Introducing the MR&T State Line Route in N scale, Episode 1

Trains.com and Model Railroader magazine unite to launch an all-new project railroad! Series host David Popp leads the way into the initial overview and planning of this N scale (1:160) layout. This mid-sized, stand-alone model railroad draws inspiration from the legendary HO scale Milwaukee, Racine & Troy, so you’ll see plenty of new and familiar […]

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Detail a diesel on a budget, Ep. 47

From adding grab irons to installing hood details to painting the parts, Cody Grivno shares how he finished his HO scale Atlas Trainmasters EMD GP38-2 diesel locomotive without breaking the bank. Watch all the steps detailed in this video, and then read the story in the September 2021 issue of Model Railroader magazine. […]

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S gauge fun in a compact space

Dave Baule’s S gauge layout

Enjoy this look at Dave Baule’s S gauge layout. The traditional looking pike occupies a modest footprint and is chock full of Plasticville buildings, vintage American Flyer accessories, and trains from a variety of eras. The display is featured in the special publication “Toy train layouts for small spaces,” available in fall 2021. […]

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Monticello Railway Museum visit

A two-tone blue locomotive pulls a freight train past a railroad tower on a clear, sunny day.

  Join Trains for a 2021 visit to Illinois’ Monticello Railway Museum located in the central part of the state. The museum is home to plenty of rare Midwest gems including equipment railroads including the Wabash; Southern Railway; Illinois Central; Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Chicago & Illinois Midland; and Illinois Terminal. […]

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How to clean old, rusty, and dirty track

Hal Miller in the workshop

Bought or inherited a load of tubular track? CTT editor Hal Miller shows his method of cleaning it up and getting it ready for trains to run properly on. This technique will help get rid of dirt and light rust, and help modelers avoid a few pitfalls that could be detrimental to operation. […]

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