Toy train smoke: Lots of scents available

Rene Schweitzer and Hal Miller with smoking O gauge steam and diesel lovomotives

Toy train smoke hijinx (and a minor train wreck) abound as Hal Miller and Rene Schweitzer try a variety of the scents in JT’s Mega Steam fluid line. The smoke fluids are now available from the Kalmbach Hobbystore. Rene and Hal discover with their tests that there’s a world of smells beyond coal and diesel […]

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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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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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John Staschak’s O gauge layout

Track plan

Facts & features Name: John Staschak’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 12½ x 25 feet Track: GarGraves, Ross Custom Switches (diameters range from 31 to 96 inches) Switches: GarGraves with Tortoise and Z-Stuff for Trains machines Motive power: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH, 3rd Rail, Weaver Rolling stock: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, Model Crafters, MTH, Ralph’s Trains, […]

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Ken Cook’s O gauge “Casey” Line

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: Ken Cook’s O gauge “Casey” Line Dimensions: 14 x 26 feet Track and switches: Lionel FasTrack, tubular (diameters range from 27 to 72 inches) Motive power: Lionel (postwar) Rolling stock: Ambroid, Lionel (postwar), Scale-Craft Models, Zimmer Controls: Lionel type-ZW transformers (2) Accessories: Lionel (prewar, postwar), Marx, Ross Custom Switches Structures: Downtown […]

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The Turlan’s HO scale layout for Walthers

Building with lit up sign on top

Modeling is for hobbyists of all ages, and the Turlan family is an example that proves just that! Xavier and Lindsay Turlan, along with their seven-year-old son Gabriel, all worked together to build a layout for the 2021 National Model Railroad Build-Off. Interested in hearing more from the Turlans? Check out their interview. […]

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