Christmas tree train set The history of the “putzen” In as early as the 18th century, Protestants immigrating to America were making miniature Nativity scenes in their homes around Christmastime. The Moravians, who at the time settled in the Lehigh Valley (eastern Pennsylvania), are recognized for consistently doing this activity. The term “putzen” is a […]
No matter what scale you’re modeling in or what era you prefer, there is no doubt that you’ll encounter the need to use an adhesive sooner than later. Whether it’s laying cork roadbed, building a structure, or applying detail parts, everyone needs a variety of adhesives for a variety of tasks. This list should help […]
Modelers David Popp, Brian Schmidt, and Bryson Sleppy continue their series of projects to build a modular T-Trak N scale layout. T-Trak is a modular N scale railroading system that uses foot-wide boxes that can be plugged together to build tabletop layouts. In this second installment, the team demonstrates how to build RS Laser Kit […]
Ride with Trains.com staffer Ben Lake as he enjoys the charm of regional passenger rail services through a scenic journey aboard an Amtrak Empire Service train. Departing from Penn Station in New York City, the train meanders along the Hudson River to Albany, N.Y., offering glimpses of iconic landmarks like the George Washington Bridge. Explore […]
In the 60-plus years that N scale has been around, there has been a great deal of change in couplers. Rapido, an early manufacturer of N scale models (not to be confused with today’s Rapido Trains), let other companies use its coupler design. The wedge-front coupler, which was used on most N scale models (except […]
What is ground foam for model railroad layouts? When I first came across this phrase, I thought it was foam that was to be used on the ground, that is, for dirt, grass, and weeds. Then I cottoned on – it’s foam that’s been ground up! So, why would people grind up foam? Well, it […]
One of the first things that you must do when building a model train layout is decide which style of benchwork you will build for the layout. Simple tables A common starter style of model railroad benchwork is just a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood on a tabletop. My first layout was on a […]
10 vintage toy train items for your holiday layout The holidays are fast approaching! If you’ll be setting up a display (or a permanent layout), Senior Editor Roger Carp has suggestions for 10 items to add for the most fun! 1. Lionel No. 154 highway signal – for once, its enormous height and out-of-scale proportions […]
Join Trains.com staffers Kent Johnson and Ben Lake, as they explore Business Class and First Class experience aboard Amtrak’s Acela high-speed passenger service! From South Station (BOS) to Union Station (NHV), follow the duo as they take the train to work between Boston, Mass. to New Haven, Conn. in Business Class. Then watch as their […]
Though multiple manufacturers offer power packs meant for model railroads, three main companies currently offer the packs as separate-purchase items: Model Rectifier Corp., Kato USA, and Bachmann Trains. If you choose to use direct-current control instead of Digital Command Control (DCC) on your layout, buying a DC power pack (or power supply) that fits your […]
While we may no longer be printing Garden Railways magazine, we’re adding new content to Trains.com every week! Here’s a few recent items, and a preview of what’s coming in the next month. Become a Trains.com member so you don’t miss any of this great content! If you have a story suggestion, email editor@gardenrailways.com […]
Trains.com staffers Bryson Sleppy and Rene Schweitzer explore the world of LEGO trains! In this video, the pair examine practices for keeping bricks of all sizes and shapes as clean as possible. Looking for more information on LEGO trains? Find additional videos under Classic Toy Trains’ LEGO trains category! […]
