Rapido Trains HO scale MLW RS-18 diesel

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The model features separate handrails and other detail parts. For the first time in plastic an accurate, roadname- and roadnumber-specific version of a Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW) RS-18 is available as a ready-to-run, HO scale plastic model. The Canadian road switcher is available with a factory-installed LokSound 5 dual-mode decoder, featuring sound files recorded from […]

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A track plan that fits under a bed

Spartanburg Subdivision benchwork

When you live in an apartment, as I did when I designed the Southern Ry. Spartanburg Subdivision, you might think you have no space for a layout. But where there’s a will, there’s a right-of-way. My N scale Spartanburg Subdivision is ­3′-0″ x 5′-6″ and less than a foot in height. Rather than legs, the […]

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Tips for better GarGraves track

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Charles Angelo Irace GarGraves Phantom Line flexible track is manufactured with the middle rail chemically treated to a deep black color. The wood ties are also more realistic than the stamped-metal ones found on traditional track, but I like to paint the GarGraves ties to better resemble the creosote-treated ones found on real railroads. In […]

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What are scale and gauge?

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Marc Horovitz Marc Horovitz This 1:20.3-scale figure may look right for this 1:32-scale locomotive but if you tried to put him into the cab you’d quickly realize your error. Marc Horovitz These three models are all of similar prototypes—3′-narrow-gauge boxcars. In the foreground is an early Hartford Products car in 1:24 scale; in the middle […]

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New model trains for the week of April 16, 2020

Wm. K. Walthers HO scale Electro-Motive Division F7A and F7B diesel locomotives

HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division FP7 and F3B diesel locomotives. Western Pacific (orange, silver, and black paint scheme). FP7 (California Zephyr service with no wings on nose and freight service renumbers [white or black number boards], one road number each). F3B (California Zephyr service with square herald, one number). FP7 and F3B set (California Zephyr […]

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