What can you build with $3.5 million in donations, two professional model-building companies, and thousands of hours put in by more than 40 artists and modelers, and a score of volunteers? How about The Great Train Story, a 3,500-square-foot HO scale model railroad that includes key features of Chicago, Seattle, and an impressive representation of […]
Prototype. The Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic 50-foot double-door boxcar in the 1970 photo to the right inspired Bob’s modification and weathering of an HO model. William Raia photo Finished model. By using weathering techniques and making some minor modifications, author Bob Rivard transforms an HO scale InterMountain model into the well-worn freight car shown. […]
Learn the basics of the hobby of model railroading Illustration by Theo Cobb If you’re new to model railroading, a hobby shop is probably where you’d get your first crash course in hobby terminology. However, spending an afternoon staring at trains in display cases trying to get answers to basic questions can be frustrating. Having […]
Model railroading scales are described by letters such as N, HO, S, and O. This alphabet soup may seem confusing at first, but the letters are simply shorthand to describe the ratio of the model’s size to its prototype, which is what model railroaders call the real thing a model is based on. The chart […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Associate editor Cody Grivno shows you some of the latest new products to arrive in the Model Railroader offices, including the new Digital Command Control (DCC) sound equipped Paragon2 Baldwin Centipede in HO scale from Broadway Limited Imports. Cody will also demonstrate how […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Associate editor Cody Grivno shows you some of the latest new products to arrive in the Model Railroader offices, including the new Digital Command Control (DCC) sound equipped Paragon2 Baldwin Centipede in HO scale from Broadway Limited Imports. Cody will also demonstrate how […]
Bill Hildebrand used scale drawings and inexpensive hardboard material to construct an O gauge model of the famous Hoboken Terminal. Ornate architecture, magnificent concourses, and a seemingly endless parade of people and trains are just a few of the characteristics that make large passenger train terminals just as captivating on toy train layouts as they […]
Richard Van de Kieft formed an impressive O gauge passenger terminal out of two MTH structures. Photos by Michael Raynor 2. A motor tool with a cutting disk quickly removes a tapered support along the interior ledge. 3. Use a razor saw to cut the ledge and separate the walls. 1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver […]
The sight of a toy train locomotive puffing across a layout, its rhythmic white exhaust reaching out to the sky, is as captivating today as it was when the first smoking O gauge locomotive debuted more than 50 years ago. But what you see isn’t smoke. There is no combustion occurring. Without combustion, you can’t […]
F3s, Hudsons, and Girls’ trains – those are the postwar jackpots that everybody knows about. Here, though, are six underexposed Lionel items that are quickly moving up the charts. Models courtesy Joe Algozzini What’s hot today among postwar Lionel trains and accessories? I attend several train shows each year, check out eBay listings almost every […]
A GIFT FROM THE HEART IS SOMETHING TO TREASURE. If the gift happens to be a train, that’s all the better. Such is the case with the Christmas train I created for my club layout to operate throughout the holiday season. While a variety of special holiday sets are readily available from toy train manufacturers, […]
It’s easy and fun to create your own roadside signage. I love billboards, especially the Lionel billboards that have removable inserts allowing you to change what’s on the billboard. Until recently, you had to be content with whatever advertisement was printed on the thin cardboard that’s packed with the billboard. Wouldn’t it be more fun […]
