Q Did railroads that used Pullman service have their own sleeper and parlor cars too, or were one or the other used exclusively on any particular train? Also, how were contracts structured: Did Pullman pay the railroads for space on the trains and garner all the fares, or did the railroads pay for the service […]
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Spotter control
This sign on a SD80MAC means it can move a short distance on battery power through one traction motor. Walter Fertsak Q In Cresson, Pa., this year, I saw a SD80MAC with a little plate above the first axle. What does this signify?— Walter Fertsak, Austria A Spotter Control is a locomotive on-board system used […]
Second 68 and the Lafayette Helper
With engineer Steiner at the throttle of Nickel Plate Road 893, fireman Jennings shows photographer Lewis the coal scoop, which Lewis often wielded aboard the old 2-8-0. Hal Lewis In 1949, on the Nickel Plate Road’s Peoria Division, a daily eastbound local freight, operated as Second 68, ran from Peoria to Frankfort, Ind. Its power […]
Toting minerals in Michigan
A trio of six-axle Alcos moves tonnage through Partridge, Mich., on Feb. 19, 1981 on the Chicago & Northwestern. Tom Murray photo […]
Videos: Five ways to weather
Associate editor Cody Grivno demonstrates five weathering techniques to make your models look realistic. Click each image to watch the video. Airbrush Give your freight cars and locomotives a general coat of grime Artists’ oils (Subscriber bonus) Makes it easy to apply weathering washes and simulate rust patches Powdered pastels A popular choice for weathering […]
Basic Training: How to install feeder wires
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Good electrical connections are key to a smooth running model railroad, and one way to help achieve this is with feeder wires. In this basic training video you’ll learn how to attach feeder wires to the rails of model railroad track. […]
How to install feeder wires
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Good electrical connections are key to a smooth running model railroad, and one way to help achieve this is with feeder wires. In this basic training video you’ll learn how to attach feeder wires to the rails of model railroad track. […]
Drawings to build the Canton Depot
Download the PDF of this project here. In the April 2011 issue, Ian Stringer’s Hensellvania Division shows a model of the Canton Depot. Download these plans to build your own Canton Depot, compliments of our sister publication Model Railroader. […]
Selective compression techniques for large-scale structures
In the April 2011 issue, Kevin Strong describes how to create purpose for your garden railway. He suggests using a technique for structures called “selective compression.” Download this related article by Jack Verducci, who describes how to use this technique. […]
Plans to make a big-top circus tent
Download the PDF of this project here. In the April 2011 issue, Rich Perrelli and his wife tell us how they used part of their railway to create a county fairground. Download these plans to build a big-top circus tent for your railway! […]
News & Products for February 17, 2011
HO scale locomotives U.S. Military RR General Haupt 4-4-0 steam locomotive. Faulhaber-type coreless motor, operating headlight and firebox light, and electrical pickups on all tender wheels. Price to be announced. Late 2011. Ready-to-run. Eight-Wheeler Models, eightwheelermodels.com ExactRail LLC HO scale 48-foot depressed-center flatcar HO scale freight cars 48-foot depressed-center flatcar. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; […]
When white was black
A Reading I-8sb 2-8-0, standard freight power on the road’s Wilmington & Northern branch, is a long way from that bucolic line as it heads a local freight at Newtown Junction in Philadelphia on November 22, 1947. Leslie R. Ross When I was a teenager, some 60 years ago, I spent much time exploring, watching, […]
