Help Getting Videos To Play

Welcome, Trackside Model Railroading subscribers! To ensure everyone around the world can download our digital magazine videos quickly—even with limited internet speeds—we encode our layout videos using a modern format called AV1.

Because this format is so new, your computer's standard video player might need a quick update or a specialized program to open them. Below are three simple ways to get your model railroad videos playing right away.

Option 1: The Easiest Way – Download VLC Media Player (Recommended)

VLC is a completely free, safe, and trusted media player that comes with built-in support for AV1 videos. Once installed, it will play your layout videos automatically without any extra steps.

  1. Go to the official website: Click the link to open the official download page: VLC Media Player Website.

  2. Download the program: Click the big orange "Download VLC" button in the middle of the screen.

  3. Install it: Once the file finishes downloading at the bottom or top right of your screen, click on it to open it. Follow the simple on-screen instructions (just click "Next" or "Agree" through the prompts) until installation finishes.

  4. Play your video: Find the model railroad video file you downloaded from our magazine, right-click it, choose Open with, and select VLC media player.

Option 2: Use Your Existing Windows Player with the Free Microsoft Store Plug-in

If you prefer to use the built-in Microsoft Media Player or Windows Movie Player that came with your computer, you can download a free official plug-in from Microsoft that teaches your computer how to read AV1 files.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store: Click your Windows Start button at the bottom left of your screen, type Microsoft Store, and click the app when it appears.

  2. Search for the plug-in: In the search bar at the top of the Microsoft Store window, type AV1 Video Extension and press Enter.

  3. Get the free extension: Look for the official app published by Microsoft Windows (it has a small film icon). Click the blue Get or Install button. It is completely free.

  4. Play your video: Once installed, you can double-click your downloaded model railroad videos, and they will open right up in your standard Windows player!

Option 3: Use Your Web Browser (No Installation Needed)

If you do not want to install any new programs or plug-ins on your computer, you can use a web browser you likely already have open.

  1. Locate the downloaded layout video file on your computer (usually found in your Downloads folder).

  2. Right-click the video file icon.

  3. Hover your mouse over Open with.

  4. Select an internet browser you have installed, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox.

  5. The video will open and play directly inside your web browser window.

Need extra help? If you run into any trouble viewing your Trackside Model Railroading videos, please reach out via email and we will be happy to guide you through it!