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Whether we like it or not, AI isn’t going away. The adoption of this technology across all major tech companies and many industries has cemented its place in our contemporary culture, at least for the time being. We as modelers may as well make our peace with it, and learn how to make it work […]
Model trains have long captivated the imagination of hobbyists, collectors, and enthusiasts of all ages. From their origins as simple tinplate toys to today’s intricate, highly-detailed machinery, model trains trace a fascinating evolution that mirrors advancements in technology and changes in cultural trends. Let’s explore how this beloved hobby developed over the decades. Tinplate Trains […]
Model railroading is a rewarding hobby, but it can sometimes be challenging to find space for a full-sized layout. Fortunately, with careful planning and a few creative design choices, you can create a model train layout that fits into a smaller area. Here’s a guide to help you get started building a compact model train […]
Q: I will be starting my first model railroad soon, a small N scale layout. I want to use code 55 track, but I’ve read mixed reviews about it. Do you have any suggestions, or should I stick with code 80 track? — Damien Bouchey A: When shopping for N scale track, you’ll see it […]
Name: Rocky and Suzanne McAlister’s S gauge layoutDimensions: 10½ x 14½-footTrack: GarGraves, Gilbert American Flyer (maximum diameter 42 inches)Switches: Gilbert American FlyerMotive power: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, Lionel American Flyer, S-Helper ServiceRolling stock: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, Lionel American Flyer, MTH Electric Trains, S-Helper ServiceControls: Gilbert American Flyer, Model Rectifier Corp. transformersAccessories: Gilbert […]
Name: Union Station Kansas City Model Railroad DisplayGauge: ODimensions: 20 x 27 feetTrack: GarGraves (maximum diameter is 84 inches)Turnouts: Ross Custom Switches Motive power and rolling stock: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH, 3rd RailControls: Lionel CW-80 transformers (13)Accessories: Coaster Dynamics, Department 56, LionelStructures: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH, scratchbuiltVehicles: Eligor, Ertl, Matchbox, SolidoFigures: Arttista, Preiser, Woodland Scenics […]
Facts and features Name: Colorado PlainsScale: N (1:160)Size: 2′-43∕4″ x 8′-6″Prototype: BNSFLocale: Eastern ColoradoEra: ModernStyle: T-Trak modularMainline run: 182∕3 feetMinimum radius: 11″Minimum turnout: no. 4Maximum grade: noneBenchwork: Modular laser-cut kitsHeight: 23∕4″ Roadbed: noneTrack: Kato UnitrackScenery: SculptamoldBackdrop: Painted medium-density fibreboardControl: NCE DCC Click the link to download a PDF of the track plan! Buy the January […]
Facts and features Name: Youngstown Model Railroad AssociationScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 24 x 47 feetPrototype: freelanceLocale: northeast OhioEra: 1950 to presentMainline run: 200 feet (double-track outer main), 125 feet (single-track inner main)Minimum radius: 30″ (main), 22″ (industrial areas)Minimum turnout: No. 8 (main), No. 6 (yards), No. 4 (industrial park/steel mill)Maximum grade: 2%Benchwork: L-girderHeight: 43″ to 60″Roadbed: […]
A Christmas train adds to the Christmas spirit It’s not often that you hear words like “locomotive” or “uncoupled” in a 3-year-old’s vocabulary, but that’s exactly where my wife and I found ourselves Christmas morning in 2022. Our son Micah had always had a fascination with all trains, so much that we often joked that […]
10 more helpful tips for your layout Smooth and steady steaming It’s not surprising that postwar Lionel steam locomotives are extremely underpowered. They’re single-motor locomotives that must tow a heavy tender, so you’ll seldom get them to pull more than a dozen freight cars. Keep the wheel axles, side rods, and smoke-unit mechanism properly lubricated, […]
I wanted a reliable uncoupling method for my G-scale body mount Kadee couplers, with no moving parts or power requirements. I initially tried Kadee’s magnetic uncoupling system but found it wasn’t a perfect setup. It required the couplers be stopped precisely over the short magnet, and side-to-side movement of the cars due to slop in […]
In October, Editor Eric White, Associate Editor Bryson Sleppy, and I attended the Railroad Prototype Modelers Conference at the Northern Illinois University campus in Naperville, Ill. We enjoyed a day of visiting with contributors, looking at layouts and models, and talking with manufacturers in the vendor room. In addition, we split up and attended as […]
