May 2024

The May 2024 cover of Model Railroader magazine

Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Remembering JDH NEWS AND PRODUCTS, pg. 10 Hobby industry news ASK MR, pg. 16 Why is there an F on the front of diesels? STEP BY STEP, pg. 21 Build a laser-cut wood structure kit PROTOTYPE TO […]

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Kalmbach rail magazines, Trains.com sold to Firecrown Media

Logo of Kalmbach Media

WAUKESHA, Wis. — Trains Magazine, the company’s other rail magazines, and Trains.com are among assets that have been sold by Kalmbach Media to Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Firecrown Media, the two companies have announced today (May 1). Other Kalmbach titles involved in the transaction are Classic Trains, Model Railroader, Classic Toy Trains, FineScale Modeler, and Astronomy, as […]

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Preview CTT May and June 2024 content

part of model train layout with wheelchair in background

We’re always adding new content to our website. Here’s some recent items you may have missed. Buyer’s guide to structures The one that got away   Coming soon! Handicap accessability for toy train layouts Bob Keller writes about a locomotive he loves: Lionel’s No. 41 Army Switcher […]

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Preview Garden Railways May and June 2024 content

model pickle car on garden railway

While we may no longer be printing Garden Railways magazine, we’re adding new content to Trains.com every week! Here’s a few recent items, and a preview of what’s coming in the next month. Become a Trains.com member so you don’t miss any of this great content! If you have a story suggestion, email editor@gardenrailways.com Kitbashing […]

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Preview May and June Trains 2024 content

Trains Magazine logo

Up in May … We’re always adding new content to our website! Here’s a sneak peek at a few items coming up soon. Travel: Exploring London by rail Exploring London by rail unlocks the best the metropolis has to offer. As one of the world’s great cities, London is a popular destination for American travelers […]

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CTT and LCCA track planning contest

vintage track planning contest ad

In 1960, Lionel announced a layout contest on the back cover of their catalog and in a TV commercial. To enter their contest, you had to choose one of three layouts, actually construct it, and then send in a photo. Unfortunately, no follow up was ever published. Now, 64 years later, here’s a new layout […]

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Breaking the code: Model railroad track codes defined

track with grass and telephone poles on side

Model railroad track codes Breaking the Code Model railroad track is sold in rail height variations called “codes.”  This indicates the height of the rail in thousandths of an inch. Common sizes in HO scale: Code 100 (.100″) Code 83 (.083″) Code 70 (.070″) Common sizes in N scale: Code 80 (.080″) Code 55 (.055″) […]

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CSX donates $50,000 to Key Bridge Fund

CSX logo

BALTIMORE — CSX has donated $50,000 to the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund, the railroad has announced. The fund, established by the Baltimore Community Foundation, supports families, port workers, first responders, small businesses, and communities affected by the March 26 Key Bridge tragedy. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this […]

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April 2024

The April 2024 cover of Model Railroader

Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Hobby milestones: The creation of N scale NEWS AND PRODUCTS, pg. 10 Rapido Canadian Pacific class D10 4-6-0 review, plus the latest new products ASK MR, pg. 16 Why are there no kits for a glass plant? […]

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Model Railroader Hall of Fame May nominees

Color photo of man wearing sunglasses and cowboy hat on horse

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Model Railroader Hall of Fame May nominees. For those of you joining us for the first time, we’re creating a hall of fame as part of our 90th anniversary year. The rules for nomination are simple. The inductee must have made a significant contribution to […]

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