Layout Planning Ideas

model car waiting for a train to pass

When creating model railroads, it’s important to give your model cities and scenery the same realistic treatment you give your trains. A well-detailed and realistic downtown scene and scenery can add as much to a model railroad as any lineside industry. Download this free 15-page PDF for layout planning ideas that will bring your layout […]

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Track Planning for Beginners

When it comes to designing your own model railroad layout, getting your ideas down on paper is the first and most important step. Drawing your plan to scale with a reasonable degree of accuracy will ensure you that your plan will fit your space. Download this free 15-page PDF to learn how to draw accurate […]

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The History of the Transcontinental Railroad

Back in 1869, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad worked tirelessly under brutal conditions to drive the last spike, The Golden Spike, at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory, to complete the Transcontinental Railroad. Products could now be manufactured in the east and delivered to the west in under two weeks, benefiting the United States economy, […]

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Train Wiring for Beginners

Train Wiring for Beginners

Does your locomotive spark when it moves? Do you have a mass of indistinguishable wires under your layout? Download this free PDF to learn some basic electrical principles, practices, and commonly used products for layout wiring. […]

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The History of the Transcontinental Railroad

Back in 1869, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad worked tirelessly under brutal conditions to drive the last spike, The Golden Spike, at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory, to complete the Transcontinental Railroad. Products could now be manufactured in the east and delivered to the west in under two weeks, benefiting the United States economy, […]

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Computer desktop wallpaper from the May 2019 Model Railroader

ModelRailroaderMay2019_thumb

Click on the links at left to download the image sized appropriately for your computer screen. Union Pacific no. 8444, an Electro-Motive Diesel SD70ACe, and a patched-out former Southern Pacific General Electric AC4400CW barrel through the countryside on Jeffrey Meyer’s HO scale diorama. This month you can use this image as a computer wallpaper image. […]

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Getting Started in Garden Railroading

Looking to get started in garden railroading? Start by reading our free 17-page PDF. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of each garden scale, pick the right scale and gauge for your garden railroad, and gather the right garden railroad supplies for your backyard railroad. […]

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Train Set Scenery

Train Set Scenery

  Download this free 11-page PDF for train set scenery tips, techniques, and tricks! In this free download you will learn how to enhance the overall appearance of a layout, how to make artificial grass for models, and where to buy modeling scenery, structures, and tools. […]

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