Exploring the Illinois Central Gulf Sioux Falls District

Photo with grain elevator, grain bins, corn crib, and sign on post

Exploring the Illinois Central Gulf Sioux Falls District. In the August 2022 issue of Model Railroader, I shared how I built an American Model Builders HO scale Illinois Central Type A depot kit. In the story, I noted that the Illinois Central Gulf (ICG) Sioux Falls District is my latest modeling interest. The 96-mile line […]

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Midday Modeler — 07-27-2022 — recorded LIVE!

Bearded man with hat in front of toy train layout

Midday Modeler — 07-27-2022 — this week is an informative toy train episode with Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller and special guest stars Aaron Skinner, Editor of FineScale Modeler and illustrious toy train aficionado Chris Montagna. See everything you missed that was recorded live for our Facebook audience in Studio B on July 27th. […]

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American Z Line July 2022 (part 2) diesel locomotive announcements

diesel locomotive in Canadian National paint

American Z Line diesel locomotive announcements for July 2022 Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: Wisconsin Central Electro-Motive Division SW1500 diesel locomotive in Canadian National paint, early 2000s to present. Denver & Rio Grande Western Alco PA-1 diesel locomotive, January-February 1947 to March 1950 (as decorated). Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com American […]

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American Z Line July 2022 diesel locomotive announcements

gray diesel locomotive

American Z Line diesel locomotive announcements for July 2022 Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: Louisville & Nashville Electro-Motive Division SW1500 diesel locomotive, November 1971 to mid-1980s. Freedom Train Alco PA-1 diesel locomotive, 1947 to 1949. Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com EMD SW1500 features: AutoLatch couplers Prototype-specific details Directional light-emitting-diode lighting Blackened […]

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Bachmann HO scale Pennsylvania RR class K4 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive

black steam locomotive

Pennsylvania RR class K4 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $569 Era: 1914-1928 to 1947-1959 Manufacturer: Bachmann Trains, 1400 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19124; 215-533-1600; bachmanntrains.com Pennsylvania RR class K4 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive features: Blackened metal RP-25 contour wheels and side rods Die-cast metal trailing truck Dual-mode TCS WOWSound decoder E-Z […]

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Who offers models in specific paint schemes?

Ask Trains logo

How do you find specific models in certain paint schemes? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Click to see a review of the Bachmann Trains HO scale Siemens ALC-42 diesel locomotive. Do you have a question? Would you like to learn more about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com […]

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How do you make paint handles for airbrushing?

Ask Trains logo

Do you need help controlling the main body and the cab while painting? Cody shows viewers how to fashion paint handles out of everyday items found in your home in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about tools for model railroading? Would you like to learn more about prototype trains? Send us […]

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Honeymead Products Pullman-Standard 4750-cubic-foot capacity three-bay covered hopper

yellow hopper

Pullman-Standard 4750-cubic-foot capacity three-bay covered hopper Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single car, $32; two-pack, $60 (Prices are postpaid to addresses in the U.S. Illinois residents include 9-1/2 percent sales tax). Era: March 1974 to late 1980s Manufacturer: Produced by Accurail, available from CNWHS, P.O. Box 1068, North Riverside, IL 60546. Online orders at cnwhs.org. Pullman-Standard […]

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Pullman-Standard/Trinity Backpacker 5-unit articulated well car from ScaleTrains

Five green well car units

Pullman-Standard/Trinity Backpacker 5-unit articulated well car Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $144.99 Era: 2000s to present Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 7598 Highway 411, Benton, TN 37307; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com Pullman-Standard/Trinity Backpacker 5-unit articulated well car set features: Die-cast metal body Photo-etched stainless-steel see-through walkways Wire grab irons on side and end sills Celcon corner uprights and vertical grabs Detailed […]

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CIMC 40-foot modern angled corrugation intermodal containers from ScaleTrains

pink and blue intermodal containers

Operator CIMC 40-foot modern angled intermodal containers Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single container, $10.49, three-pack, $30.99 Era: Late 1990s to present Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 7598 Highway 411, Benton, TN 37307; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com Operator CIMC 40-foot modern angled intermodal containers features: Decorated containers feature rooftop reporting marks, warning labels, and capacity data 40-foot standard-height (8’-6” tall) container […]

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Sheffield Farms Creamery V2.0 from The N Scale Architect

creamery kit

Sheffield Farms Creamery Scale: N (1:160) Price: $79.95 Era: 1892 to present Manufacturer: The N Scale Architect, 607-746-8416, thenarch.com Sheffield Farms Creamery features: Completely redesigned with larger overall footprint, interior support system, and upgraded roofing Laser-cut wood fiber board and micro-plywood kit Peel-and-stick laser-cut slate roofing and stone work Illustrated step-by-step instructions Measures 8¾” x 4¼” x 3¾” Vehicles […]

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