Model Railroad Trains: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Model Train Track Curves
Model train track curves may seem like a simple issue, but there can be much more to track curves than meets the eye. Track curves on model railroad layouts require some planning and knowledge of a few relevant issues.
Model train track curves may seem like a simple issue, but there can be much more to track curves than meets the eye. Track curves on model railroad layouts require some planning and knowledge of a few relevant issues.
Best Scale
What scale, or size, of model trains is best?
What scale, or size, of model trains is best?
Model Train Track Grades
Track grade is the slope of a railroad track. The track grade is expressed as the percentage of its rise for the length of its run. For example,if you have 100 inches of model railroad track, and the train climbs one inch, then the grade is 1%. So when 25 inches of track rise 1 inch the grade is 4%. Maximum grade is the steepest slope your trains can climb. Well planned grades can make a layout interesting. Badly planned ones can be a disaster.
Track grade is the slope of a railroad track. The track grade is expressed as the percentage of its rise for the length of its run. For example,if you have 100 inches of model railroad track, and the train climbs one inch, then the grade is 1%. So when 25 inches of track rise 1 inch the grade is 4%. Maximum grade is the steepest slope your trains can climb. Well planned grades can make a layout interesting. Badly planned ones can be a disaster.
NCE Power Cab
Product review of the NCE Power Cab DCC system.
Product review of the NCE Power Cab DCC system.
Appraising Model Trains
What's my old train worth? Learn where to find the answers to this common question.
What's my old train worth? Learn where to find the answers to this common question.
Choosing a Train Set
Tips for finding the perfect train set to adorn your Christmas display, give to a young railroader, or get started on the hobby of a lifetime.
Tips for finding the perfect train set to adorn your Christmas display, give to a young railroader, or get started on the hobby of a lifetime.
Bus and Feeder Wires
Tips for choosing and installing electrical wiring busses and feeders for all types of model trains.
Tips for choosing and installing electrical wiring busses and feeders for all types of model trains.
Lay Flex Track
Explains flex track and how it is used.
Explains flex track and how it is used.
Train Table Construction
Assembly instructions, materials and tools lists for building a simple 4 foot by 8 foot model train table with storage shelf.
Assembly instructions, materials and tools lists for building a simple 4 foot by 8 foot model train table with storage shelf.
Your Train Won't Run
steps to take to troubleshoot and repair a model train that will not run
steps to take to troubleshoot and repair a model train that will not run
Minimum Curve Standards
Your minimum curve depends on your scale, prototype and personal preference.
Your minimum curve depends on your scale, prototype and personal preference.
Weathering Techniques
Hub of articles for various weathering techniques to age model trains.
Hub of articles for various weathering techniques to age model trains.
Monopoly Railroads
Everybody knows the railroads in the game Monopoly are the Pennsylvania, B&O, Reading, and Short Line. But how many people realize that three of the four were real railroads?
Everybody knows the railroads in the game Monopoly are the Pennsylvania, B&O, Reading, and Short Line. But how many people realize that three of the four were real railroads?
Model Layout Foam Insulation
A tip about sculpting landscape on a model railroad layout using rigid foam insulation. Links to a series of YouTube videos demonstrating the sculpting of this kind of foam insulation.
A tip about sculpting landscape on a model railroad layout using rigid foam insulation. Links to a series of YouTube videos demonstrating the sculpting of this kind of foam insulation.
Scales for Children
Are you confused about the sizes of toy trains? Here's a guide to choosing the scale, or size, of an electric train set for a child. This article focuses on cost and available space as the primary concerns and proposes smaller electric train scales, resulting in more track layout options for your available space, as a method of maintaining a child's interest in their train sets. When starting a child in model railroading the size of trains can make all the difference.
Are you confused about the sizes of toy trains? Here's a guide to choosing the scale, or size, of an electric train set for a child. This article focuses on cost and available space as the primary concerns and proposes smaller electric train scales, resulting in more track layout options for your available space, as a method of maintaining a child's interest in their train sets. When starting a child in model railroading the size of trains can make all the difference.
Assembling Your First Train
Introduction for basic train set assembly instructions.
Introduction for basic train set assembly instructions.
G Gauge
Introduction to G gauge model trains.
Introduction to G gauge model trains.
Build a Static Grass Applicator
Build your own static grass applicator to apply fine scenic ground cover to model railroads and other miniature scenes. This simple tool has many uses and can be built with only a few basic tools for around $10.
Build your own static grass applicator to apply fine scenic ground cover to model railroads and other miniature scenes. This simple tool has many uses and can be built with only a few basic tools for around $10.
Model Railroad Planning
These best practices will improve any design.
These best practices will improve any design.
Turnouts
Model railroad switches, just like real-life railroad switches are used to route rail traffic. In model
Model railroad switches, just like real-life railroad switches are used to route rail traffic. In model
N Scale
Introduction to N scale model trains.
Introduction to N scale model trains.
DCC Overview
Here is an overview of Digital Command Control (DCC), a system that utilizes digital computer technology for controlling model railroad trains. DCC in model railroading has been around for a decade now and, as the terms used in this technology have defined a new language for the model railroading community, this overview is intended to serve as a primer for beginners.
Here is an overview of Digital Command Control (DCC), a system that utilizes digital computer technology for controlling model railroad trains. DCC in model railroading has been around for a decade now and, as the terms used in this technology have defined a new language for the model railroading community, this overview is intended to serve as a primer for beginners.
Troubleshooting Model Trains
Introduction to troubleshooting tips for model trains.
Introduction to troubleshooting tips for model trains.
On30 Model Trains
O scale trains and HO gauge track make a great combination for a variety of users.
O scale trains and HO gauge track make a great combination for a variety of users.
Track Types
An overview of model railroad track types and codes including an explanation of track code numbers and rail metal types.
An overview of model railroad track types and codes including an explanation of track code numbers and rail metal types.
Reverse Loops
Reverse loops allow engines or trains to change direction without reversing. On two-rail tracks however, this causes a short circuit without some simple modifications.
Reverse loops allow engines or trains to change direction without reversing. On two-rail tracks however, this causes a short circuit without some simple modifications.
Troubleshooting Poor Operation
Troublshooting tips for correcting poor or sporadic operation of model trains
Troublshooting tips for correcting poor or sporadic operation of model trains
HO / OO Scale
Introduction to HO and OO scale model trains.
Introduction to HO and OO scale model trains.
Parents' Guide to Toy Trains
A primer on toy trains, electric trains and model railroading for parents. Topics include when to start children on electric trains, how available space is a primary concern in the selection of a train, and how to utilize electric trains as an educational tool.
A primer on toy trains, electric trains and model railroading for parents. Topics include when to start children on electric trains, how available space is a primary concern in the selection of a train, and how to utilize electric trains as an educational tool.
Z Scale
Introduction to Z scale model trains.
Introduction to Z scale model trains.
Classification Yard Planning
Advice for planning a more efficient and prototypical freight classification yard for a model railroad.
Advice for planning a more efficient and prototypical freight classification yard for a model railroad.
Helix
A helix is the ultimate train elevator and always a center of attention on a model railroad. Although intimidating, even a large helix is a very manageable project.
A helix is the ultimate train elevator and always a center of attention on a model railroad. Although intimidating, even a large helix is a very manageable project.
spur
: A spur is a railroad track on which cars are left for loading and unloading. Spurs are also used sometimes
: A spur is a railroad track on which cars are left for loading and unloading. Spurs are also used sometimes
Model Railroading 101
What every beginner needs to know about model railroading.
What every beginner needs to know about model railroading.
Steam Locomotive Classes
A list of steam locomotive classes
A list of steam locomotive classes
Block Wiring
Wiring a model railroad for multiple train operations with blocks.
Wiring a model railroad for multiple train operations with blocks.
Simple Signal Circuit
A simple signal circuit for bi-diectional signals for model trains.
A simple signal circuit for bi-diectional signals for model trains.
Lighting Buildings
Choosing the right bulb is essential to getting the most out of any lighting project.
Choosing the right bulb is essential to getting the most out of any lighting project.
About O Scale
O Scale in model railroading explained.
O Scale in model railroading explained.
O Scale
Introduction to O scale model trains.
Introduction to O scale model trains.
Planning a Helix
Planning a helix for a model railroad takes time and patience, but good plans can avoid costly construction mistakes later.
Planning a helix for a model railroad takes time and patience, but good plans can avoid costly construction mistakes later.
EMD GP7 - A Locomotive Profile
Prototype history of EMD's GP7 diesel locomotive and a list of available scale models.
Prototype history of EMD's GP7 diesel locomotive and a list of available scale models.
L-Girder Benchwork
L-girder benchwork can be built with a variety of common building materials.
L-girder benchwork can be built with a variety of common building materials.
S Scale
S scale is defined as 1:64 or 3/16ths of an inch to one foot. S gauge track is an unusual 0.884 inches. This article is an overview of S scale and S gauge, including the History of S scale and modern S scale manufacturers in both three-rail AC and two-rail DC varieties. S scale is frequently regarded as synonymous with American Flyer trains, which were made by A.C. Gilbert who originated S scale and S gauge.
S scale is defined as 1:64 or 3/16ths of an inch to one foot. S gauge track is an unusual 0.884 inches. This article is an overview of S scale and S gauge, including the History of S scale and modern S scale manufacturers in both three-rail AC and two-rail DC varieties. S scale is frequently regarded as synonymous with American Flyer trains, which were made by A.C. Gilbert who originated S scale and S gauge.
N Scale Model Train Couplers
Couplers are an important consideration when buying N scale model railroad trains. You need to make sure the couplers on your locomotives and cars are compatible.
Couplers are an important consideration when buying N scale model railroad trains. You need to make sure the couplers on your locomotives and cars are compatible.
Children's Toy Train Tables
Here are some children's train table and train board space planning ideas. A toy train table or train board can be used to keep a child's toy train track layout intact between play-sessions. This helps avert the tedium of having to put away track between uses, which may detract from a child's enjoyment of their electric trains.
Here are some children's train table and train board space planning ideas. A toy train table or train board can be used to keep a child's toy train track layout intact between play-sessions. This helps avert the tedium of having to put away track between uses, which may detract from a child's enjoyment of their electric trains.
Track Occupancy
Track occupancy detectors allow you to know where you trains are even when you can't see them. They are also essential elements in prototypical signalling systems.
Track occupancy detectors allow you to know where you trains are even when you can't see them. They are also essential elements in prototypical signalling systems.
Layout Locations
Tips for finding the best place for your model railroad.
Tips for finding the best place for your model railroad.
New to Model Railroading
How to make informed choices when buying your first model railroad equipment.
How to make informed choices when buying your first model railroad equipment.
Weathering with Chalks
Techniques for aging models with powdered chalks.
Techniques for aging models with powdered chalks.
Choosing a Scale
A discussion of factors influencing a model railroader's choice of scale.
A discussion of factors influencing a model railroader's choice of scale.
TT Scale: American Orphan
TT scale is defined as 1:120 or ten feet to the inch scale. TT gauge track has rails spaced 12mm. TT scale was introduced to American model railroading by H.P. Products in 1946. This article is an overview of TT scale, including the History of TT scale, modern German and other Eastern European TT scale manufacturers, and some thoughts on the future of the exotic TT scale.
TT scale is defined as 1:120 or ten feet to the inch scale. TT gauge track has rails spaced 12mm. TT scale was introduced to American model railroading by H.P. Products in 1946. This article is an overview of TT scale, including the History of TT scale, modern German and other Eastern European TT scale manufacturers, and some thoughts on the future of the exotic TT scale.
Staging Yards
Staging Yards have many uses, espescially if you choose to operate like the prototype.
Staging Yards have many uses, espescially if you choose to operate like the prototype.
Maximum Grade Standards
Standards for the steepest grades your model trains can climb.
Standards for the steepest grades your model trains can climb.
Add a Grade
Most real railroads aren't flat, our models don't have to be either. Adding a grade to a model railroad takes a little planning but offers big rewards in operation and appearance when done correctly.
Most real railroads aren't flat, our models don't have to be either. Adding a grade to a model railroad takes a little planning but offers big rewards in operation and appearance when done correctly.
Thomas the Tank Engine
Thomas the Tank Engine delights children everywhere. Here are Thomas toy trains that are real electric trains instead of push toys.
Thomas the Tank Engine delights children everywhere. Here are Thomas toy trains that are real electric trains instead of push toys.
EMD GP9 - A Locomotive Profile
Prototype history of EMD's GP9 diesel locomotive and a list of available scale models.
Prototype history of EMD's GP9 diesel locomotive and a list of available scale models.
Model Railroad Scenery - Add a River and Bridge to Your Layout
Add the excitement of a river and bridge to your model railroad layout step-by-step.
Add the excitement of a river and bridge to your model railroad layout step-by-step.
EMD GP30 - A Locomotive Profile
Prototype history of EMD's GP30 diesel locomotive and a list of available scale models.
Prototype history of EMD's GP30 diesel locomotive and a list of available scale models.
TOFC Modeling
Ideas for modeling TOFC (Trailer on Flatcar) trains, equipment and operations.
Ideas for modeling TOFC (Trailer on Flatcar) trains, equipment and operations.
Switch Basics
A guide to model railroad switch (turnout) basics and sizes.
A guide to model railroad switch (turnout) basics and sizes.
Introduction to Switches
Beginners guide to understanding model train switches, terminology and uses.
Beginners guide to understanding model train switches, terminology and uses.
Cleaning Model Trains
How to clean model trains.
How to clean model trains.
Model Trains FAQ
Answers to common questions about model trains and railroads.
Answers to common questions about model trains and railroads.
Gluing Scenery
Materials and tools to add scenery to model train layouts and dioramas.
Materials and tools to add scenery to model train layouts and dioramas.
DRGW Power Bus
Installing the bus wires for the Rio Grande Project Layout.
Installing the bus wires for the Rio Grande Project Layout.
Install Switch Motor
What is a switch motor and what can it do?
What is a switch motor and what can it do?
O Scale Issues
Three Reasons I Don't Recommend O Scale for Children's toy train sets.
Three Reasons I Don't Recommend O Scale for Children's toy train sets.
Tomix N Scale Thomas
N scale Thomas the Tank Engine and friends are manufactured by the Japanese model train company Tomix. They offer Thomas, Henry, James, and Percy models in N scale.
N scale Thomas the Tank Engine and friends are manufactured by the Japanese model train company Tomix. They offer Thomas, Henry, James, and Percy models in N scale.
Track: Integrated Roadbed
Integrated roadbed track is defined as any track attached to a roadbed. This track makes assembling a model railroad train layout much easier. Many people erroneously refer to this type of track as snaptrack, snap track, or snap-track. However, SnapTrack is a brand name for a track with no integrated roadbed. Today children's toy train sets benefit from the use of integrated roadbed track. Here is a list of brands, scales, and types of integrated roadbed track for your electric trains.
Integrated roadbed track is defined as any track attached to a roadbed. This track makes assembling a model railroad train layout much easier. Many people erroneously refer to this type of track as snaptrack, snap track, or snap-track. However, SnapTrack is a brand name for a track with no integrated roadbed. Today children's toy train sets benefit from the use of integrated roadbed track. Here is a list of brands, scales, and types of integrated roadbed track for your electric trains.
Drybrushing
Make subtle additions to a model with this simple paint technique.
Make subtle additions to a model with this simple paint technique.
Model Railroad Space Planning
An overview of space planning for model railroad train layouts and types of space allocation for model train layouts.
An overview of space planning for model railroad train layouts and types of space allocation for model train layouts.
How a DCC Decoder Works
A somewhat technical overview of how a DCC decoder works in a model railroad train locomotive. DCC (Digital Command Control) decoders are tiny, complex electronic devices that not only contain computer control systems, but power management as well.
A somewhat technical overview of how a DCC decoder works in a model railroad train locomotive. DCC (Digital Command Control) decoders are tiny, complex electronic devices that not only contain computer control systems, but power management as well.
Replacing Wheels
Instructions for replacing wheels on model trains.
Instructions for replacing wheels on model trains.
Classification Yard
Best practices for laying track in a model railroad classification yard.
Best practices for laying track in a model railroad classification yard.
Foam Scenery
Building model railroad scenery from foam insulation boards.
Building model railroad scenery from foam insulation boards.
Install DCC Decoder
Simple instructions for installing a DCC decoder.
Simple instructions for installing a DCC decoder.
Making Paved Roads
Introduction and materials lists for modeling paved roads.
Introduction and materials lists for modeling paved roads.
HO Knuckle Couplers
Listing of HO knuckle coupler manufacturers and products.
Listing of HO knuckle coupler manufacturers and products.
DRGW Trackplan
A simple trackplan for a 4 foot by 8 foot model railroad depicting the narrow gauge Denver and Rio Grande Western in HO scale.
A simple trackplan for a 4 foot by 8 foot model railroad depicting the narrow gauge Denver and Rio Grande Western in HO scale.
Paper Roll Loads
Rolled paper loads are common in boxcars today and easy to model in many scales.
Rolled paper loads are common in boxcars today and easy to model in many scales.
Model Railroad Waybills
Understanding waybills and how they make model rsilroading more interesting and realistic.
Understanding waybills and how they make model rsilroading more interesting and realistic.
Lighting Layout Levels
Lighting model train layout levels with holiday lights.
Lighting model train layout levels with holiday lights.
Track Pieces
Regardless of the scale you are working in, individual model railroad track components fall into six
Regardless of the scale you are working in, individual model railroad track components fall into six
EMD GP20 - A Locomotive Profil
Prototype history of EMD's GP20 diesel locomotive and a list of available scale models.
Prototype history of EMD's GP20 diesel locomotive and a list of available scale models.
City of Industry RR Plan
Track plan for a 4x8' HO scale model railroad featuring multiple industries and a challenging track plan.
Track plan for a 4x8' HO scale model railroad featuring multiple industries and a challenging track plan.
Easements and Superelevation
Simple techiniques to improve model train operation by easing the transition from straight to curve tracks with easements and superelevation.
Simple techiniques to improve model train operation by easing the transition from straight to curve tracks with easements and superelevation.
Minimum Vertical Clearances
Minimum vertical clearances for different model train scales
Minimum vertical clearances for different model train scales
Miniature Lighting Projects
Miniature lighting projects for model railroad layouts.
Miniature lighting projects for model railroad layouts.
Installing DCC
Choosing the right DCC system for your layout.
Choosing the right DCC system for your layout.
Miniature Cornstalks
Model a realistic cornfield in HO or larger scales.
Model a realistic cornfield in HO or larger scales.
Building a Helix
A helix can be a heavy construction. A strong foundation is critical for alignment and support.
A helix can be a heavy construction. A strong foundation is critical for alignment and support.
Corrugated Roofing
Modeling common corrugated metal roofs and sidings in any condition using plastic and aluminum foil.
Modeling common corrugated metal roofs and sidings in any condition using plastic and aluminum foil.
Fiber Optic Lights
Potential uses for fiber optic lighting effects on model train layout layouts.
Potential uses for fiber optic lighting effects on model train layout layouts.
G-Gauge Scales
G Gauge trains are actually made in different scales. See how each manufacturer sizes up.
G Gauge trains are actually made in different scales. See how each manufacturer sizes up.
Freight Car Photos
Freight car photos compliled from the weekly Freight Car Friday blog, grouped by car type. Get the inspiration for your next modeling project here!
Freight car photos compliled from the weekly Freight Car Friday blog, grouped by car type. Get the inspiration for your next modeling project here!
Wyes
How to build and wire a wye to turn locomotives or trains on a model railroad.
How to build and wire a wye to turn locomotives or trains on a model railroad.
Model Train Vacations
Portable z scale model railroads are small enough to take on any trip.
Portable z scale model railroads are small enough to take on any trip.
Narrowing WS Inclines
How to narrow Woodland Scenics incline foam for N and TT scale grading
How to narrow Woodland Scenics incline foam for N and TT scale grading
Modeling Water
Adding Water begins with preparing the surface below.
Adding Water begins with preparing the surface below.
Night Backdrop
There's more to making a night sky than black paint.
There's more to making a night sky than black paint.
transition joints
Instructions for joining two sections of model train track with different rail codes (sizes.)
Instructions for joining two sections of model train track with different rail codes (sizes.)
Chain Link Fencing
Modeling chain link fencing - tips on enhancing kits.
Modeling chain link fencing - tips on enhancing kits.
American Flyer Profile
Profile of American Flyer model trains.
Profile of American Flyer model trains.
Soldering Tips - Track / Wire
Tools needed for soldering on model trains.
Tools needed for soldering on model trains.
Wood Building Kits
Tips on building a wood model structure kit and adding details to make it unique.
Tips on building a wood model structure kit and adding details to make it unique.
Weathering Wash
Applying the weathering wash to model trains.
Applying the weathering wash to model trains.
COFC History
History and modeling advice on container on flatcar (COFC) railroad operations.
History and modeling advice on container on flatcar (COFC) railroad operations.
Switching with Thumbtacks
An easy tip for speeding your yard switching operations on a model railroad by using pushpins.
An easy tip for speeding your yard switching operations on a model railroad by using pushpins.
Gondola Loads
From precast to homemade, there are lots of options for realistic loads for gondola cars.
From precast to homemade, there are lots of options for realistic loads for gondola cars.
Model Buildings
Tips and instructions for model buildings - from different types of kits to scratchbuilding and lighting, details and interiors.
Tips and instructions for model buildings - from different types of kits to scratchbuilding and lighting, details and interiors.
Installing Backdrops
Backdrops greatly improve the look of a model railroad. The first step is installing a smooth vertical surface for painting.
Backdrops greatly improve the look of a model railroad. The first step is installing a smooth vertical surface for painting.
Standard Gauge
: As with prototype trains, gauge is the measure of the distance between the rails. Standard Gauge has
: As with prototype trains, gauge is the measure of the distance between the rails. Standard Gauge has
Digitrax Zephyr DCC System
The Digitrax Zephyr all-in-one DCC system is perhaps the most powerful DCC starter system for the money.
The Digitrax Zephyr all-in-one DCC system is perhaps the most powerful DCC starter system for the money.
Backdrop General Tips
No matter what scene you choose, there are some universal tips to better backdrops.
No matter what scene you choose, there are some universal tips to better backdrops.
Buying and Selling
How to buy and sell model railroad trains.
How to buy and sell model railroad trains.
Hump Yard
A hump puts gravity to work, switching cars on the side of a hill.
A hump puts gravity to work, switching cars on the side of a hill.
Making Groundcover
Make your own groundcover of fallen leaves for forest floors or autumn scenes on model train layouts.
Make your own groundcover of fallen leaves for forest floors or autumn scenes on model train layouts.
Narrow Gauges
A guide to model railroading narrow gauges.
A guide to model railroading narrow gauges.
Scale Speed
Tables for determining the scale speed of your model trains for various scales in both miles and kilometers per hour.
Tables for determining the scale speed of your model trains for various scales in both miles and kilometers per hour.
Athearn Genesis GP15
Athearn's brand new HO scale GP15 sets a new bar for detail and performance for models of this popular road switcher locomotive.
Athearn's brand new HO scale GP15 sets a new bar for detail and performance for models of this popular road switcher locomotive.
Layout Choices
Choosing the right prototype and design for a model railroad as seen in the Rio Grande Narrow Gauge project layout.
Choosing the right prototype and design for a model railroad as seen in the Rio Grande Narrow Gauge project layout.
Finishing Track
Make your track as realistic as the trains you run on it.
Make your track as realistic as the trains you run on it.
Modeling Rust
Adding the base coat of lighter rust.
Adding the base coat of lighter rust.
Customizing Models
A model of a CSX covered hopper represents a good case study in the various ways a commmercial model can be customized to represent a specific prototype.
A model of a CSX covered hopper represents a good case study in the various ways a commmercial model can be customized to represent a specific prototype.
Cutting Styrene
Measuring and Marking styrene for cuts.
Measuring and Marking styrene for cuts.
Model Trains Toolbox
Essential tools for working with model trains.
Essential tools for working with model trains.
Powering Switch Frogs
Adding power to a switch frog is as simple as connecting three wires.
Adding power to a switch frog is as simple as connecting three wires.
Train Set Manufacturers
List of model train manufacturers offering complete sets in various scales.
List of model train manufacturers offering complete sets in various scales.
Helix Prototypes
Even an extreme construction like a helix is not without a prototype in railroading. Get inspiration for your model grades.
Even an extreme construction like a helix is not without a prototype in railroading. Get inspiration for your model grades.
Model Railroad Track Setup
How to lay model railroad track and connect its power supply.
How to lay model railroad track and connect its power supply.
Girls Model Train Set
A marketing debacle in the late 1950s, the Lionel Girls' Model Train Set is a sought-after collectors item today.
A marketing debacle in the late 1950s, the Lionel Girls' Model Train Set is a sought-after collectors item today.
Frog - Switches
Description of Switch Frogs as used on model train layouts.
Description of Switch Frogs as used on model train layouts.
Install Streetlights
There are many varieties of lighting accessories available for model trains. Choose the right one for your layout.
There are many varieties of lighting accessories available for model trains. Choose the right one for your layout.
Modeling Water with Plexiglas
A sheet of Plexiglass makes modeling water easy.
A sheet of Plexiglass makes modeling water easy.
Lift Bridges
Lift bridges are one method of providing layout access while preserving operations.
Lift bridges are one method of providing layout access while preserving operations.
Troubleshooting Derailments
Troubleshooting tips for derailing model trains.
Troubleshooting tips for derailing model trains.
Steam Locomotive Service
For all of their power, speed and emotional appeal, if the steam locomotive has one fundimental flaw
For all of their power, speed and emotional appeal, if the steam locomotive has one fundimental flaw
Scale
definition of scale
definition of scale
MTH Profile
Manufacturer profile of MTH Trains.
Manufacturer profile of MTH Trains.
Model Railroad Track Easements
Easements can be simulated using segmented model railroad track pieces. A true easement is a parabolic curve. This means its radius is different at any point along it's path. Unless you are using flex-track, model railroad track curves have fixed radii. But you can simulate an easement by placing segments of smaller radii inside of segments with greater radii when building your curves.
Easements can be simulated using segmented model railroad track pieces. A true easement is a parabolic curve. This means its radius is different at any point along it's path. Unless you are using flex-track, model railroad track curves have fixed radii. But you can simulate an easement by placing segments of smaller radii inside of segments with greater radii when building your curves.
Athearn Genesis F89F Flatcar
Athearn's HO scale F89F models specific details of a prolific prototype.
Athearn's HO scale F89F models specific details of a prolific prototype.
Benchwork for Bridges
Make room for a bridge by modifying the platform, or benchwork.
Make room for a bridge by modifying the platform, or benchwork.
Model Train Maintenance
Model train maintenance proceedures
Model train maintenance proceedures
Model Building Tools
Helpful tools for building model trains.
Helpful tools for building model trains.
Power Supply
Outlines steps to hook up power supplies for model train sets.
Outlines steps to hook up power supplies for model train sets.
IHC
A profile of International Hobby Corporation, an American manufacturer of HO scale model railroad trains and accessories.
A profile of International Hobby Corporation, an American manufacturer of HO scale model railroad trains and accessories.
Adding Riverbanks - Framing the Scenery
Add river banks and scenery to the water's edge and plant the bridge in the scene.
Add river banks and scenery to the water's edge and plant the bridge in the scene.
Modeling Eras
An overview of different railroading eras and the advantages and challenges of modeling each.
An overview of different railroading eras and the advantages and challenges of modeling each.
DCC Made Easy
A DCC primer and buyer's guide from Kalmbach Books.
A DCC primer and buyer's guide from Kalmbach Books.