Even with a little help from a friend, host Gerry Leone still struggles with benchwork construction. But after setting joists straight and level, he jumps right into raising the grade along the helix. Discover a few new track tips and tricks along the way. […]
Section: Modeling
Back on Track: Helix construction prep work, Episode 4
With design issues behind him, Gerry begins building the components of a four-turn helix. Even though math is involved in this stage, our host is up to the task. And he’s clever enough to use and share a number of helpful resources that make the process easy to understand and follow. […]
Athearn Genesis 2.0 EMD SD80MAC
Athearn is rolling out its Genesis 2.0 models and we recently received a sample of the Electro-Motive Division SD80MAC. Sounds features include EMD’s 20-710G3B 20-cylinder diesel engine, and lighting features such as operating ditch lights that flash when the horn in sounded. […]
How to Lay Track
Kalmbach’s own Cody Grivno talks through the basic ways of fastening track to a layout so you can run model trains. […]
ScaleTrains.com HO scale CSX Pride in Service GE ES44ACs
CSX is honoring veterans and first responders with three specially painted HO scale General Electric ES44AC locomotives. ScaleTrains.com recently sent us all three examples. We took a look in our workshop and tested them out on the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. […]
Accurail HO scale American Car & Foundry 2,970-cubic-foot capacity two-bay Center Flow covered hopper kit
A three-pack of Chicago & Northern Western ACF 2970 covered hopper kits recently arrived at our offices. Take a look at the kit contents, see a finished model, and learn a bit about the history of the North Western’s fleet of two-bay Center Flow covered hoppers. […]
A new book, an updated caboose, and new well cars with containers, plus a tip and viewer mail!
Learn about Kalmbach Books’ new Guide to Signals & Interlockings, Bachmann’s updated HO scale CB&Q offset caboose, Kato’s new N scale Gunderson Maxi-I five-unit articulated well car with containers, a modeling tip, and viewer mail in the new episode of Cody’s Office! […]
Scale it Down, with Steve Brown (Trailer)
It’s My Railroad star Steve Brown is hosting a new series on Trains.com focused on keeping model railroading small. N-scale small. Join Steve in Scale it Down, where he takes a classic HO scale layout from the editors and producers at Model Railroader and makes it small enough to fit in with his layout. For […]
MR Insider: A Virtual Visit with Hal Miller and David Popp
What’s better than hanging out with Hal Miller and David Popp in the Model Railroader / Classic Toy Trains Workshop? The chance to repeat the experience! Enjoy this full replay of their hour-long trackside/layout-side chat, which was originally presented as a livestream session during the World’s Greatest Hobby Virtual Show on Saturday, April 17, 2021. […]
Add Bluetooth control to your locomotives with BlueRailDCC
Everything runs on Bluetooth these days, so why not your locomotives? BlueRailDCC from Tam Valley has a solution (BlueRailDCC). This compact board (.57” x 1.5”) supports up to 2A of current, plenty for most HO scale installations. To connect, you’ll need to download the BlueRail Trains app to your Apple iPhone or iPad. Android support […]
Rehab My Railroad: A study in structure construction, Episode 12
The full Rehab crew is on hand to help push progress on the Jones Island HO scale layout section a bit further along. Join David, Cody, Eric, and Ben, as they walk through what they’re working hard to complete on their respective structure and trackwork projects. […]
Kato 20th Century Limited train set
We take a look at Kato’s new 20th Century Limited train set. Learn how to get inside the passenger cars, and take a look at some of the cool details engineered into these all-new models. […]