the MRH Forum

Categories
- All CategoriesCategories
  - General discussion
  - Getting started
  - Dream and design
  - Benchwork and roadbed
  - Track and electrical/DCC
  - Scenery and structures
  - Locos and rolling stock
  - Operation and maintenance
  - Modular and TOMA modeling
  - Prototype railroading
  - Journals/Blogs
  - In Memoriam
  - MRH
  - MRH magazine help
  - MRH product support
  - MRH forum help
  - TMTV
  - TMTV general discussion
  - TMTV support
  - TMTV video segments
  - Special
  - Magazine feedback
  - Advertiser promotion
  - Hobby event notices
  - Members only
  - Moderators Only
  - MRH Staging
Topics

*** WELCOME TO THE MRH FORUM!*** View as categories instead
CURRENT MRH magazine: MRH August 2026  NEW
CURRENT RUNNING EXTRA:  RE August 2026  NEW

Forum posting guidelines: MRH Forum Policies
Forum tips and tricks: MRH Forum tips and tricks

Looking for something? Try a search ...

If you're having a problem: mrhmag.com/contact_us (select: Make a request /get help)
MRH home: https://mrhmag.com … MRH Back issues: https://mrhmag.com/magazine/back-issues

New Topic

All Tags

M-O-W Saturday, 8/22/26

Started by GT Mills in General discussion: A 13-second shorty-short of the M-O-W shorties on the PM&C today. Long ago I installed a toggle-switched 15W 25 Ohm DC track power resistor just so I could run these at realisitic speeds, because...
General discussion 1 0 5 1787431011
Noise in model engine gearing

Started by Bernd in General discussion #gears: I came across this video. It's the company I worked for, Gleason Works. I believe it is AI generated when it comes to the pictures but the narrative is close to correct on the machine technology. Pay...
General discussion #gears 11 4 320 1787430305
Health Check

Started by MikeHughes in General discussion: Checking in on a couple of Members who are usually noisier! @thewizard1 and I are hoping you’re both well: @railandsail @Goober Ping back and let us know what you’ve been up to.
General discussion 8 6 430 1787429717
2-Rail O Scale Layout: '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 78 31 5,582 1787428002
Weekly Photo Fun - Aug 16-22, 2026

Started by JC Shall in General discussion Photos: It's another week . . . post 'em if you got 'em. There was a late-comer in last week's post . Check him out, then come back here afterward.
General discussion Photos 31 5 1,239 1787426380
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 49 2 1,056 1787425717
In search of HO Wild West plastic structure kits

Started by glarson52 in Scenery and structures: Looking for plastic structure kits suitable for the US in 1880s. HO scale
Scenery and structures 31 1 546 1787423814
How would you build this?

Started by CandOfan in Locos and rolling stock: During WWII, Baldwin/Alco/Lima built something like 2150 2-8-0’s of the S160 class, the majority of which went overseas, mostly to Europe. I’m interested in building a delivery train - a batch of...
Locos and rolling stock 27 6 516 1787423371
Anyone remember the old die-cut wood or fiberboard buildin kits of the 1980s-90s?

Started by DIamondback in Scenery and structures: For some reason I was in one of the less-used rooms in this old house the other day and my eye drifted to some HO scale buildings my grandmother had built. Some of them were die-cut or lasercut wood...
Scenery and structures 4 1 129 1787423312
Texas and New Orleans ...The Next phase....

Started by amtrak115 in Journals/Blogs: When I started the layout, I had bought and installed the "Basic" wired throttle version of EasyDCC. Installed the command station, throttle bus extender, boosters...etc..typical DCC...
Journals/Blogs 7 5 506 1787422719
Let’s talk Ops: Next steps with car cards for ops

Started by MRH in Magazine feedback: 📷 Read 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 14 15 336 1787422240
Show us your hoppers

Started by CNW Chet in Locos and rolling stock Show and Tell: 📷
Locos and rolling stock Show and Tell 210 16 11,068 1787421093
An Operating Steam Throttle You Can Customize

Started by Geoff Bunza in General discussion Throttle Steam Loco: An Operating Steam Throttle You Can Customize ...
General discussion Throttle Steam Loco 464 35 22,750 1787420973
The Kingstone Model Works Shop

Started by Bernd in Journals/Blogs Kingstone Model Works: This is not the name of a business. It's the name of the shop I do my model railroading hobby in. The name Kingstone is the translation of a town in then East Germany called Königstein. That's where...
Journals/Blogs Kingstone Model Works 361 32 15,924 1787418747
Let's See A Model Of... August, 2026 Edition

Started by Kevin Parson in General discussion: 📷
General discussion 110 3 3,005 1787418134
San Ramon Valley & Northern News

Started by -e-c-mills- in Journals/Blogs: 📷 Here we present to you the monthly publications of the Chamisa Standard and the Farmer as well as the SRVN Fan Bolg.
Journals/Blogs 95 1 8,951 1787413598
What’s on your workbench? August 2026

Started by Eric Hansmann in General discussion Workbench: It is month number eight of 2026. I thank everyone who has been contributing their photos and notes to this monthly discussion thread. It seems to get better each month with more participation. I...
General discussion Workbench 171 7 5,896 1787409190
Crescent City Model Railroad Club Car

Started by SALGUY in Locos and rolling stock: Guys, I picked up this snazzy Accurail 2 bay ACF covered hopper from the Crescent City Model Railroad Club. The cost was $30.00 plus shipping. They have advised me that they have more available....
Locos and rolling stock 0 4 29 1787408048
Rick's Diner - August 2026 Edition

Started by Kevin Parson in General discussion: 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷
General discussion 90 4 2,216 1787407637
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 9 5 194 1787407357
Putting a sound decoder into Rapido GP38 that is DCC-ready

Started by Nevin W. Wilson in Locos and rolling stock: I recently acquired a Rapido GP38 for a great price that does not a decoder but has a 21 pin PCB board. Unfortunately, the previous owner removed the speaker and I'll have to replace it too. Looking...
Locos and rolling stock 23 1 442 1787406254
Let's see your newsprint cars.

Started by Deemiorgos in Locos and rolling stock: 📷
Locos and rolling stock 29 7 1,882 1787401845
Low Switchstands

Started by Cactus Railroader in Scenery and structures: Hi All, I am to the point where I am finishing up my yard and am looking for "low" or "dwarf" switch stands. Something with a lantern or a small target. I don't need them...
Scenery and structures 22 3 639 1787400957
Grade crossing fade

Started by R0ckie in Track and electrical/DCC: Anyone know how to make a grade xing signal fade? I have a Rapido that does it right out of the box and I would like to duplicate that effect on the others. The Rapido is a Loksound 5 as...
Track and electrical/DCC 5 2 239 1787396989
Stonehammer on the move again; need help with redesign .

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 478 4 63,403 1787374538
HO scale Con-Cor Zephyr pc board information

Started by scottnl1947 in Locos and rolling stock: I recently purchased a "previously owned" HO scale Con-Cor dual-headlight Zephyr. For some reason, someone removed the classification lights. Does anyone have a schematic of the model's pc...
Locos and rolling stock 3 0 85 1787374077
Tour of the Pennsylvania Dutch County

Started by Mitchell Schuessler in Journals/Blogs modular Pennsylvania 1970s layout design: Since I've wrapped up planning for these lines, I wanted to take a poll from the forum on which routes they would want to see in my layout plan. All these routes have been hand drawn, and a best...
Journals/Blogs modular Pennsylvania 1970s layout design 161 5 4,141 1787372431
Darigold Creamery Issaquah

Started by Craig Townsend in Journals/Blogs: One more building for the layout. The bread and butter industry for the Issaquah spur and reason the railroad kept the branchline alive for as long as it did. 📷 ...
Journals/Blogs 18 8 746 1787372041
The Winchester Branch V2

Started by Nate in Journals/Blogs: After much thought, I have decided to go in a very different direction with my layout. I had always worried about the pinch points at the widest part of the mountain climbing turnback curve, also...
Journals/Blogs 299 11 14,205 1787369181
Caboose story. Caboose crews, this thread is yours!

Started by Juanfran in Prototype railroading: Searching with the keyword "caboose" revealed all kind of threads on the topic of cabooses, but (unless I did not look well) nothing struturally dedicated to them in operation and their...
Prototype railroading 33 3 1,229 1787362951
Walthers Cornerstone Spaces

Started by Rick Beatty in Scenery and structures: Has anyone bought one of Walthers Spaces kits or just the insert? I was wondering how they compare to Roomettes.
Scenery and structures 6 1 386 1787360843
Publisher’s Musings: The hobbyist was always the point

Started by MRH in Magazine feedback: 📷 Read 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 18 31 606 1787360802
what aspects of model RRing are retired RRers most interested in?

Started by greg ciurpita in General discussion: since most model RRers seem to be model builders, wondering if same is true for retired RRer or if they are more interested in operation and the type of operation they experienced as a RRer?
General discussion 15 2 305 1787360579
Modeling a Shell gas station

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 5 13 277 1787355244
Looking for a barrel jack to2-pin terminal adapter rated for more than 5V

Started by DSteckler in Track and electrical/DCC: They look like this: 📷 The adapters I've found have a max voltage of 5V but my input voltage from a wall wart will probably be in the 6 - 7 volt range. The power supply will be...
Track and electrical/DCC 4 0 89 1787353494
Looking for MR Author George Hall

Started by Emdalco01 in General discussion: Hi I’m trying to make contact with past Model Railroader author George Hall. Can anyone help me out? Thanks - Daryl
General discussion 0 2 77 1787350727
Amtrak Airo testing on the NEC

Started by Ed Kapuscinski in Prototype railroading AMTRAK: Thanks to a friend I was able to go catch the new Amtrak Cascades Airo set testing on the Northeast Corridor this morning. I figured the gang here might enjoy seeing something "out of...
Prototype railroading AMTRAK 7 8 245 1787350258
FOS Scale Kit Of The Month Club Is Back

Started by Kevin Parson in Scenery and structures: Heads Up! The FOS Scale models Kit Of The Month Club is back and ready for orders/subscriptions. I Subscribed to the Kit Of The Month Club back in 2019 for a year. Thise kits have...
Scenery and structures 1 1 113 1787349790
Tiny Text Makes Forum Unreadable (Mobile Version)

Started by Ted Canaday in MRH forum help: About 10 days to 2 weeks ago (roughly), the font size I see when reading the forum turned tiny. So small it is barely readable. I almost exclusively read the forum on my phone. Only when I post...
MRH forum help 7 0 179 1787347735
Electrical Impulses: How benchwork can affect wiring

Started by MRH in Magazine feedback: 📷 Read 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 11 16 359 1787342703
$1000 to spend on machining

Started by David Emery in General discussion Machine Shop lathe: I've been following the discussions on machine tools in modeling, most recently the discussion on cutting small screws. So here's my question: As someone who has -zero- machine...
General discussion Machine Shop lathe 131 7 1,322 1787341987
GMR and MRP

Started by Rob Shilling in Journals/Blogs: Last night I picked up the recent issue of MR on a whim. Skimming through it today, I read that they are going to incorporate those two stand alone issues into their monthly issue. This saddens me...
Journals/Blogs 35 5 1,131 1787337700
Publisher’s Welcome: Modeling with printable labels

Started by MRH in Magazine feedback: 📷 Buy this issue! Share this: 📷 📷 📷 📷 ARTICLE SHOPPING LIST Full sheet printable labels, 40 sheets, Inkjet/Laser, $6, Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/4xISY63 ...
Magazine feedback 2 12 226 1787336384
new here

Started by newbie railroader in General discussion: hi, I'm beckham! I'm newer to model railroading. me and my grandpa did it years ago when I was just 4 or 5. I'm 13 now. I will be sharing pictures as I build back up my model train collection. I have...
General discussion 81 22 1,911 1787335656
HO ID help

Started by areibel in Locos and rolling stock: Hello! I've got an older HO steam loco that I bought a month or so on Ebay and it has me stumped. The original listing said it was a diecast boiler, but when it showed up it was a plastic...
Locos and rolling stock 14 3 441 1787330281
Tulsa hobby shops and railroad activities ?

Started by DaleMierzwik in General discussion: I am going to be headed to Tulsa Oklahoma in October for a few months for work (lucky me). I was wondering about hobby shops or other model railroading or rail fanning opportunities in the area? I...
General discussion 9 1 210 1787301989
Archiving the best of the MRH forum

Started by joef in General discussion: Some concern has been raised about archiving the best of the MRH forum into some form that will outlive me, Joe Fugate. So let’s do just that, and I’m seeking your help. Here is the...
General discussion 76 15 1,095 1787293986
Setting up Stonehammer in new room

Started by Deemiorgos in Dream and design: This looks like the room I will have to work with. Might have to get rid of the third module, which is 6' 6"X 3'. 📷 Dimensions of Stonehammer: 📷...
Dream and design 144 3 3,889 1787293173
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 847 12 98,481 1787281305
Weekly Photo Fun - Aug 9-15, 2026

Started by JC Shall in General discussion Photos: It's another week . . . post 'em if you got 'em. There were several late-comers in last week's post . Check them out, then come back here afterward
General discussion Photos 29 5 1,299 1787276374

>> Refresh page

Note: Your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Many features may not work properly without it. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.