excited to get back in the game!...
Journals/Blogs Layout 86 11 3,497 1789059088
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 1,670 28 43,741 1789049863
HOn30 Ocotillo & Lost Mesa RR

Started by ezlyamuzd66 in Journals/Blogs HOn30: 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷
Journals/Blogs HOn30 78 28 2,669 1789048446
Limited Modeler: Building Ballville Power Plant

Started by MRH in Magazine feedback: 📷 Buy this issue! Share this: 📷 📷 📷 📷 Please post any comments or questions you have below. ◄ Back to issue home page 📷 Want more articles like this one?...
Magazine feedback 10 15 366 1789045605
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 407 6 13,350 1789045051
Basic Ground Cover Installation

Started by Kelly R. in Scenery and structures Scenery Scene Design how-to: I made a video on how I do my basic ground cover. Hopefully you find it useful. Basic Ground Cover Video I don't know how to embed this? Any suggestion for a...
Scenery and structures Scenery Scene Design how-to 12 10 361 1789040910
Quincy, a railroad village

Started by BBQdave in Journals/Blogs N Scale Layout DC layout design layout construction: Quincy, Ohio is a small village in the 1800's. Starting with the Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Indianapolis (CCC&I) Railroad built in 1852 - the village began it's railroad...
Journals/Blogs N Scale Layout DC layout design layout construction 43 12 2,882 1789038533
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 22 3 378 1789037453
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 317 9 11,668 1789033071
Rolling stock that no one makes in HO

Started by Deemiorgos in Locos and rolling stock: Let's hear about rolling stock you would like to see made in HO. So far Rapido has made the CNR landmark Super Continental line and Balloon Top coaches. I hoping one day they decide to make...
Locos and rolling stock 67 7 1,745 1789006299
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 881 48 43,904 1789005668
An N-Track Variant of David K. Smith's Jersey City Industrial Railroad Plan

Started by nscale4x8 in Journals/Blogs Module N-Trak N-scale: I have run out of space for more 3D printed structures on my 4'x8' NScale " Cleveland Flats Industrial Railroad ". It's time to build an annex. I considered another 4'x8' to bring the total...
Journals/Blogs Module N-Trak N-scale 48 3 2,561 1789004686
Any open layouts in the Sparks/ Reno area?

Started by Greg Shue in Getting started: Hi there my name is Greg, this is my first MRH post. I started in the hobby about 10 years ago and was operating at the San Diego Model Railroad Association club but took a break when Covid started....
Getting started 2 1 96 1789001692
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 12 3 174 1788995543
Kilauea Sugar Mill and Railroad

Started by Clauer in Journals/Blogs: This will be my journey in building my freelance version of the Kilauea Sugar Mill and Railroad in On30 My next post will give some history of the real Railroad and my track plan as a " One...
Journals/Blogs 23 13 1,151 1788994628
CANADA, Ontario, Waterloo - August 29-30, 2026 - Waterloo Railway Exposition (RPM+ Show)

Started by Chris VanderHeide in General discussion RPM Shows: Announcing an event, which is a railway prototype modelers (RPM) style event "with extras". The main event features an RPM show on Saturday, with model displays, clinic...
General discussion RPM Shows 12 5 341 1788992377
Small contactless switch

Started by payres1 in Track and electrical/DCC: I wanted to get feedback on my Bachmann EZ Track turnouts and was always on the lookout for switches or other methods I could fit under the track. I finally found a solution which may help others in...
Track and electrical/DCC 5 3 277 1788989990
Looking for Opinions on My Track Plan

Started by dge1993 in Dream and design layout design: Hi all! I'm looking to build a layout after moving to a new home. It is a HO shelf switching layout in an "L" shape in my spare bedroom. My goal with this layout is to have...
Dream and design layout design 37 1 891 1788976039
Source for clear plastic window glazing

Started by Lou N in Scenery and structures: All, Can anyone recommend a source for clear plastic that typically comes in structure kits for window glazing? I tried (twice) ordering 0.2mm clear plastic sheets from Amazon and neither...
Scenery and structures 23 3 543 1788973295
Picture Fun with AI

Started by anteaum2666 in General discussion Photos AI: @RSeiler posted some photos he touched up with AI. I decided to give it a shot, using Microsoft CoPilot. Below is my first attempt. I thought this would be a fun place for people to post pics they've...
General discussion Photos AI 114 7 4,104 1788966499

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