Send us your photos Trackside Photos is a showcase for the work of Model Railroader readers. Send your photos (digital images 5 megapixels or larger) to: Model Railroader, Trackside Photos, P.O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612; or upload them to http://fileupload.kalmbach.com/contribute. For our photo submission guidelines, contact senior associate editor Steven Otte at sotte@kalmbach.com. […]
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Q: Where do you find street signs? Cody Grivno explains where you can find street signs in HO, N and O scales for your model railroad. He suggests checking out Blair Line LLC. Each set from this company includes over 130 different street names as well as scale, 3″ diameter posts. They have a really […]
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What was your first train set (or locomotive)? My late father built an HO scale model railroad for my twin brother and I when we were about 6 years old. He called it Twinsville, and I remember playing with it. I had a steam engine and my brother had a Santa Fe warbonnet diesel. After a […]
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Q: I’m planning to model Farmington, N.M., on my HOn3 model railroad. I’ve studied the article “Railroading in the Oil Fields” in the January 1960 Model Railroader to learn as much as possible about creating a realistic model of an oil field. The article has some very detailed information. An Internet search for Farmington gave me a photo of the […]
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Product news Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. Here are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of April 7, 2022. HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division GP9 diesel locomotive. […]
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Cody Grivno looks up possible speeders for readers that are looking to add these to their model railroads. For instance, you can look at eBay or at swap meets for them. Walthers does make a kit that includes one called the Trackside Structures Set. Do you have questions on full-size maintenance away equipment, or are […]
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Model Conrail passenger trains. You read that right. Yes, you can model Conrail passenger trains prototypically. You are limited to the area roughly between Chicago and Connecticut, north to Detroit south to Philadelphia with highlights in and around New York City, New Jersey, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. But oh, what a big box to dabble in. […]
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How to use PCB ties: Printed-circuit board (PCB) ties are pieces of printed-circuit board cut to railroad tie shape. They’re available for most popular scales and are great for areas where you need to ensure track stays in gauge. A common use is for scratchbuilding turnouts. They’re used around the frog to keep the closure […]
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Peel-and-stick parts: Cody Grivno advises readers on how to properly keep these peel-and-stick parts down. First, remove all flash and imperfections from parts that may cause surface adhering issues, then apply the glue of your choice. Grivno suggests a few good glue options. You might want to try several until you find the one that […]
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Q: I have an HO freelance layout set in the late 70s, so my trains still use cabooses. I’m adding a mountainous section where a freight would need a helper engine to get it up the steep grade. Where would the pusher engine be placed? Is it proper to push the caboose, or should it be cut in […]
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By popular demand! Back on Track host Gerry Leone jumps ahead in time to begin an effort to shape a common layout space into a unique place! In this episode, you’ll see the start of the lake scene takes the curved mainline into consideration. First, Gerry works to build up a plate girder bridge to […]
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Midday Modeler — 03.30.2022: This week, David Popp hosts from Kalmbach Media’s Studio B with special guest star Kathy Millatt appearing via LIVE video remote. Kathy is internationally famous as a model railroader. U.K.-based Kathy is best known in the U.S. for her series “Let’s Make a Scene.” Kathy is also one of two expert […]
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