How to model snow on a model railroad layout

A geared steam locomotive leads a train onto a wood trestle covered with snow

Although most model railroads are set in the verdant summer or colorful autumn, the snow-covered landscapes of a northern winter offer an unmatched visual drama. From paint to grout to powdered stone to commercial modeling products, there are many possible answers to the question of how to model snow on a model railroad layout. Modelers […]

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How do I make vertical track easements?

A man lowers his head to track level to check a model railroad track for straightness

Q: What is the rule of thumb for the transition from a grade back to level when laying track? — Carl Angdahl A: Gradual transitions between track grades, called vertical track easements, can help prevent problems on your model railroad. If a train suddenly goes from a steep grade to flat track or vice-versa, couplers […]

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Model Railroader Hall of Fame March nominees

A man sits in front of a control board with switches and lights on it

The Model Railroader Hall of Fame, which we introduced in our 90th anniversary issue, is intended to honor those who have made a substantial and lasting impact on our hobby. We introduced three more nominees in February’s issue. The Model Railroader Hall of Fame March nominees include three model railroaders who will be well known […]

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Model Railroader After Hours | February 1st, 2024

Model Railroader After Hours | February 1st, 2024. After Hours is an informal livestream hosted by Trains.com staff members… after the “work” of the day is done, there’s aways something else fun! Host David Popp chugs along with efforts on his and various other N scale T-Trak modules, but he takes a moment to relax […]

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News & Products for the week of January 29th 2024

A model caboose in a red paint scheme with a black roof

News & Products for the week of January 29th 2024   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of January 29th […]

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From starter train set to layout

A printout of a simple HO scale 4x8 track plan, highlighted in three colors

Many model railroaders get their start during the holiday season, with a train set either wrapped in colorful paper or already set up and circling under the tree on Christmas morning. But after a while, even a starry-eyed kid can get bored watching that train go around and around in an endless loop. It would […]

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Guide to N scale metal wheelsets

Color photo of N scale wheelsets in packaging

Last month, I wrote about metal wheelsets offered in HO scale. In this guide to N scale metal wheelsets, I’ll cover the options available for those who model in 1:160 proportion. The case for metal wheelsets N scale wheelsets have come a long way since the 1960s and 1970s. For many years, Micro-Trains N scale […]

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Rapido Trains HO scale Ten-Wheeler

Photo of HO scale steam engine with title bar in lower corner of image.

The Rapido Trains HO scale Ten-Wheeler recently paid a visit to our Wisconsin & Southern staff layout. The model, part of the company’s Icons of Canadian Steam line, is based on a Canadian Pacific class D10 prototype. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he talks about the features on the 4-6-0 and demonstrates […]

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