Washington’s unique rail bridge

Coastal lift bridge mountains in background.

“Unique bridge: A Puget Sound landmark,” in the February 2018 Trains, tells the story of the Chambers Bay lift bridge, a one-of-a-kind “direct vertical lift bridge” designed by Joseph Strauss, who went on to become chief engineer for the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge is located in Steilacoom, Wash., just south of Tacoma, on the […]

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Quick Look: Menard’s HO scale Fire Station 12

MRRPR0218_09

Menards HO scale Fire Station 12 Price: $69.99 Manufacturer Menards 5106 Menard Dr. Eau Claire, WI 54703 www.menards.com/trains Era: 1960s to present Comments: Fans of the 1970s-era TV show “Emergency!”, still seen in syndication on some cable channels, will recognize the architectural style of the latest HO scale factory-assembled structure from Menards. Fire Station no. […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 27 – Shaping tunnels

Kent Johnson and Drew Halverson next to layout scenery

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Our Canadian Canyons N scale layout project would certainly be flawed without adding tunnels (and slide sheds) to the Fraser and Thompson River segments. No worries! Drew and Kent show how to plot out and install one of the many foam-built tunnels they […]

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Off The Rails: Episode 19

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 19

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Get set for spills and chills in this episode of Off The Rails! This month, host Gerry Leone has us on pins, needles, and track nails. But somehow, he miraculously manages to hold it all together, with a little help from a dab […]

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Off The Rails: Episode 19

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 19

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Get set for spills and chills in this episode of Off The Rails! This month, host Gerry Leone has us on pins, needles, and track nails. But somehow, he miraculously manages to hold it all together, with a little help from a dab […]

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Joliet Union Station ticket counter

Joliet Union Station

A man and woman stand at the center window of the ticket counter at Joliet (Ill.) Union Station in fall 1951. Note the stylized ALTON, SANTA FE, ROCK ISLAND lettering across the top, four years after the Alton was absorbed into the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio. Wallace W. Abbey photo […]

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Quick Look: The TrainMaster HO scale yard bunkhouse kit

The Trainmaster HO scale yard bunkhouse kit

The Trainmaster HO scale yard bunkhouse kit The kit includes wood parts that fit together well with minimal sanding. Price: $25 Manufacturer The TrainMaster LLC 2830 Fort Island Dr. Fairlawn, OH 44333 www.thetrainmaster.com Era: 1900 to 1960 Comments: A yard bunkhouse is the latest addition to The TrainMaster HO scale QuicKit line. The kit features […]

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IC’s Central Station, Chicago

Illinois Central Railroad Central Station

Illinois Central opened its Central Station on Chicago’s lakefront in April 1893. This 1950s view shows the grand arched waiting room, which was marred in 1962 by the installation of a false ceiling. Demolition came in 1974. IC photo […]

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Off The Rails: Episode 18

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 18

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page All filler, zero fluff in this episode of Off The Rails! This month, host Gerry Leone devoted an entire show to discussing how to fill those unsightly cracks, gaps, and seams on our assembled kits and models. As usual, you’ll be surprised where […]

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Off The Rails: Episode 18

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 18

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page All filler, zero fluff in this episode of Off The Rails! This month, host Gerry Leone devoted an entire show to discussing how to fill those unsightly cracks, gaps, and seams on our assembled kits and models. As usual, you’ll be surprised where […]

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Make your own shipping containers for a station scene

makeyourownshippingcarton

These shipping cartons make an interesting addition to a model train station scene. Click on the image to download a PDF of the shipping cartons that you can print out and fold. Shipping cartons are an easy to add detail to model railroad passenger station scenes. Click on the link to download shipping cartons in […]

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