Although signs are everywhere in everyday life, they’re typically absent from many backyard railroad scenes. If one wants a particular sign, then one has to make it himself or have it made commercially. Fortunately, in this day of desktop printing and digital technology, the palette we have available is constantly broadening. Even old standbys, like […]
In this free, 40-page download, we explore some of the most complex railroad locations in the United States. With multiple tracks, rough terrain, and dense traffic, these spots make for some great train-watching locations. Download this free guide to read about: Horseshoe Curve, Conrail’s mountainous railroad with multiple track tunnels and steep grades The Chicago […]
Nearly all of us have dreamt of building a large toy train layout. The stark reality is that many of us lack the real estate, resources, or time for such an endeavor. But there’s no reason to be disappointed. This free guide from the experts at Classic Toy Trains includes a salute to the small layout, with […]
For those entering the hobby, this free guide from Model Railroader offers 14 pages of advice and inspiration. We provide tips on getting started, a guide on scales and gauges, and inspiration to build your own model railroad. […]
In the depths of winter, train-watching can take on a whole new dimension, while railroad operations become more complicated. In this five-part series, we take you from the freezing temperatures of Alaska, to the Canadian tundra, to Wisconsin’s snowy terrain, with stories of how railroaders and rail fans have braved the elements. This free download […]
Celebrate the winter season with Classic Trains’ compilation of Winter Rail Memories, featuring four articles and stunning images showcasing some of our favorite snow-filled stories. In Long Way Home for Christmas, author David Ingles recounts his trip home from college in 1965, when he ventured on a rail odyssey from central Illinois, to Dearborn, Mich., […]
We start off the new year with a new project layout in the January 2018 issue of Model Railroader magazine. Don’t miss part 1 of the HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound Tar Branch project layout. Other stories include a tour of a classic Texas & Pacific model railroad that found new life as a […]
There are standards for many of aspects of life, and these are generally good things—they help to make more different things work together easier. For example, when you plug something into the USB port on your computer, standards that govern that interface ensure that what you plug in will work with your computer. One would […]
Welcome to the enjoyable and exciting hobby of toy trains! Folks enter this hobby a number of ways. Perhaps you found your childhood train set after many years and want to relive the fun you had with those toys. Maybe you picked up a vintage toy locomotive and cars at a yard sale or an […]
Model roads look best when they are built to the proper size. By planning for the streets and roads at the same time you design your layout, you can be sure you have enough room for them. Rest assured that if you plan ahead and follow the prototype, your streets will realistically enhance your layout. […]
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Trains Magazine columnist Fred W. Frailey takes a look inside BNSF Railway’s busy Willow Springs intermodal yard, near Chicago. In this free download, you’ll get a peek behind the security fence to experience the rush to move priority UPS traffic into and out of the Windy City. […]
