End of the Line | Back on Track, Episode 25

Man in front of a model train layout, gesturing.

In this episode, Gerry wraps up work on his model train layout and encourages everyone to start watching Spaces to Places. Getting to know Gerry Leone Back on Track host Gerry Leone is just as clever as he is comedic! But even better, he’s a masterful model railroader who’s knowledgeable in numerous areas of the […]

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Finishing Scenery | Back on Track, Episode 24

Man standing in front of a model train layout.

In this episode, Gerry finishes up scenery work and gives a tour of final touches he’s making to his railroad.   Getting to know Gerry Leone Back on Track host Gerry Leone is just as clever as he is comedic! But even better, he’s a masterful model railroader who’s knowledgeable in numerous areas of the […]

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How do I control a turnout with a slide switch?

A skewer is used to move a slide switch disguised as a switch stand to control a turnout

Q: I want to use Tony Koester’s method to control a turnout with a slide switch. Do you know if he powers the frog with this switch or just moves the points? If he powers the frog, how is it wired? – Don DeLay A: The technique to control a turnout with a slide switch […]

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A track plan for under the Christmas tree

A sketch on graph paper of a circular track plan with a hole in the center for a Christmas tree

A lot of railroad modelers got their start in the hobby when they received a train set for Christmas. I’d bet that most of them woke up to find the train not in a box but running in circles under the tree. What dad could resist setting up the train “just to test it?” Arranging […]

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Five tips for trouble-free turnouts

Two sections of brown model railroad track joined together against a yellow background

Five tips for trouble-free turnouts: Since turnouts play a prominent role on model railroads, they deserve attention before and after installation, as well as during routine maintenance. Taking the time to ensure turnouts perform well will guarantee more reliable, and therefore more enjoyable, operation. Though all commercial turnouts meet National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) standards, […]

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Plymouth Locomotives, Vol. 2 from SilverLake Images LLC 

Plymouth Locomotives, Vol. 2 from SilverLake Images LLC  Price: $35 Publisher: SilverLake Images LLC, available from Ron’s Books, P.O. Box 714, Harrison, NY 10528; 914-967-7541; ronsbooks.com Plymouth Locomotives, Vol. 2 features: Softcover, 142 pages Reproduction of a number of Plymouth Locomotive Works bulletins, including Plymouth Locomotives for All Motor Fuels, Plymouth Gasoline & Diesel Locomotives Model […]

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Five details you can add to transition-era cabooses

Black-and-white photo of steel caboose with rooftop antenna

We’ll take a look at five details you can add to transition-era cabooses. Some details are railroad-specific, while others apply to many railroads. When in doubt, refer to prototype photos. The steam-to-diesel transition era, roughly 1940 to 1960, is the most popular modeling era. There are several reasons for this. Many people who model this […]

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Lakewood Cars: Industrial Cars & Factory Trucks from SilverLake Images LLC

Lakewood Cars: Industrial Cars & Factory Trucks from SilverLake Images LLC  S: Manufacturers’ Catalog Archive Book 39 available now Price: $35 Publisher: SilverLake Images LLC, available from Ron’s Books, P.O. Box 714, Harrison, NY 10528; 914-967-7541; ronsbooks.com Lakewood Cars: Industrial Cars & Factory Trucks features: Softcover, 156 pages A reproduction of Lakewood Cars Book 16 catalog […]

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“Bloody Nose” Alco PA1 from American Z Line

A gray locomotive with a scarlet front end

“Bloody Nose” Alco PA1 from American Z Line Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: 1958+ Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com “Bloody Nose” Alco PA1 features: prototype specific details 7mm can motor dual flywheels directional controlled light-emitting diode lighting six-axle trucks with blind middle axle blackened metal wheels traction […]

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Davenport Locomotive Works, Vol. 1 from SilverLake Images LLC

A purple catalogue with white text and a black and white photograph of a locomotive

Davenport Locomotive Works, Vol. 1 from SilverLake Images LLC Price: $35 Publisher: SilverLake Images LLC, available from Ron’s Books, P.O. Box 714, Harrison, NY 10528; 914-967-7541; ronsbooks.com Davenport Locomotive Works, Vol. 1 features: Softcover 140 pages Includes reproductions of the following Davenport Locomotive Works catalogs: Davenport Locomotive Works Tenth Edition, Davenport Locomotive Works Catalog 24, Davenport […]

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