Big Skies & Iron Rails, Grain Trains

When the bounty of Heartland crops are harvested, much of the grain goes west. Destined for North American ports and then foreign shores, the first leg of that western trek is often aboard commodity cruisers, otherwise known as grain trains. Naturally, railfan/videographer Tom Danneman is poised to capture these heavy haulers in season, and as […]

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Central Vermont Rwy. Southern Division in HO scale

Central Vermont Railway Southern Division in HO scale | In Northern California’s San Francisco Bay Area, a dedicated group led by Paul Weiss is passionately re-creating the Central Vermont Railway’s Southern Division as it existed in May 1956. This historically accurate project showcases meticulously replicated scenes from New London, Conn., to Palmer, Mass., portraying the […]

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Planting structures

Learn how to seamlessly integrate model buildings into your train layout. Discover techniques for adding realistic dirt, gravel, and ground cover to establish a firm foundation, free of visible gaps, for nearly any structure. Also be sure to follow the exclusive In The Workshop series for tips, tricks, tools, and clever insights, as demonstrated by various members of Trains.com […]

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Model Railroader After Hours | October 26th, 2023

Model Railroader After Hours | October 26th, 2023. An all-new series, After Hours is a fun and informal livestream hosted by David Popp… live from his basement workshop! In this episode, David Popp and Bryson Sleppy share a  slick way to make spooky decor w/ an operating train, all from a craft store find. Plus, […]

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WalthersProto HO scale EMD GP9

Title screen of WalthersProto HO scale EMD GP9 Product Review video.

Grand Trunk Western is among the paint schemes offered in the latest run of WalthersProto HO scale EMD GP9 diesel locomotives from Wm. K. Walthers Inc. Senior editor Cody Grivno takes a look at the sound and light features on the four-axle diesel and uses the road locomotive to work the interchange yard at Jones […]

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Halloween fun making a carved pumpkin layout

Looking for tricks to make a special pumpkin treat? Not the kind of treat you’d want to eat, but certainly one you can use to make a scary good gourd display…complete with an operating N scale (1:160) train! Follow along as Bryson shares the process he used to shape a festive faux pumpkin into a […]

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Trains LIVE — Riding Amtrak

Two men in a TV interview. Trains LIVE — Riding Amtrak.

Trains LIVE — Riding Amtrak — 10-25-2023 — There are still places in this country that one can only see while riding a train. Today, taking an Amtrak train will deliver spectacular scenery and get you to your destination. The train trip again becomes part of the travel adventure. Additionally, Amtrak, while only a little […]

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Trains LIVE — Riding Amtrak

Two men in a TV interview. Trains LIVE — Riding Amtrak.

Trains LIVE — Riding Amtrak — 10-25-2023 — There are still places in this country that one can only see while riding a train. Today, taking an Amtrak train will deliver spectacular scenery and get you to your destination. The train trip again becomes part of the travel adventure. Additionally, Amtrak, while only a little […]

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Rapido Trains HO General Electric U25B

Title screen from Product Review video featuring HO scale road locomotive painted blue and yellow.

Samples of the newly tooled Rapido Trains HO General Electric U25B diesel locomotive recently arrived at the Model Railroader offices. Join senior editor Cody Grivno as he points out features on the road units, demonstrates some of the sound and light functions, and operates a short freight train. We received samples decorated for Atchison, Topeka […]

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Trains LIVE — The new golden spike

Three men during a Zoom interview. Trains LIVE — The new golden spike.

Trains LIVE — The new golden spike — 10-11-2023 — The Transcontinental Railroad did more than join East and West. Completion of the line from Omaha, Neb., to Sacramento, Calif., on May 10, 1869, condensed the United States. No longer did it take 6 months to travel from coast to coast; with the driving of […]

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