Drew James’ Canada, Spokane & Pacific RR in HO scale

Screen shot of Drew James' Canada, Spokane & Northern in HO scale.

Drew James’ CS&P HO scale model railroad portrays a bridge line operation connecting Burlington Northern and Canadian Pacific railroads in the 1980s. You can read more about the layout in the June 2024 issue of Model Railroader magazine. But first, you’ll want to see the action on this distinctive Pacific Northwest setting — where you’ll […]

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The Pickering & Sierra RR layout in multiple scales

A model railroad track plan

Facts and features   Name: Pickering & Sierra RRScale: HO (1:87.1), HOn3, dual gauge, and HOn21⁄2 (dummy)Size: 20′-7″ x 23′-3″ Prototype: freelanced, inspired by Pickering Lumber Co. and Sierra Ry.Locale: Sierra Nevada mountainsEra: 1920s to 1940sStyle: walk-inMainline run: 220 feetMinimum radius: 17″ (logging)Minimum turnout: No.4Maximum grade: 4%Benchwork: open gridHeight: 36″ to 57″Roadbed: plywood and HomasoteTrack: […]

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The Canada, Spokane & Pacific layout in HO scale

A model railroad track plan

Facts and features   Name: Canada, Spokane & PacificScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 32 x 43 feetPrototypes: Burlington Northern, Canadian PacificLocale: Pacific NorthwestEra: June 1981Style: walk-inMainline run: 260 feetMinimum radius: 36″Minimum turnout: No. 6Maximum grade: 2%Benchwork: L-girderHeight: 39″ to 46″Roadbed: HomasoteTrack: Atlas code 83 flextrackScenery: plaster gauze over cardboard web covered with Structolite Backdrop: LARC Products photo […]

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Ask Trains.com April 2024 compilation

Ask Trains.com April 2024 compilation | Our host Cody Grivno addresses a wide array of modeling and prototype railroading questions, including an explanation why and how modern railroads still use cabooses; where to find a sound modules used to enhance specific layout scenes; what the pros and cons are replacing plastic trucks with metal trucks; […]

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Steve Miazga’s N scale Missabe Junction operating session

Enjoy an insider’s look at an informal operating session hosted on Steve Miazga’s N scale (1:160) model railroad, set in northern Wisconsin. While you can read about the construction of this 14 x16-foot basement layout in Trains.com bonus articles and Model Railroader magazine’s September 2018 issue, the real thrill comes from seeing Steve and his […]

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The Georgia & Florida RR layout in HO scale

A model railroad track plan with two men standing inside of it

Facts and features   Name: Georgia & Florida RRScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 12 x 13 feetPrototype: Georgia & FloridaLocale: Central and South GeorgiaEra: late summer, 1966-1972Style: around the wallsMainline run: 55 feetMinimum radius: 24″Minimum turnout: No. 4Minimum grade: noneBenchwork: open gridHeight: 40″Roadbed: corkTrack: Atlas code 83 flextrackScenery: cardboard strips covered with plaster gauze and SculptamoldBackdrop: 1⁄8″ […]

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The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 4th Street Spur layout in HO scale

A shelf layout track plan

Facts and features   Name: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 4th Street SpurScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 1′-6″ x 8′-0″Prototype: Atchison, Topeka & Santa FeLocale: downtown Los AngelesEra: 1950-1953Style: shelfMainline run: 8 feetMinimum turnout: No. 4Maximum grade: noneBenchwork: 1⁄2″ plywood secured to wall with shelf bracketsHeight: 48″Roadbed: 3⁄32″ basswood Track: Atlas code 83 Scenery: extruded-foam insulation board […]

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Meet Bob Lettenberger, Q&A with the Editors

Man wearing polo shirt being interviewed.

Meet Bob Lettenberger, Trains Associate Editor in this Q&A with the Editors. Trains.com Unlimited Members can see the video in the Trains.com Video section. Steve Sweeney: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another Q&A with the Editors. We are so privileged to have Bob Lettenberger from Trains Magazine join us. Bob, welcome. Bob Lettenberger: Thank you. […]

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Ask Trains.com March 2024 compilation

Ask Trains.com March 2024 compilation | Cody tackles questions regarding modeling and prototype railroading, including an explanation about forward-facing locomotive practices; modeling detailed backdrop scenes; precautions for working on freight cars previously sprayed with Dullocote finishing; and so much more. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions […]

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Meet more of the Trains.com staff

Meet more of the Trains.com staff. Trains.com Unlimited Members can see the video in the Trains.com Video section. Ben Lake: Welcome to Kalmbach. Want to learn more about some of the people who work at Trains.com? We thought we’d answer a few questions. First one, what is your favorite railroad? I have to go with […]

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