Preview January and February 2024 CTT content

model locomotive on toy train layout

We’re always adding new content to our website. Here are some recent items you may have missed. Meet the Train Dads A group of five young men found each other and discuss toy trains, family, and more! Read their story. Lionel Strasburg 90 2-10-0 Read a review of this new engine from Lionel. Weaver Models […]

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Trains Magazine, Kalmbach set for holiday closures

Trains Magazine logo

WAUKESHA, Wis. — Trains Magazine, other Kalmbach Media publications, and the Kalmbach offices will have extended closures for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays over the next two weeks, with the offices beginning the first of those closures at the end of regular business hours today (Friday, Dec. 22). Offices will be closed Monday, Dec. […]

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Getting Started in Model Railroading: The Beginner’s Guide

A model train passes on a bridge on a model railroad layout

Model Railroading has been called “The world’s greatest hobby.” We agree! However, it can be daunting to get started in model railroading. This beginner’s guide will help you dig deeper into the hobby and provide useful resources for your first layout. in this article, we’ll cover: How to choose the scale and era to model […]

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OutdoorPhotoGraphics no longer publishing railroad books

screenshot of photo website

As of January 2024, OutdoorPhotoGraphics.com will no longer publish railroad related books. “Due to the higher cost of railroad shows, production costs at the printer, shipping, and design, it’s nearly impossible to turn out a quality product at a reasonable price,” said owner Stan Trzoniec. The firm has sold their remaining inventory to Ron’s Books […]

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Model railroading adhesives and glues

A bottle of Bondene solvent cement

No matter what scale you’re modeling in or what era you prefer, there is no doubt that you’ll encounter the need to use an adhesive sooner than later. Whether it’s laying cork roadbed, building a structure, or applying detail parts, everyone needs a variety of adhesives for a variety of tasks. This list should help […]

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Railroads for Beginners to Model

Color photo of two HO scale locomotives on scenic base with industrial backdrop.

For any beginner model railroading building their first or even second layout, one of the first questions usually asked is, “What railroad should I model?” It’s important not to bite off more than you can chew. First and foremost, you’ll want to consider product availability and resources. Do manufacturers offer rolling stock for the railroad […]

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Trains LIVE — Union Pacific’s Ed Dickens

Trains LIVE — Union Pacific’s Ed Dickens — 08-17-2022 — Between July 28 and 30, 2022, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 made a trip from its home base in Cheyenne, Wyo., to Denver and back. Bob Lettenberger, Tr ains associate editor, followed the trip and rode along in the cab from Greeley, Colo., to Cheyenne […]

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December 2023

The January 2024 cover of Model Railroader

Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Yes, there are still trains under the tree NEWS AND PRODUCTS, pg. 10 Atlas N scale Alco S4 reviewed, plus the latest new products ASK MR, pg. 18 The mystery of the overhead bunker reefer STEP BY […]

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Trains Photo Contest 2024: Power

Aerial image of train traveling around fall-colored mountain.

Trains Photo Contest 2024 Trains Magazine and the National Railway Historical Society are pleased to present the 2024 photo contest. The NRHS is a nonprofit that promotes the interest and study of the railroad industry, a mission shared by Trains. The NRHS, which was established in 1935, is an excellent partner for a magazine that’s […]

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Creating a model railroaders hall of fame

a man in an overcoat waves from the door of a steam locomotive in a black and white image

Model Railroader is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2024, so there’s a lot of history there, with all kinds of innovations, great layouts, and amazing products. One thing there hasn’t been is a model railroaders hall of fame. It’s time to do something about it, so this year, we’re going to nominate people we think […]

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12 train sets for the holidays

Color photo of HO scale train set box with painted box art and display windows for models.

If you’ve read Model Railroader magazine for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed the hobby journey for many of our authors started with a train set. For baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, the set was often produced by Lionel or American Flyer. Fast forward a generation or two, and those sets were […]

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Preview December 2023 Classic Trains content

A diesel-powered passenger train crosses a long bridge over a river

Preview Classic Trains’ December 2023 content   Here’s a preview of what’s coming in the next month. Become a Trains.com member so you don’t miss any of this great content! If you have a story suggestion, email editor@classictrainsmag.com   The EMC TA Diesel – A Locomotive That Kind of Did It An early passenger diesel, the TA […]

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