High-tech modeling for garden railroaders

Let me introduce you to a new online-only feature of Garden Railways magazine. I am going to discuss the latest in available modeling technology and the potential impact it may have on our hobby. I am going to feature technology overviews, resources, links, projects, and question and answers. I invite all hobbyists to join the […]

Read More…

BLMA Models HO scale 62-foot insulated boxcar

The BLMA HO scale model features many prototype-specific separately applied detail parts. A well-detailed injection-molded plastic model of Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe’s class BX-166 62-foot insulated boxcar is the latest offering from BLMA Models. The ready-to-run car features double plug doors framed by canted exterior posts, an assortment of separately applied details, and Kadee […]

Read More…

O gauge B1 electric locomotive from MTH

O gauge BB1 electric locomotive from MTH Price: $749.95 (no. 20-5679-1) Min Curve: O-31 Cmd Low: 4.4 smph Cnv Low: 5.1 smph High: 57.2 smph Drawbar pull: 1 lb., 6 oz. Features: Die-cast metal construction, two can-style motors, coil couplers, ProtoSound 3.0 sound and command system Current production road names: Pennsylvania RR (two paint variations), […]

Read More…

O gauge 2-8-2 Mikado with LionChief Plus by Lionel

O gauge LionChief Plus 2-8-2 from Lionel Price: $429.99 (no. 81295) Features: O-31 operation, can-style motor, LionChief Plus command system and remote handheld controller, Electro coupler on tender, RailSounds RC sound system, conventional running option Current production run: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Chessie System; Great Northern; Pennsylvania RR TThe 2-8-2 Mikado locomotive was a […]

Read More…

Shrubbery: low-maintenance bushy plants

1. The Rhaetian Railway’s (RhB) Bernina Express runs from the Chur area in Switzerland over the Alps to Italy, here modeled with 12 varieties of thyme and other herbaceous perennials from the Mediterranean. Top left, pink fanflowers (Scaevola sp.) hang over pink stems of golden oregano (Oreganum vulgare ‘Aureum Crispum’, Zones 5-9). Underneath, lining the […]

Read More…

O gauge passenger cars from Atlas O

O gauge passenger cars from Atlas O Price: $99.95 each (Railway Post Office car, baggage car, combine, coach) Features: O-36 operation, plastic construction, die-cast metal trucks and couplers, interior decoration and illumination, separately applied diaphragms Current run road names: Burlington Route, Central RR of New Jersey/NJDOT, Chesapeake & Ohio, Milwaukee Road, New York Central One […]

Read More…

MTH O gauge no. 256 and no. 700-series car set from Lionel Corp. Tinplate Line

O gauge nos. 256 locomotive and 700-series cars from Lionel Corp. Tinplate Line (MTH) Price: $499.95 (no. 11-6060-1 New Haven locomotive), $399.95 (no. 11-80047 three-car 710 series passenger set) Features: Locomotive O-31 operation, flywheel-equipped motor, stamped-steel construction, latch couplers, ProtoSound 3.0 sound and command system. Rolling stock O-31 operation, stamped-steel construction, interior illumination, latch couplers […]

Read More…

Crest Electronics Revolution Base Station Super Receiver

Kevin Strong Revolution Base Station/Super Receiver Crest Electronics The Noble Building, Rm. 230 32 Noble St. Newark NJ 07114 Price: MSRP, $250 Website: www.crest-electronics.net High-current capable (15 amps), sound and control receiver for use either onboard or as a trackside controller for track power. Dimensions: 11/4″ tall, 3″ wide, 41/2″ long] Pros: Able to handle […]

Read More…

How to use the color red in the garden

1. From the edge of the railway, red kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos ‘Dwarf Delight’, Zones 9-11) wave furry red fingers at trains from multi-branched stems all summer. Frank and Ruby Andrews planted these Aussie imports lower than the track to frame their Maple Rock Railway as trains pass. The plants’ frost-sensitive basal leaves may require mulching […]

Read More…

New large-scale products for February 2014

Bachmann boxcar Ozark Miniatures Inc. boxcar kit DeAgostini and ModelSpace locomotive Locomotives & rolling stock Bachmann Trains, 1400 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19124, is offering Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey rolling stock for separate sale, as follows: Jackson & Sharp Coach #73 ($135); Water Tanker ($110); a choice of two Tableau Wagons on […]

Read More…

O gauge armored train by Lionel (MTH)

Armored trains have quite a history, dating back as far as the American Civil War. Trains offered speed and flexibility for the movement of troops and supplies and could serve as artillery platforms. Of course, once that advantage was realized, opponents sought ways to interdict the movement through placement of mines, destruction of bridges and […]

Read More…