Introducing the all-new Trains.com Forum! Become a part of our Community! >>VISIT NOW
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 […]
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, […]
Join Trains.com hosts David Popp and Gerry Leone, as they visit Bernard Hellen in the Miniprints booth at Trainfest 2024 in Milwaukee, Wis. Watch as “Dr. Mini” walks through the process he uses to make 3D-printed scale model figures from a full body scan of actual people. Learn how easy it is to add a […]
Hump yards The number of hump yards operating in North America has dropped precipitously over the decades. Today there are 36 active hump yards operated by the big six Class I systems and terminal and switching railroads. That’s down from 59 in 2002, 72 in 1993, 122 in 1985, and 152 in 1975. Yet hump […]
Let’s face it, I love Trainfest. I’ve lived in the area for more than 20 years now, and I’ve been at every Trainfest they’ve held during that time. So, when it was announced earlier this year that Trainfest was back in 2024, it really didn’t matter to me who put it on or where it […]
In this Trains.com exclusive from Trainfest 2024, Model Railroader magazine Senior Editor Cody Grivno chats with Jordan Smith and Jeff Lassahn of Rapido Trains Inc. The Rapido Crew arrived in the Trains.com Booth with plenty of new HO and N scale model railroad products and news to share with viewers like you! Watch additional behind-the-scenes […]
Manufacturers come and go in model railroading, and the O gauge market is no exception – 2 or 3 rail, scale or semi scale. From vast offerings to specific products, let’s find out who is producing today for the customer. If you know of a manufacturer not on this list, please contact us at editor@classictoytrains.com. […]
Q: I recall an article from a few years back that was about setting up a minimalist layout set on a bookshelf or board. It was intended as a quick and easy way to get started in the hobby, especially for those who don’t have a lot of space. I believe it used an NCE […]
Howard Hitchcock, CEO of Lionel, talks about Lionel’s 125th anniversary, as interviewed by Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer. Howard was kind enough to give us some time to talk about their anniversary, new products, virtual events, and show us some brand-new anniversary items in this video! You don’t want to miss this exclusive video […]
Join Trains.com staffer Bryson Sleppy, as he hosts Curtis Koch of Broadway Limited Imports for an insightful interview at Trainfest 2024 in Milwaukee, Wis. Listen in, as Curtis shares news and specifics regarding new product releases from this notable HO and N scale model railroad manufacturer! Watch additional behind-the-scenes interviews from Trainfest 2024! […]
Make building signs from polyester labels: In our hobby, the little things can make a big difference. When adding buildings to our railroads, it’s details like signs that help us determine if it’s the local drug store or the donut shop. Signs also clue us in to what era the railroad is set in. I […]
If you look closely at a diesel locomotive, you’ll see the letter “F” stenciled near the stairs. As obvious as it seems, the “F” stands for Front, and it’s required under the Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards section of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Title 49 CFR Part 229.11 reads, “The letter “F” shall be […]
