Building an outdoor garden caboose

Photo 1 Sun has set but modeling continues in paradise—a building for building railway gear, rain or shine. In this caboose, the author keeps kits under construction, trains ready to run, parts drawers, a tiny fridge, and an electric kettle. A train runs through it. Garden tools hang just inside the end door. Rungs lead […]

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O gauge F59PHI from Williams by Bachmann

O gauge F59PHI from Williams by Bachmann Price: $529.95 (No. 23403) Min Curve: O-31 Speed range: 14.9 smph to 62.9 smph Drawbar pull: 2 lb., 3 oz. Features: Two can-style motors, TruBlast sound, smoke, illuminated cab, directional lighting, operating couplers Current-production road names: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Amtrak California, Amtrak Cascades For more information: www.BachmannTrains.com. Further […]

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Conversations with Brian Solomon

Trains Magazine · Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 39 Railroad author and photographer Brian Solomon produces this exclusive biweekly podcast for Trains Magazine. You can catch his column monthly in the magazine or his daily railroad photography blog at briansolomon.com/trackingthelight. Conversations with Brian Solomon, Episode 38 We’re back on the railfan track this week with […]

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Viaduct construction–a balancing act

Photo 1 If at first you don’t succeed, get better materials, says Stan Ames, whose previous viaduct lasted less than five years. This strong and graceful viaduct, a good fit in Massachusetts, is in its ninth year serving the SJR&P. Read how in Regional reports. Stan Ames Photo 2 A master of mechanical principles and […]

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CSX streamlines intermodal network, including interline service with BNSF and UP NEWSWIRE

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation is streamlining its intermodal network to focus on more profitable longer-haul service linking major markets. Lost in the shuffle: Service between low-volume origin-destination pairs as well as certain shorter-haul direct interline moves made in conjunction with BNSF Railway and Union Pacific through Chicago. The railroad informed customers today about numerous […]

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Modeling mines and quarries

Photo 1 Mining means accessing Earth’s layers. Splitting slate exposes unusual fossil-faced stone. Taller flagstone hides structural elevated-roadbed posts. Shorter stone risers step up scenery to a higher mountain area. Slate cars wait to be winched up the 22% incline, held together by fines and concrete-bonding adhesive. The author’s Agriculture & Gravel Elevated also quarries […]

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Quick Look: Kato N scale Johnstown American BethGon protein gondola

Kato N scale Johnstown America BethGon protein gondola Price: Eight-pack, $155 Manufacturer Kato USA Inc. 100 Remington Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173 www.katousa.com Road names: Wells Fargo Rail Corp. (SBTX reporting marks) and Burlington Northern. Two eight-packs per name. Era: April/May 2009 to present Comments: Bring the modern era to your N scale layout with protein […]

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Atlas HO scale AEM-7 electric locomotive

Atlas HO scale AEM-7 electric locomotive The AEM-7 may have been retired by Amtrak, but Atlas has brought back its HO model, with a new Electronic Solutions Ulm LokSound Select dual-mode decoder, for another run. Since Model Railroader last reviewed this model in the March 2000 issue, sound-equipped locomotives have proliferated. Bringing the model back […]

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Operator positions on the SJR&P Railroad

A mixed freight crosses the water-lily filled Lake Sarah Jane on its way to Bat Yard. While much of their SJR&P runs through their backyard forest, Deb and Stan Ames view this beautiful viaduct from their cedar deck (the crew lounge). Thelma Shoneman An oil train from Riley snakes down the railway on its way […]

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ScaleTrains.com HO scale Thrall carbon black covered hopper

ScaleTrains.com HO scale Thrall carbon black covered hopper A Thrall 4,727-cubic-foot capacity carbon black covered hopper is the latest addition to the ScaleTrains.com Rivet Counter line of superdetailed models. The injection-molded plastic model features roadnumber-specific details, photo-etched stainless steel running boards and crossover platforms, and Barber S-2 70-ton trucks with rotating bearing caps. Carbon black […]

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MTH O gauge Union Pacific 4-6-2

MTH O gauge Union Pacific 4-6-2 Price: $499.95 (no. 20648-1) Min Curve: O-31 Cmd Low: 6.1 smph Cnv Low: 7.7 smph High: 64.1 smph Drawbar pull: 2.1 lb. Features: Two can-style motors, ProtoSound 3.0 command and sound system, smoke unit, coil coupler on tender Current-production road names: Baltimore & Ohio, Lehigh Valley, Norfolk & Western, […]

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