News & Products for the week of December 16th 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 December 16th […]
Scale: HO Scale
Midwest Mod-U-Track display in HO scale
Midwest Mod-U-Track display in HO scale | Gerry Leone, Trains.com Contributor, continued making the rounds of layouts on display at Trainfest 2024 event in Milwaukee, Wis. At this stop, he visited with Bob Kosic to take a closer look at the HO scale (1:87.1) Midwest Mod-U-Trak display presented by Chicagoland modelers. Bob shared plenty of […]
MR&T HO scale caboose kit
A Milwaukee, Racine & Troy offset-cupola caboose kit is now available at Shop.Trains.com. The model, produced by ScaleTrains and part of the manufacturer’s Kit Classics line, has an injection-molded plastic body with a separate cupola and underbody. Kit features Steel cabooses like this were a staple on our freelance HO scale railroad for many years. […]
Model Train History: From Tinplates to Detailed Collectibles
Model trains have long captivated the imagination of hobbyists, collectors, and enthusiasts of all ages. From their origins as simple tinplate toys to today’s intricate, highly-detailed machinery, model trains trace a fascinating evolution that mirrors advancements in technology and changes in cultural trends. Let’s explore how this beloved hobby developed over the decades. Tinplate Trains […]
5 Tips for Building Compact Model Train Layouts
Model railroading is a rewarding hobby, but it can sometimes be challenging to find space for a full-sized layout. Fortunately, with careful planning and a few creative design choices, you can create a model train layout that fits into a smaller area. Here’s a guide to help you get started building a compact model train […]
Building a T-Trak module | Basic Backdrop Painting
In this helpful, introductory effort, David Popp shares simple and easy techniques for adding a scene-extending background/view block to a model railroad. While the planning and painting steps are all demonstrated on his N scale (1:160) T-Trak module, David’s explanations and efforts can certainly be applied to other layouts or displays of any scale! If […]
HO Scale vs O Scale: What’s The Best Scale for Beginners?
If you’re looking at model trains and deciding what to prioritize, no doubt you’ve come across a variety of scales. You might be wondering, which scale is best for you? How small is too small? The most common scales for model trains and sets are O scale and HO scale. In this post, we’ll walk […]
Trainz purchases Glenn Snyder Display Systems
Trainz has purchased the existing inventory and rights to manufacture the famous aluminum train display shelving from Glenn Snyder Display Systems. GSDS are a self-contained extruded aluminm display shelf available in a combination HO/S gauge, O gauge, or combination O/Standard gauge/gauge-1 sizes. Trainz will warehouse and ship the shelving from its new Oakwood, Ga. facility. […]
The Youngstown Model Railroad Association layout in HO scale
Facts and features Name: Youngstown Model Railroad AssociationScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 24 x 47 feetPrototype: freelanceLocale: northeast OhioEra: 1950 to presentMainline run: 200 feet (double-track outer main), 125 feet (single-track inner main)Minimum radius: 30″ (main), 22″ (industrial areas)Minimum turnout: No. 8 (main), No. 6 (yards), No. 4 (industrial park/steel mill)Maximum grade: 2%Benchwork: L-girderHeight: 43″ to 60″Roadbed: […]
News & Products for the week of December 9th 2024
News & Products for the week of December 9th 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 December 9th […]
Railbox models in HO scale
In October, Editor Eric White, Associate Editor Bryson Sleppy, and I attended the Railroad Prototype Modelers Conference at the Northern Illinois University campus in Naperville, Ill. We enjoyed a day of visiting with contributors, looking at layouts and models, and talking with manufacturers in the vendor room. In addition, we split up and attended as […]
Trains.com Insider Exclusive | Interview with Bernard Hellen of Miniprints
Join Trains.com hosts David Popp and Gerry Leone, as they visit Bernard Hellen in the Miniprints booth at Trainfest 2024 in Milwaukee, Wis. Watch as “Dr. Mini” walks through the process he uses to make 3D-printed scale model figures from a full body scan of actual people. Learn how easy it is to add a […]
