Atlas buys select M.T.H product tooling

Atlas logo

Atlas Model Railroad Company Inc. has purchased a selection of the tooling for M.T.H. Electric Trains’ Premier O scale locomotive and rolling stock lines, as well as some of M.T.H.’s RailKing accessories. According to a release from Atlas, the acquired car-manufacturing molds include the 4-Bay Hopper, Coalporter Hopper, PS2CD High Side Hopper, 40′ PS1 Box […]

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Atlas buys select M.T.H product tooling

Atlas logo

Atlas Model Railroad Company Inc. has purchased a selection of the tooling for M.T.H. Electric Trains’ Premier O scale locomotive and rolling stock lines, as well as some of M.T.H.’s RailKing accessories. According to a release from Atlas, the acquired car-manufacturing molds include the 4-Bay Hopper, Coalporter Hopper, PS2CD High Side Hopper, 40′ PS1 Box […]

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Cult of the Operating Ratio may be loosening its grip

Man with shaved head wearing eyeglasses and blue open-collared shirt.

If you believe that railroads have sacrificed volume growth on the altar of the Cult of the Operating Ratio, then here’s some good news: A Wall Street analyst says major investors are growing weary of cost-cutting and want to see railroads attract more traffic.   Credit Suisse analyst Allison Landry says some institutional investors are […]

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Tips for mounting couplers on passenger car bodies

A Kadee knuckle coupler mounted on the underside of an HO scale heavyweight passenger car.

On my passenger cars, I use Kadee no. 5 couplers in their own boxes mounted directly to the carbody. As long as your curves are at least 30″ in radius and your turnouts are no. 6 or longer, you can take this simple and direct approach. Forget about mounting couplers on arms connected to the […]

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Weathering with powdered pastels

Simulating faded lettering with pastels and sponge.

Powdered pastels have long been a popular choice for weathering locomotives, freight cars, and buildings. Several firms offer ready-to-use weathering powders, or you can make your own by scraping pastel sticks with a hobby knife. I started work on this N scale Micro-Trains boxcar by spraying the entire car with Model Master Lusterless Flat. The […]

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Lionel’s LionChief Plus 2.0 GG1

Lionel’s LionChief Plus 2.0 GG1 electric locomotive

The LionChief 2.0 GG1 gives kids of all ages a distinctive icon of American railroading for their layout, be it a 4 x 8 or something filling a basement or attic. With modern electronics, this classic is ready to please a new generation! Watch the video to see more. […]

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Lionel’s LionChief Plus 2.0 GG1

Lionel’s LionChief Plus 2.0 GG1 electric locomotive

The LionChief 2.0 GG1 gives kids of all ages a distinctive icon of American railroading for their layout, be it a 4 x 8 or something filling a basement or attic. With modern electronics, this classic is ready to please a new generation! Watch the video to see more. […]

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Wabtec seeks federal funding to help develop zero-emissions locomotives

Wabtec's FLXdrive locomotive

WASHINGTON — Wabtec CEO Rafael Santana asked Congress today to help fund a Freight Rail Innovation Institute that will develop zero-emissions locomotive technology to replace the diesel by 2030. “Wabtec’s goal is to develop the next generation of zero-emission locomotives. Wabtec has a clear path to power new locomotives – and repower existing locomotives – […]

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