Q: I would value your feedback on how to approach creating a new HO scale layout. I’m approaching retirement, so I will have the time to get back into model railroading, which I’ve not pursued in more than 40 years. So much has changed that it’s overwhelming. I have a lot of track and rolling stock […]
Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Whither the contributors of yore? NEWS AND PRODUCTS, pg. 10 Bowser HO scale EMD SD30C-ECO diesel reviewed, plus the latest new products ASK MR, pg. 18 Which diesels should pull a 1950s coal train? STEP BY STEP, […]
News & Products for the week of July 5th 2023 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of July 5th 2023. […]
In recent months, I have dug deep into the archives to find the shortest Amtrak trains of each decade. Since most of us modelers have limited layout space, if we still want to model prototypical passenger consists, these short trains are a perfect fit. Join me on a tour of Amtrak eras, this time exploring […]
Q: I’ve tried many methods to uncouple my rolling stock automatically rather than use a manual tool. Permanent magnets were far from satisfactory even when I devised a way to raise them at the appropriate time to a position closer to the couplers. I’ve modified an HOn3 electromagnet to fit between the rails, and this […]
With Independence Day just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some N and HO scale locomotive models in Bicentennial paint schemes. As the 200th birthday of the United States approached, numerous prototype railroads renumbered and repainted locomotives in patriotic schemes to pay tribute to the nation. […]
Preview Model Railroader July and August 2023 content We’re always adding new content to our website! Here are some recent stories you may have missed, and a look at some items coming in August. Locomotive models in Bicentennial paint With Independence Day just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to take a […]
Steam locomotives are marvels of engineering that dominated the rails for more than 100 years. Check out this gallery of HO, S, and O scale steam locomotive model photos that were featured in Model Railroader’s Trackside Photos in 2023. […]
If you’ve read stories about diesel locomotives on Trains.com or in Kalmbach Media’s railroad magazines and books, you’ve most likely seen references to diesel locomotives by generation. But what does generation mean? Unlike automobiles, locomotive manufacturers don’t bring out new models each year. The same basic locomotive model can stay in production for years – […]
A Broadway Limited Imports HO scale EMD SD40 decorated in Southern Ry.’s “tuxedo” scheme paid a visit to our Wisconsin & Southern staff layout. Join Model Railroader editor Eric White and senior editor Cody Grivno as they talk about the features on the six-axle road locomotive and run a train on MR’s WSOR staff layout. In addition to Southern Ry., […]
Midday Modeler – June 28th, 2023. It’s the season finale of Midday Modeler! David Popp and Cody Grivno are your hosts this week. Lucas stops by to talk about the Young Guns series. Cody shows off a new Atlas N Scale hopper, then show off a structure he’s been working on. Mitch pops in to […]
In the course of building the HO scale Freemont Mills model railroad, Steve Otte shares his technique for adding a realistic representation of abandoned tracks. After gathering the essential materials – stained wooded ties, masking tape, and a spacing jig – Steve demonstrates the complete process, including how to add subtle scenery effects that help […]
