‘Narrow Gauge in the Tropics’ book review

Cover of Narrow Gauge in the Tropics book

The 310-page book Narrow Gauge in the Tropics is a thorough examination of the railroads in the tropical islands of the Dutch or Netherlands East Indies, capturing the story behind the first railroad in Java where construction began in 1864. Java is the most populous and economically developed of the thousands of the Indian archipelago. […]

Read More…

Maintain your large-scale equipment

Model locomotive upside down on towel

It makes good sense to maintain your large-scale equipment. Basic maintenance is the key to reliable operation. There are several simple things you can do to keep your trains running through the garden. Basic locomotive maintenance Many manufacturers include exploded drawings or written instructions on how to properly lubricate the gears. All moving parts should […]

Read More…

Begonia

Model train and flowers in a garden railroad

Common name: Begonia Latin name: Begonia sp. Plant type: Annual USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11; grown as an annual in lower zones Cultural needs: moist, well drained, neutral or slightly acidic soil; part shade Plant size: 18″ x 18″ Most begonias are true perennials, living on for years as houseplants or in tropical gardens. Usually we […]

Read More…

Lionel 1926 Cardinals Train Set review

Lionel 1926 Cardinals Train Set overall view

Lionel’s 1926 Cardinals Train Set was kind of hidden in the pages of the 2021 Lionel Volume I “Big Book” behind the re-release of the 2-10-10-2; the Mohawks and Camelbacks; the Acela sets; and the Asa Packer, New Hope & Ivyland consists. It’s a high-end Legacy outfit that features a newly cataloged 4-6-2 Pacific steam […]

Read More…

N&W No. 611 to perform again at Strasburg

streamlines steam locomotive with huge smoke plume

  STRASBURG, Pa. — Famed Norfolk & Western J-class 4-8-4 No. 611 will return to steam this fall in a series of limited-time-only events announced by the Virginia Museum of Transportation, owners of the locomotive, and the Strasburg Rail Road, which together are completing the most recent federally required inspection of the 72-year-old locomotive. Among […]

Read More…

Union Pacific no. 4014 from Broadway Limited Imports

Screen capture of HO scale locomotive on layout

Union Pacific no. 4014 from Broadway Limited Imports The full-size Union Pacific Big Boy always draws big crowds as it tours the United States. You can re-create that excitement on your HO scale model railroad with Union Pacific no. 4014 from Broadway Limited Imports. The 4-8-8-4 is offered in the Big Boy Tour and Promontory […]

Read More…

Union Pacific no. 4014 from Broadway Limited Imports

Screen capture of HO scale locomotive on layout

Union Pacific no. 4014 from Broadway Limited Imports The full-size Union Pacific Big Boy always draws big crowds as it tours the United States. You can re-create that excitement on your HO scale model railroad with Union Pacific no. 4014 from Broadway Limited Imports. The 4-8-8-4 is offered in the Big Boy Tour and Promontory […]

Read More…

Santa Fe No. 3751 steams for Fullerton event

steam locomotive and Amtrak engine pulling train

FULLERTON, Calif. — Santa Fe steam locomotive No. 3751 will return to operation for the first time since 2017 when it travels from its home base in Los Angeles to appear at Amtrak’s Track Safety Community Event, scheduled for Sept. 24 and 25 at the Fullerton Transportation Center. The 4-8-4 is owned by the San […]

Read More…