Seven easy tips for smooth-running trains

toy train crossing bridge on layout

Locomotives and rolling stock are pretty durable in the O and S gauge hobby, but even the best performers in your fleet will benefit from regular inspection, cleaning, and oiling. Here are seven of our most essential maintenance basics. Most of these tips are one-evening projects, and some take even less time. Give them a […]

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O gauge F59PHI from Williams by Bachmann

cascades_engine

O gauge F59PHI from Williams by Bachmann Price: $529.95 (No. 23403) Min Curve: O-31 Speed range: 14.9 smph to 62.9 smph Drawbar pull: 2 lb., 3 oz. Features: Two can-style motors, TruBlast sound, smoke, illuminated cab, directional lighting, operating couplers Current-production road names: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Amtrak California, Amtrak Cascades For more information: www.BachmannTrains.com. Further […]

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Small town depot from Menards

post_office

Small town depot from Menards Price: $79.99 (No. 279-4437) Features: Rural train station with interior lighting, external detail pieces, and nine figures, sights-to-see billboard, cargo boxes, and luggage with hand truck. Power supply sold separately. Order online at www.Menards.com/Trains Every kid’s parents probably told him or her, “Good things come in small packages.” Of course, […]

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How to build floating shelf benchwork for a model railroad

Mindheimfloatingmodelrailroadbenchwork_01

Without any legs, brackets, or other visible means of support, floating benchwork keeps all attention focused on the model railroad. Follow along as author Lance Mindheim shows how to build these lightweight, yet sturdy shelves. Lance designed his benchwork for a 16″ shelf width. Use as many benchwork segments (shown above) as needed to match […]

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Eastbound and westbound trains

Burlington Northern & Spokane Portland Seattle Railroad

Name: Dave Condon Railroad Name: Burlington Northern & Spokane Portland Seattle Location: Kirkland, WA Scale: O scale Theme: Marshall Landing Washington Description: Heading West to Portland is a heavy BN freight train made up of GP30s and a GP9. My layout has a Portland Cement operation built by Model Structures. The cement rail cars are […]

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Eastbound and westbound trains

Burlington Northern & Spokane Portland Seattle Railroad

Name: Dave Condon Railroad Name: Burlington Northern & Spokane Portland Seattle Location: Kirkland, WA Scale: O scale Theme: Marshall Landing Washington Description: Heading West to Portland is a heavy BN freight train made up of GP30s and a GP9. My layout has a Portland Cement operation built by Model Structures. The cement rail cars are […]

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