Santa Fe 3460 Hudsons: ‘Super’ 4-6-4s

Smoking Santa Fe 3460 Hudsons steam locomotive with train

Santa Fe 3460 Hudsons had an impact on the railroad much larger than their class size would indicate. Mention the Hudson steam locomotive and the name “Santa Fe” likely won’t come up right away. To be sure, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway’s roster was light on 4-6-4s, just 16 of them. And they […]

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Common methods for uncoupling cars

Photo showing two flatcars and assorted uncoupling items.

Automatic knuckle couplers have been a part of model railroading for more than 60 years. Not only do these couplers look more like what you see on full-size locomotives and freight cars, they’re easy to install and use. You can learn more about them in my articles on HO and N scale couplers on Trains.com. […]

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Smoke fluid suppliers for toy train operators

Lionel O gauge A6 Atlantic steam locomotive

Please contact the manufacturer directly about purchasing smoke fluid. As of this writing, there is one manufacturer of smoke pellets that’s compatable with postwar engines: SP Smoke Pellets. You can also check secondary markets to find new old stock of pellets. Happy operating! Bachmann Industries 1400 East Erie Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124 webstore@bachmanntrains.com Bachmanntrains.com Bart’s […]

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Mikados in the snow

For Snow Week 2024, let’s head west to view operations at two tourist railroads running 2-8-2 Mikado-type steam locomotives during the winter. We’ll begin at the Sumpter Valley Railroad in McEwen, Oregon, before jumping to Nevada to chase the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. Want to see and learn more about this class of steam locomotive? […]

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Minnesota museum announces steam-up dates for 2-8-0

Steam engine with period freight cars

DULUTH, Minn. — Following successful test runs and a single excursion in autumn 2023, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range 2-8-0 No. 332 will be pulling a number of trips in 2024. The museum announced the 2-8-0 will be under steam on four weekends during the upcoming season on the museum’s North […]

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