How to glue dissimilar materials

Photo of insulation board, adhesive tubes, and Hydrocal castings

Q: I’m building a retaining wall using Woodland Scenics’ cut stone castings and want to attach them to extruded-foam insulation board. What is the best glue to use for this project? — Alan Cox A: The Woodland Scenics cut stone retaining walls are Hydrocal castings, so you’re going to want an adhesive that will work […]

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A last look at the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy in HO scale

Facts and features Name: Milwaukee, Racine & TroyScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 28′-3″ x 54′-9″Prototype: freelanced bridge lineLocale: southeastern WisconsinEra: 1980s and 1990sStyle: walk-inMainline run: approximately 200 feetMinimum radius: 36″Minimum turnout: No. 6 (main), No. 4 (spurs)Maximum grade: 3% eastbound, 1.5% westbound (5.5% on ramp)Benchwork: 1 x 4 open gridHeight: 493∕4” to 671∕2“Roadbed: cork on 3∕4” plywoodTrack: […]

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News & Products for the week of November 11th 2024

A black model caboose

News & Products for the week of November 11th 2024   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of November 11th […]

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Sir Rod Stewart’s Grand Street & Three Rivers RR in HO scale

A track plan for Sir Rod Stewart's Grand Street & Three Rivers layout

Facts and features Name: Grand Street & Three Rivers RRScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: Layout: 27′-6″ x 62′-0″, Room: 31′-6″ x 66′-0″Prototype: New York Central and Pennsylvania RRLocale: Chicago/New York CityEra: mid-1940sStyle: walk-inMainline run: 900 feetMinimum radius: 30″Minimum turnout: No. 8Maximum grade: 3.5%Benchwork: box gridHeight: 39″ (main line), 51″ (El), 52″ (viaduct loop), and 56″ (upper cement […]

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Insuring model trains

Though we consider model railroading a hobby, it’s also an investment. Consider the prices of model trains today. Depending on the scale, level of detail, and features, a ready-to-run freight car retails for anywhere from $20 to $150. Today’s injection-molded plastic steam and diesel locomotives are priced from $150 to $900. The numbers start to […]

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HO scale GP16 from InterMountain

Color photo showing nose details on HO scale diesel locomotive.

An HO scale GP16 diesel locomotive is the latest offering from InterMountain Railway Co. The model, based on prototypes rebuilt by Seaboard Coast Line (SCL) in the late 1970s and early 1980s, features an injection-molded plastic body; a die-cast metal chassis; and a variety of separate, factory-applied detail parts. GP16 was the designation SCL gave […]

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ScaleTrains N scale EMD SD40T-2

Title screen from product review video showing N scale diesel painted yellow and gray.

The ScaleTrains N scale EMD SD40T-2 diesel locomotive recently visited our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy State Line Route. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he provides a short history of the tunnel motor locomotive and Union Pacific 8803; highlights the many prototype-specific details on the Rivet Counter line model; and demonstrates the sound […]

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How railroads identify buffer service cars

Color photo of HO scale covered hopper painted gray with black graphics.

Q: Although I’m an N scale modeler, I read the review of the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy HO scale buffer car on Trains.com. Reading the description brought up a question. Do railroads designate cars to dedicated buffer service? If so, how are these cars identified as used in buffer service only? — Perry A. Pollino […]

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November 2024

The November cover of Model Railroader, which features a model locomotive on a model railroad layout with a blue sky background

Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Exploring the opportunities of S scale NEWS AND REVIEWS, pg. 10 HO scale CN GP9RM from Rapido reviewed, plus the latest new products ASK MR, pg. 18 Passenger car placement in mixed trains STEP BY STEP, […]

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News & Products for the week of November 4th 2024

A black model steam locomotive

News & Products for the week of November 4th 2024   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of November 4th […]

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When to splurge and when not to splurge

Photo of six HO scale freight cars on white background

Let’s admit it, model railroading isn’t the cheapest hobby. Whether you’re a collector, operator, or both, trains and accessories can add up quickly. I’m not a financial advisor, and I can’t tell you how to spend your money, but here are some points to think about when you question when to splurge and when not […]

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The basics of using track planning software

Computer software screenshot

Computer-aided design (CAD) software is an essential tool and great option in helping to experiment and track plan your model railroad in a timely manner. There can be a learning curve in understanding the program of your choosing. However, understanding the basics of using track planning software can go a long way when preparing to […]

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