Trains LIVE – Update C&NW No. 1385

Man standing in front of a steam locomotive that is being worked on.

Trains LIVE: Update C&NW No. 1385 — 3-15-2023 — In March 1907, the Chicago & North Western Railway took delivery of a 4-6-0 locomotive from Alco. Construction No. 42187 is an R1 class tipping the scale at 82 tons. The locomotive was assigned road No. 1385 and became part of C&NW’s largest steam locomotive class. […]

Read More…

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 9 | On the right track

After host David Popp cleans up a few foibles around the cork roadbed, he turns to the task of modifying turnouts to accommodate Tortoise switch motors. And then his full focus goes to laying down the trackwork! Follow his fastidious process for aligning the main line and gluing into place…to perfection! And be sure to […]

Read More…

Midday Modeler for March 8, 2023

On today’s Midday Modeler, David and Cody discuss painting track on the project railroad. Eric shows off the work he’s doing on a switch tower kit. Steve gives an update on the structures he’s building for the project layout. Mitch talks about working on the next layout structure, the water street freight terminal. David and […]

Read More…

Rick Abramson’s New York, New Haven & Hartford in HO scale

In this exclusive Trains.com video tour of an HO scale (1:87.1) model railroad based on New Haven operations in the 1950s and ‘60s, you’ll get to see close-up views of a masterfully detailed display! First showcased in the August 2004 issue of Model Railroader and Great Model Railroads 2020, Rick’s layout features exquisite catenary installations, […]

Read More…

Big Skies & Iron Rails, Crude Oil Trains

Railroads move a significant volume of crude oil, so it’s no surprise that Tom Danneman frequently frames these extensive unit trains traversing the expansive American West. These big trains and even bigger skies are all part of what makes Tom’s brand of contemporary railfanning so compelling to view – but only as part of the […]

Read More…

Big Skies & Iron Rails, Crude Oil Trains

Railroads move a significant volume of crude oil, so it’s no surprise that Tom Danneman frequently frames these extensive unit trains traversing the expansive American West. These big trains and even bigger skies are all part of what makes Tom’s brand of contemporary railfanning so compelling to view – but only as part of the […]

Read More…

Spaces to Places IV | Town development, part 1

There’s a new place in the making on Gerry Leone’s Bona Vista HO scale layout! Watch as he plans and plots out the details of a small community he calls “Westcott”. Take a tour down our host’s imagined Main Street, as he evaluates which structures and subtle details are best suited for the space. Plus, […]

Read More…

Troubleshooting problems with gauge-1 switches

piece of styrene in a turnout

Troubleshooting problems with gauge-1 switches: If you were to ask any model railroader what the biggest headache on his or her railroad was, “switches” would rank in the top three every time. If we want our trains to do more than just run around in circles, however, they’re a necessary part of any model railroad. […]

Read More…

Big Skies & Iron Rails, Hauling Freight

With our intrepid railfan Tom Danneman behind the camera, even a seemingly mundane manifest or general merchandise freight train stands out amidst the beautiful backdrop of the American West. Enjoy the striking natural views, complemented by the various sizes, shapes, and colors of modern freight trains traversing Big Skies & Iron Rails! Be sure to […]

Read More…

Midday Modeler for March 2, 2023

Midday Modeler for March 2, 2023: An image of two men standing in front of the underside of a model railroad layout

Progress on the new project layout continues as some new electronic components are installed. Eric shows off his assembled car for Ultimate Guide 2023. Steve begins working on structures for the project layout. Cody reveals some new MR&T cars and unboxes a new kit. David announces an exiting new video series, coming soon to Trains.com […]

Read More…

Midday Modeler for February 22, 2023

Two men in a model railroad workshop facing the camera.

The behind the scenes action on the freemo-org.com layout continues, as David and Eric provide updates. Bryson shows off a project he’s working on for Ultimate Guide 2023. Cody shares some techniques when working with plastic modeling kits. […]

Read More…