From starter train set to layout

A printout of a simple HO scale 4x8 track plan, highlighted in three colors

Many model railroaders get their start during the holiday season, with a train set either wrapped in colorful paper or already set up and circling under the tree on Christmas morning. But after a while, even a starry-eyed kid can get bored watching that train go around and around in an endless loop. It would […]

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South Dakota Railroad Museum 2020 tour

Man with glasses standing in front of a caboose end.

Join us in Hill City, S.D., for one a visit to one of the nation’s best state railroad museums. Housed in an enginehouse-like building next to the Black Hills Central tourist railroad, the South Dakota Railroad Museum tells the story of the Mount Rushmore State’s railroads. Executive Director Rick Mills gives us a tour of […]

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Video: Atlas HO Trainkids Acela Train Set

Atlas HO scale Trainkids Train Set

The Atlas Trainkids Acela Train Set has everything needed to get a youngster started in model railroading. Senior editor Dana Kawala shows you have to set up the track and get trains rolling. You can get the Atlas Trainkids Train Set and additional cars and track at KalmbachHobbyStore.com […]

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PIKO large scale train set

Cody Grivno

Learn how to operate this large scale model train set with Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno. He’ll show you how to put together the track and attach the power pack that controls the locomotive. […]

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LGB Large Scale Train Set

Dana Kawala

Senior editor Dana Kawala looks at LGB’s Special Edition USA no. 78441 large scale Santa Fe starter set. He covers the basics of how to set up this ready-to-run train, complete with track and transformer. […]

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MTH HO scale F3 train set with sound

Dana Kawala

The MTH HO scale F3 train set features a locomotive, freight cars, track, and power supply. This model train set is also available with the MTH Digital Command System and ProtoSound 3.0 sound system. Senior editor Dana Kawala demonstrates both versions. […]

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