Model Train Décor using Coffee Table Layouts

Black coffee table on white carpet. Table has small model layout inside under glass top

Model train décor using coffee table layouts: I always love the idea of a model railroad “hidden in plain sight.” Although a shelf layout is an effective and efficient way to integrate a model railroad into a living space, it is also very obvious where the layout is when you enter the room – particularly […]

Read More…

PIKO America Building Block R/C Starter Set

Color photo of large scale train set components.

  PIKO America Building Block R/C Starter set: An ongoing question in the hobby is “How do we get new people into model railroading?” PIKO America offers a clever solution with its Building Block R/C Starter Set (No. 37155). The indoor/outdoor set includes a battery-operated 1:24-proportion General Electric (GE) 25-ton diesel locomotives, two flatcars, a […]

Read More…

News & Products for the week of April 17th 2023

News & Products for the week of April 17th 2023: an image of a model locomotive

News & Products for the week of April 17th 2023 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of April 17th 2023. […]

Read More…

Midday Modeler – April 12th, 2023

On this week’s episode of Midday Modeler, David welcomes Lucas to talk about his new series called “Young Guns of Preservation”. Cody shows off some new locomotives from Atlas. Steve and Eric provide updates to the structures for the project layout. And, as always, more viewer questions are answered! Join all the fun LIVE on […]

Read More…

Build a crossover using two turnouts

Model Railroader Editor Eric White and Senior Editor Cody Grivno walk through the process for constructing a track crossover, starting from a pair of turnouts. The duo uses Walthers HO scale Code 83 No. 6 turnouts in this instance, but other brands and varieties work too. Be sure to follow the exclusive In The Workshop […]

Read More…

Model Train Décor Using Shelf Layouts

A man and woman seated at a table and holding wine glasses surrounded by white shelves in the background.

Model train décor using shelf layouts: While having a favorite model or two on display in the family living space is a great way to enjoy your trains, it’s usually only satisfying when you have a dedicated area elsewhere in your home, apartment, or condo to be able to run them. But if that’s not […]

Read More…

The HO scale Jones Island layout

The HO scale Jones Island layout: A model railroad layout trackplan

Facts & features Name: Jones IslandScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 3′-6″ x 13′-10″Prototype: Port of MilwaukeeLocale: Milwaukee waterfrontEra: Present dayStyle: ShelfMainline run: NoneMinimum radius: 24″Minimum turnout: No. 6 Maximum grade: NoneBenchwork: L-girderHeight: 49″Roadbed: CorkTrack: Code 83Scenery: Extruded-foam insulation board, SculptamoldBackdrop: PhotoControl: NCE Digital Command Control Download a PDF of this track plan! Buy the May 2023 issue […]

Read More…

The N scale Florida Northern Railroad layout

Facts & features Name: Florida Northern RR Scale: N (1:160) Size: 11 x 16 feet Prototypes: Florida Northern RR Locale: Central Florida Era: 2004 Style: Double-decked walkaround Mainline run: 88 feet Minimum radius: 18″ Minimum turnout: No. 6 Maximum grade: None Download a PDF of this track plan! Buy the May 2023 issue of Model […]

Read More…

News & Products for the week of April 10th 2023

News & Products for the week of April 10th 2023: An image of a model locomotive

News & Products for the week of April 10th 2023 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of April 10th 2023. […]

Read More…

Midday Modeler – April 5th, 2023

David welcomes Steve Sweeney as co-host. Steve reflects on his career at Kalmbach and gives encouraging words about the Model Railroading hobby. Rene and Bryson pop in to talk about David’s upcoming Modeling Class video series, coming soon. Cody returns with an update on some new pieces that are soon to be hitting the Kalmbach […]

Read More…