Gerry walks a fine line…the recently completed main line of his HO scale Bona Vista layout, that is! Our host, with assistance from his wife, has driven the Golden Spike into the trackwork of his double-deck model railroad. That’s a great time to take a walking tour of the construction progress. Following the tour, Gerry […]
Section: Trains Video
Repurposing a layout scene — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 20
Repurposing a layout scene for the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, Cody Grivno borrows a few structures from an old T-Trak module to help build up an all-new scene for the layout. Next, he shows how to prepare the new site to fit the assembled structured in […]
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Bob’s Train Box 79
Bob’s Train Box Episode 79 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Bob’s Train Box Episode 79! Bob Keller and CTT editor Hal Miller check out the latest O gauge holiday boxcar from Atlas O. They also look at buildings from Menards including the Halls of Handsome Barbershop, Cripple Creek Tractor Repair, and Sacred Heart Hospital. The […]
Midday Modeler 03.09.2022 hosted by Cody Grivno
Midday Modeler 03.09.2022 — In this week’s Midday Modeler episode, Cody Grivno hosts! Cody speaks with Model Railroader’s Eric White about the latest progress on the industries in the Jones Island area of MR’s MR&T model train layout. Cody then checks in with Steve Otte to gauge his progress on the kitbash contest during the Midday […]
Where do you find specific prototype drawings again?
Cody Grivno answers another request regarding prototype drawings and how to locate them. There is an online archive to access older Model Railroader issues. Hard copies may be harder to come by. Do you need help tracking down an old drawing in MR? Or, are you looking for information on prototype trains? Send us an […]
Putting the layout to the test | Back on Track, Episode 16
Following his recent grand tour, Gerry puts his HO scale Bona Vista under greater scrutiny. In this episode, our host closely examines how his construction efforts align with his established Givens and Druthers. After failing to pass every part of his self-graded test, Gerry invites fellow layout builders David Popp and Seth Puffer to check […]
Lionel’s no. 397 coal loader
Lionel’s no. 397 coal loader In 1948, Lionel introduced a new coal loader that needed just one track and a dump car to run. Senior Editor Roger Carp explains the history of this coal loader, what was included in the box with your purchase, and how it changed over the years. He explains what makes […]
Where can you find auto production parts?
Cody Grivno answers the question about finding auto production parts for a Roundhouse Ready-to-Roll HOn3 2-Truck Shay. If you’re looking for old parts or models, or you want to learn more about full trains, send us an email: AskTrains@trains.com. And if you have other sources for Pete to find gears for his Roundhouse Shay, leave […]
Lionel Legacy Boston & Maine No. 801 SW8 locomotive
Lionel Legacy SW8 locomotive Lionel has released an SW8 switcher locomotive in its Legacy line. Classic Toy Trains editor Hal Miller gives you a first look at this engine, which is loaded with extra details like a fan-driven smoke unit, operating couplers, unique number boards, a bell, a single smokestack, two horns, and so much […]
Back on Track: Fixing an upper deck design flaw, Episode 14
What’s our Back on Track series host Gerry Leone up to these days? More work on the upper deck of his new HO scale Bona Vista layout, of course! Following the previous episode, Gerry finalized more of the track plan, added plywood subroadbed to the upper level, and even laid some track into place. But […]
Layout Visit: Todd Smalley’s HO C&O Monroe Division
Take a look at the trains running on Todd Smalley’s HO scale C&O Monroe Division model railroad, which is featured in the April 2022 issue of Model Railroader magazine. This layout will submerge you into the world of Appalachian railroading. Enjoy! […]
Rapido Trains HO scale Evans X72 boxcar
Eric White and Cody Grivno review three of the Rapido Trains HO scale Evans X72 boxcars. Each has a nice detailed underbody with its different style of consolidated stencils appropriate for each car. […]