More work along the Mukwonago layout location. The session starts with David installing trackwork for the industrial spur at this site, while Cody continues prepping the structure itself. Adding realistic details to the track, pavement, structure, and surrounding area is also part of the process in this episode of the Jones Island rehab effort. […]
Section: Modeling
Professor Carp, Episode 11: Lionel Operating Cattle Car and Corral
Class is now in session! This period, Professor Roger Carp leads the lecture regarding the Lionel Trains post-war era Operating Cattle Car and Corral. CTT Editor Hal Miller also offers up insights on the operation of the beloved accessory. For even more info on the Cattle Car, read the March 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine. […]
MRVP Layout Visit: Rolf & Richard Plachter’s Midwest Lines in HO scale
Enjoy this exclusive video tour of Rolf & Richard Plachter’s Midwest Lines HO scale (1:87) layout inspired by CB&Q, Rock Island, and UP railroad operations. Follow the action along the line, and then look for additional coverage of the layout in the December 2020 issue of Model Railroader magazine. […]
Athearn HO scale Union Pacific CA-8 caboose with sound
Check out this sound-equipped Athearn HO scale Union Pacific class CA-8 caboose. […]
Atlas HO scale Alco RSD-5
Watch Atlas’s HO scale Alco RSD-5 on the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy! […]
Santa Fe Inspiration gallery volume 2
In this photo gallery, we encourage you to enjoy two fantastic Santa Fe layouts that are inspired. We hope they inspire you on your journey to creating a new model railroad layout, even one based on the Santa Fe! The first railroad is Gary Hoover’s interpretation of the Santa Fe Railway on Aug. 29, 1951. […]
Santa Fe Inspiration gallery volume 1
The Santa Fe Railway and predecessors parsing the American Southwest have inspired countless artists and dreamers. Model railroaders using scale equipment and precision tools to re-create these railroad scenes are only the latest in that line. In this photo gallery, we encourage you to enjoy two fantastic Santa Fe layouts that are inspired. We […]
The best raw materials for garden railroaders
The first lesson we learn when we take our trains outdoors is that nature doesn’t play favorites. Our sensible action is to choose materials for our projects that will stand up to the forces of nature. Plastic “Plastic” is a generic term, for which there exist many variants. Most large-scale trains are made of ABS, […]
Tint turn signals and taillights
Turn signals and taillights on model trucks and cars are easily applied using simple hobby chemicals and even a touch of food coloring. Painting turn signals and taillights The number of vehicle models available today is greater than ever. Though the selection of makes and models is large, it’s the small things that make or […]
Glues and adhesives for garden railroads
Glues and adhesives are among the first things you need when building a model — to hold it together! There are lots of adhesives, and they all do specific jobs depending on the material. General-purpose adhesives White glue — This is known as a PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue. When it dries, it’s nearly transparent. Its […]
Small HO Scale layout with continuous running
By: Don Chaney Operating model trains with a good deal of switching is extremely popular, but I prefer watching trains run continuously. Moving around my finished 7 x 91/2-foot layout while watching a steadily moving train is a never-ending joy for me. As I planned a layout for my 12 x 17-foot game room, my […]
Five inexpensive garden railroad tools
Here are five tools for a garden railroad you can make or obtain cheaply. 1. Make a ballast broom If you do a lot of reballasting (or ballasting) on your railway, take an old 4-inch paint brush and attach the handle with screws to an extension pole about 3 feet long. This becomes a mini-broom […]