GATC 8,000 Gallon Radial Course Tank Car from Tangent Scale Models

A black tank car with yellow Deep Rock logo

GATC 8,000 Gallon Radial Course Tank Car Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $46.95 Era: 1917+ Manufacturer: Tangent Scale Models, P.O. Box 6514, Asheville, NC 28816; 828-412-3886; tangentscalemodels.com GATC 8,000-gallon tank car features: Circumferential riveted tank body and riveted underframe hazardous placards with hole detail Separately applied tank handrail & tank strap details KC- or AB- brake variations […]

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Maxi-IV line from American Z Line

A series of 3 brown freight cars

Maxi-IV line from American Z Line Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: Modern Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com Maxi-IV features: Each set includes six containers. 53′ containers are the first time AZL has offered corrugated type containers in this length. 40′ containers are a rerelease with new tooling. […]

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Model an enginehouse scene

Photo of metal single-track enginehouse with supplies stored along right side

Model an enginehouse scene. Last year, I wrote about an old 40-foot insulated boxcar being used as a storage shed on the Sisseton Milbank RR (SMRR) in Milbank, S.D. I thought it would be fun to take another look at the 38-mile line, a subsidiary of the Twin Cities & Western RR, this time focusing […]

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Building a wood kit: What not to do

Two walls of a small wooden structure kit are glued together, aligned by a small machinist’s square

Over the years I’ve built a whole lot of wood structures – large and small, laser-cut kits and stick-built, beginner and craftsman. And I’ll admit I’ve made a few mistakes along the way. That’s how we learn. You may have an idea of what to do when building a wood kit, but it’s equally important […]

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How do I build a layout swing gate?

A section of a train layout built on a swinging gate stands open, giving access to a home furnace behind it

Q: On page 45 of the Nov. 2022 issue, a swing gate is shown as part of Mark Carlson’s Chicago & North Western layout. It looks like a marvelous way of avoiding duckunders, lift bridges, and other methods of entering an around-the-room layout. Are there any alignment problems or inherent sagging issues of which builders […]

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How do you evaluate the price of model trains?

Ask Trains logo

Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and Trains.com members, where editors answer the questions readers […]

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Trainfest: THE place … for the model train hobby

Six bulkhead flatcars stand in front of five TOFC flatcars and four bi-level auto racks.

WAUKESHA, WIS. — For two model manufacturers, Trainfest is a must-attend event. The show that resumes this weekend after closing during the Pandemic, is drawing eager support from sponsors Kalmbach Media, World’s Greatest Hobby, and Great American Train Shows, attendees, as well as manufacturers such as Walthers and Kato USA. “We are happy to have […]

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Whitcomb 65-tonner diesel locomotive from PIKO America

Navy blue locomotive with orange stripe; Piko whitcomb 65-tonner

Whitcomb 65-tonner Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct current, $279.99; with PIKO SmartSound 5.1 sound decoder, $389.99 Era: 1940s+ (depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: PIKO America LLC, 4610 Alvarado Canyon Rd., Ste. 5, San Diego, CA 92120; piko-america.com Whitcomb 65-tonner features: Diecast chassis and hood Metal handrails Factory-applied details Maryland Midland locomotives feature American-style end beams, fully enclosed around the […]

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EMD E7 from American Z Line

A black locomotive with white stripe

EMD E7 from American Z Line Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: 1945+ Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com EMD E7 features: 7mm motor dual flywheels prototype specific details directional controlled light-emitting diode lighting optional front truck with mounted coupler blackened metal wheels AutoLatch couplers DCC ready Release date: […]

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Great model railroading gifts for 2022!

Model train layout image on a red box.

Model railroaders, their friends, and family might be struggling to find great model railroading gifts for 2022 that are just right: affordable, fun, and right on the mark when it comes to getting model trains just right. Each year, Trains.com and sister website Kalmbach Hobby Store announce gifts that are spot-on and sure to please. See our annual list […]

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American Z Line ALCO PA1

Model of dark green and gold streamlined diesel locomotive

American Z Line ALCO PA1 Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: Late 1940s+ Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com 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 tires optional snowplow, optional […]

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