If you’re new to the hobby, you might be wondering why some modelers change the couplers on their trains. Couplers are the devices that connect individual locomotives and rolling stock together while playing a critical role in determining the realism and reliability of a model train. To put it simply, some model railroaders choose to […]
The new town of Westcott has moved from concept to construction. Watch as host Gerry Leone shares how he initiated the development by laying out the town on a sheet styrene template. Learn helpful tips for arranging city streets, structures, and even rail-served industries. Plus, you’ll also glean insights for working with styrene or similar […]
Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Railroad inspiration for all eras and spaces RAILWAY POST OFFICE, pg. 10 Letters from our readers NEWS AND PRODUCTS, pg. 12 Hobby industry news ASK MR, pg. 16 How lumber is shipped on the railroads STEP BY […]
Bowser HO scale SD30C-ECO. A modern-era diesel from Bowser Manufacturing Co. Inc. recently visited our HO scale Wisconsin & Southern project layout. Join Model Railroader editor Eric White and senior editor Cody Grivno as they talk about the features and operate the Canadian Pacific SD30C-ECO. The Bowser SD30C-ECO is decorated for Canadian Pacific in 12 […]
News & Products for the week of April 3rd 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 3rd 2023. […]
My favorite caboose: The MR staff picks their favorite caboose model and explains why it’s their favorite. What’s your favorite caboose? Leave a comment and let us know! Mitch Horner International Car Co. I-18 steel bay window caboose I’ve been enamored recently by Tangent’s Chessie System “’73+ Repaint Version 2” International Car Co. I-18 […]
By Greg Privette Vacationing near the Olympic mountains of Washington state birthed a vision for my new HO scale layout. Logging was the industry and Shelton, Wash., was home to the last logging railroad in the United States. Old-growth timbers harvested near Camp 5 were delivered by the Simpson Railroad to Shelton starting around the […]
Q: I’m writing you to ask how to weather steam locomotives as well as my log cars, bobber cabooses, and other railroad cars. I would also like to weather some of my buildings. Can you give me some ideas on what to use in weathering my layout? – Russell C. Brenchley, Cottage Grove, Ore. A: […]
In last month’s “Sketching with Steve,” I explored a single-industry track plan by drawing a 4×8 paper mill layout. This month I’m doing it again, this time creating an ethanol plant track plan. If you’re looking for a modern industry that offers lots of business for your model railroad, an ethanol plant is for you. Jeff […]
Q: I live in Tennessee. We do not have train shows in our state. I am 84 years old. What can I do to get train shows near me? – M. Collins A: As one 84-year-old hobbyist, probably not much. But as a member of a group, you might be able to do more than […]
Q: I started model railroading in 1961, when I was a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Two years later, my family and my career began to grow to the point I wasn’t able to pursue my hobby. I packed up my model trains in 1963 and didn’t open the box until recently. To my surprise, it […]
Meet Jim Providenza What was your first train set (or locomotive)? Our family had a Lionel train set that we set up around the Christmas tree each year. At about age 10, it moved onto a sheet of plywood on the floor of the “playroom” on a semi-permanent basis. In 7th grade my parents agreed […]
