Locomotives are the power behind the rail industry, and capturing the perfect photo of a locomotive is no small feat. That’s why Trains magazine is offering this 40-page special download all about locomotives. This free PDF includes an in-depth guide to rail-fanning in Los Angeles, where there’s no shortage of activity from the likes of Union Pacific, […]
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Electric Railroads
The electrification of U.S. railroads has long been a vision for the future that’s never reached its full potential. From 18th century technology development, to early 20th century progress on major electric traction projects, the United States was a world leader in railroad electrification. But electrification expansion projects were halted during World War II and, […]
How-to Library: Track Planning Made Easy – Computer-aided design, Part 1 Getting Started

So you’ve got a plan in mind for a new model railroad, but just can’t seem to get it out of your head?!? In an all-new MRVP mini-series, helpful handyman Gerry Leone walks you through the steps for turning a layout idea into a specific track plan, all with the assistance of computer-aided design (CAD) […]
Build a realistic toy train layout

Use the ideas in this booklet to get started today on how-to projects to add realistic detail to your toy train layout. Inside, you’ll find: Three ways to make rivers and lakes Instructions to create a realistic wood roadway crossing 20 easy scenery tips A step-by-step guide to drawing a track plan Enter your email […]
6 ways to improve your toy train scenery

Whether your toy train layouts are basic or hi-rail, we’ve assembled scenery projects to inspire you to make your railroad all you want it to be! Inside, you’ll learn how to: Make a gorge or creek bed for an O or S gauge railroad Create a miniature welding scene or quick-and-easy junked cars Use forced […]
25 ways to make your model railroad better

This 15-page supplement includes: Tips for more operational possibility Full-color schematics A handy checklist for planning your layout Suggestions for improving the space around your railroad Ways to make offstage yards operate flawlessly Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter and get your free download! […]
Design your own track plan

This free, 15-page supplement includes information on: Defining the railroad you want Putting your ideas into accurate drawings Designing for reliability through standards Figuring grades and clearances Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter and get your free download! […]
Lionel’s Disappearing Train Layout

This free PDF exposes the secret behind one of Lionel’s greatest layouts; The Lionel disappearing train tunnel adds a wow factor to any classic toy train layout. Explore the detailed illustrations for assembling Lionel’s D-27 disappearing train layout in this free download. […]
Model railroads for small spaces

Don’t think you have room for a model railroad? Check out these layouts that range in style from a narrow shelf to a tabletop to a walk-in design and more. This 20-page article collection from Model Railroader features: two N scale layouts two HO scale layouts an On2½ narrow gauge model railroad You’ll get track plans and […]
Model Railroader magazine index for 2016

Click here to view a PDF version of the Model Railroader Magazine index for 2016. […]
MRVP Layout Visit: John Tews’ Timber River Railway in HO scale

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this MRVP Exclusive Layout Visit, Master Model Railroader John Tews hosts a tour of the sites and facilities found on his HO scale Timber River Railway. You’ll also enjoy an insider’s look at the realistic scheme and prototypical practices that make his […]
Trains Magazine 2016 Index

Trains Magazine 2016 Index trains_2016_index […]