NEW YORK — An independent report released Monday contends Amtrak’s Hudson River tunnels can be repaired while the tunnels remain in service, contrary to a longstanding belief that the tunnels cannot be fully refurbished until they can be taken out of service following the construction of the proposed Gateway Project tunnel between New Jersey and […]
Modeling Topic: Structures
Amtrak report details urgent need for Hudson Tunnel repairs
Amtrak says it needs to make urgent repairs to its existing Hudson River tunnels — a process that could cost hundreds of millions of dollars — to address the potential for catastrophic failure of the century-old passageways between New Jersey and New York’s Penn Station. The Associated Press reports it has reviewed a not-yet-completed Amtrak […]
Detroit’s Delray Tower closed
DETROIT — One of the few remaining manned towers in the United States, and one of just two remaining in Michigan, was idled Monday, as CSX Transportation’s Delray Tower in Detroit — said to be the last tower to use strong-arm levers — was switched over to control of the CSX RN Dispatcher in Jacksonville, […]
Walthers HO scale wood coaling tower
If your steam-era railroad needs a compact locomotive servicing terminal, Walthers has a new HO scale structure that will fill the bill (and your locomotive’s tender). The compact Wood Coaling Tower (item no. 933-4202) is big enough to keep a handful of steam locomotives fueled without taking up a lot of layout space. Its short […]
How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 7 – Add finishing details and scenery
David Popp’s O scale laser-cut wood turntable kit is now completely assembled! The project build concludes as he shows how to add appropriate earth, grass, and ballast scenery to the pit, before securing small detail parts (e.g., nut-bolt-washer castings). […]
How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 7 – Add finishing details and scenery
David Popp’s O scale laser-cut wood turntable kit is now completely assembled! The project build concludes as he shows how to add appropriate earth, grass, and ballast scenery to the pit, before securing small detail parts (e.g., nut-bolt-washer castings). […]
Digest: New Amtrak station opens in Buffalo
Still more Monday morning rail news: New Buffalo Amtrak station opens Amtrak’s new downtown Buffalo, N.Y., station opened Sunday, with the $28 million structure replacing a building from 1952 that had occupied the same spot. The Buffalo News reports the new building, at 4,800 square feet, is about three times as large as its predecessor, […]
It’s My Railroad with Steve Brown: Details, details, details, Ep. 20
Details, details, details! Our “Regular Guy” Steve Brown keeps the banter at bay, before jumping into how he uses computer printouts to make building interiors and exterior signage. Plus, he shares how and where to add big crates, bound loads of lumber, and many other details to complete his authentic N scale Port Smith setting! […]
It’s My Railroad with Steve Brown: Details, details, details, Ep. 20
Details, details, details! Our “Regular Guy” Steve Brown keeps the banter at bay, before jumping into how he uses computer printouts to make building interiors and exterior signage. Plus, he shares how and where to add big crates, bound loads of lumber, and many other details to complete his authentic N scale Port Smith setting! […]
Fire Station No. 9 by Menards
FIRE STATION NO. 9 BY MENARDS Price: $109.99 Stock no.: 279-5927 Features:Helicopter with rotating blades, two moving fire trucks, five figures, and an illuminated American flag. Illumination/animation requires 4.5-volt power supply nos. 279-4050, 4061, or 4062, sold separately. Website: Menards.com/Trains This is Menards’ second entry in the O gauge fire-fighting game, and it’s the most […]
New model trains for the week of November 5, 2020
HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Diesel/Progress Rail SD70ACU diesel locomotive. Canadian Pacific (red with monochrome beaver herald and maroon-and-gray heritage scheme with script lettering in two road numbers each; Army Arid Regions and Navy schemes in one number each) and Norfolk Southern (Thoroughbred scheme, four numbers). Prototype-specific details, light-emitting-diode headlights, and wire grab irons. Direct-current model […]
Expert Scratchbuilding Tips with Renee Grosser: Part 3, Doors and Windows
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Expert modeler Renee Grosser demonstrates how she makes window and door openings in the O scale structures she likes to scratchbuild using sheet styrene material. You’ll also see how she prepares some of the finishing details and weathering effects for her farmhouse project. […]