SMR Trains O gauge 4-4-0

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Okay, let’s give a big shout-out to the Union Army for giving Johnny Reb what for! And one of the things that helped make Atlanta “Hotlanta,” was the United States Military Railroad (USMRR). The USMRR provided strategic direction and operational management to the North’s transport efforts. Col. Daniel C. McCallum, former superintendent of the Erie […]

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Terry Johnson’s O gauge layout action

After watching this video, be sure to check out his other clips, especially the one titled “Special Effects” that highlights the computerized special effects on his layout which include sunset, stars, cricket sounds, a storm with wind, rain, lightening and thunder, fog, sunrise, and chirping birds […]

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Lionel’s O gauge jet-powered rail diesel car

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In the declining years of private passenger haulage, one of the illusions held out for consideration was that the public might be drawn back to the rails if passenger trains ran at or near airline speeds. In the caveman days of the 1960s, high-speed rail was pretty much just finding a way to match the […]

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O gauge Peter Witt trolley car by Williams

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Although horse-drawn trolleys could be found in many American cities, rapid movement of commuters really became practical when the routes were electrified. Interestingly, many vintage photos show trolleys running along dirt streets in relatively large cities, with pedestrians, horse-drawn wagons, carts, and even a few carriages being their only competition for the roadway. As time […]

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Bill Hildebrand’s O gauge Erie Lackawanna railroad layout

Bill Hildebrand used scale drawings and inexpensive hardboard material to construct an O gauge model of the famous Hoboken Terminal. Ornate architecture, magnificent concourses, and a seemingly endless parade of people and trains are just a few of the characteristics that make large passenger train terminals just as captivating on toy train layouts as they […]

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Kitbash a unique O gauge railroad station

Richard Van de Kieft formed an impressive O gauge passenger terminal out of two MTH structures. Photos by Michael Raynor 2. A motor tool with a cutting disk quickly removes a tapered support along the interior ledge. 3. Use a razor saw to cut the ledge and separate the walls. 1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver […]

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6 hot postwar Lionel collectibles

5 postwar Lionel collectibles on the rise

F3s, Hudsons, and Girls’ trains – those are the postwar jackpots that everybody knows about. Here, though, are six underexposed Lionel items that are quickly moving up the charts. Models courtesy Joe Algozzini What’s hot today among postwar Lionel trains and accessories? I attend several train shows each year, check out eBay listings almost every […]

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Create your own Christmas train

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A GIFT FROM THE HEART IS SOMETHING TO TREASURE. If the gift happens to be a train, that’s all the better. Such is the case with the Christmas train I created for my club layout to operate throughout the holiday season. While a variety of special holiday sets are readily available from toy train manufacturers, […]

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