Railroad names for a baby

A little boy in front of a Christmas tree holding a book about trains upside down

Okay let me be the first to say, I am childless. However when a friend of mine told me that he and his wife were expecting, I immediately started to wonder what they would name the child. The next day I brought up the idea to a colleague and said that I thought Norfolk would […]

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Five cabooses you can model

Color photo of steel wide-cupola caboose painted maroon and yellow.

With school back in session, the sun setting earlier, and the first hints of autumn showing up in the trees, it also means we’re getting back to peak model railroading season. Are you searching for some workbench projects to keep you busy this fall and winter? Here are five cabooses you can model. I just […]

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Modeling diesels that didn’t

Model of a red diesel locomotive

Classic Trains’ series “Diesels that didn’t” explores diesel locomotives that didn’t make it to large-scale production due to a variety of factors. However, some of those diesels made it to mass-production in the scale model world. Let’s take a look at the products offered to those modeling the diesels that didn’t. Electro-Motive Division BL2 HO […]

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Soo Line No. 1003 Photo Special

In coordination with the Kalmbach Media sponsored TrainFest hobby show in Milwaukee, Wisc., the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association used the opportunity to fire up their 1913-built American Locomotive Company, Class L-1 2-8-2 steam engine, Soo Line No. 1003. This photo special routed over the tracks of regional railroad Wisconsin & Southern — all to the […]

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Soo Line locomotive 1003 is a mammoth Mikado

Restored Soo Line Mikado-type steam engine rolls under a rusty railroad overpass

Name: Soo Line locomotive 1003 Builder: American Locomotive Company (Alco) Wheel arrangement: 2-8-2 Mikado Build date: March 1913 Why it’s important: Built for the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railroad, commonly known as the Soo Line, the 1003 is both large (250 tons) and powerful (53,947 pounds starting tractive effort). A highly versatile locomotive […]

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