Many of us dream of a model railroad empire on a massive scale. While the time, space and resources required usually dictate whether or not that dream becomes a reality, it never hurts to be inspired. Whether you’re daring to dream or have what you need to dare yourself, explore these monster track plan recommendations! […]
Dave Baule’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 11 x 25 feet Track and switches: American S Gauge (diameters range from 38 to 76 inches) Motive power: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: American Models, American S Gauge, Downs, Gilbert American Flyer, Lionel American Flyer, S-Helper Service Controls: Gilbert American Flyer Nos. 16B and […]
Bob and Diane Zwieg’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 9 x 13 feet Track and switches: K-Line, Lionel (diameters range from 27 to 72 inches) Motive power: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams Rolling stock: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Williams Controls: Lionel, Model Rectifier transformers with Lionel TrainMaster Command Control Accessories: Department 56, Lemax, Lionel […]
Master Model Railroader Gerry Leone is back to give us an exclusive tour of the progress he’s made on the famed Bona Vista HO scale (1:87.1) layout! You’ll want to watch this update to see the latest work on a layout that’s featured in the pages of Great Model Railroads 2026 special issue magazine, now […]
Let’s be frank, not all of us have the luxury of immense space for a massive model railroad empire. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the hobby, even in the most cramped room. By turning the pages of past issues and books by the Model Railroader staff, here are five recommendations for compact track […]
From Midwest farmlands to the Pacific Coast, and the mountains and deserts in between, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway offers a buffet of modeling opportunities. This popular former Class I railroad has captured the hearts of model railroaders, and there are many modeling products and materials readily available to help modelers go “Santa […]
Name: Norm Jurgen’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 16 x 18 feet Track and switches: Lionel FasTrack (diameters range from 60 to 72 inches) Motive power: Lionel Rolling stock: Lionel Controls: Lionel Nos. 22983 180-watt PowerHouses (9), CW-80 transformer (5) with TrainMaster Command Control Accessories: Lionel, MTH Structures: Department 56, Lionel, MTH, Woodland Scenics Vehicles: Altaya, […]
Name: Jim Steed’s Blairsville & Georgia Southern RR Gauge: O Dimensions: 8 x 21 feet Track: K-Line, Lionel, Menards (diameters range from 31 to 54 inches) Switches: Lionel Motive power: Lionel (postwar, modern), MTH, Williams Rolling stock: Lionel (postwar, modern), MTH Controls: Lionel type-Z, MTH No. Z-4000 (3) transformers Accessories: Hafner, Lionel (postwar, mod-ern), Marx, […]
Q: What was the western terminus of the MR&T, your HO scale staff layout? — Phil Stead A: Jim Kelly explained the concept behind the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy in “Meet the MR&T” in the December 1989 Model Railroader. “You may have already guessed that the initials in MR&T stand for Model Railroader and Trains, […]
Are you searching for inspiration for your next model railroad project? Whether you’re just starting out, have some experience, or are an advanced modeler, we’ve gathered a collection of creative track plans for every skill level to get your creative juices flowing. Based on designs from our staff and fellow model railroad enthusiasts, these plans […]
The plan is simple: a long loop-to-loop (folded dog-bone) single-track line. There are several passing sidings to allow three trains to be on the line at the same time with a long run between return loops. Wireless controls are always nice, but a classic Lionel type-ZW transformer with a switch control panel board is really […]
Name: Neal Schorr’s Pennsylvania RR Middle DivisionGauge: O scale (1:48)Dimensions: 38 x 45 feet (maximum dimensions)Track: Atlas O code 215 three-rail flextrackTurnouts: Atlas O, Ross Custom SwitchesMotive power and rolling stock: Atlas O, Golden Gate Depot, K-Line, Lionel, WeaverControls: Lionel TrainMaster Command Control Structures: Atlas O, DPM, Lionel, MTH, scratchbuilt, Wm. K. WalthersFigures: Arttista, Woodland […]
