Insuring model trains

Though we consider model railroading a hobby, it’s also an investment. Consider the prices of model trains today. Depending on the scale, level of detail, and features, a ready-to-run freight car retails for anywhere from $20 to $150. Today’s injection-molded plastic steam and diesel locomotives are priced from $150 to $900. The numbers start to […]

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ScaleTrains N scale EMD SD40T-2

Title screen from product review video showing N scale diesel painted yellow and gray.

The ScaleTrains N scale EMD SD40T-2 diesel locomotive recently visited our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy State Line Route. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he provides a short history of the tunnel motor locomotive and Union Pacific 8803; highlights the many prototype-specific details on the Rivet Counter line model; and demonstrates the sound […]

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How railroads identify buffer service cars

Color photo of HO scale covered hopper painted gray with black graphics.

Q: Although I’m an N scale modeler, I read the review of the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy HO scale buffer car on Trains.com. Reading the description brought up a question. Do railroads designate cars to dedicated buffer service? If so, how are these cars identified as used in buffer service only? — Perry A. Pollino […]

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ScaleTrains N scale EMD SD40T-2

Title screen from product review video showing N scale diesel painted yellow and gray.

The ScaleTrains N scale EMD SD40T-2 diesel locomotive recently visited our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy State Line Route. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he provides a short history of the tunnel motor locomotive and Union Pacific 8803; highlights the many prototype-specific details on the Rivet Counter line model; and demonstrates the sound […]

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News & Products for the week of November 4th 2024

A black model steam locomotive

News & Products for the week of November 4th 2024   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. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of November 4th […]

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When to splurge and when not to splurge

Photo of six HO scale freight cars on white background

Let’s admit it, model railroading isn’t the cheapest hobby. Whether you’re a collector, operator, or both, trains and accessories can add up quickly. I’m not a financial advisor, and I can’t tell you how to spend your money, but here are some points to think about when you question when to splurge and when not […]

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Canadian Canyons Series | An N scale Project Layout Overview

David Popp hosts this extensive recap of the entire Canadian Canyons N scale layout construction effort. In this nearly 45 minute video presentation, David digs deep into the 1:1 scale inspiration for this undertaking (Watch Drew’s Trackside Adventures, episodes 29, 30, and 31). He also examines the challenges of shaping a layout plan that dared […]

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Attaching buildings to a layout

Color photo showing abandoned brick building on HO scale layout.

Q: What is recommended for attaching buildings and other structures to the substructure of a model railroad? — Byron Christmas A: There’s no one-size-fits-all way to attach a building to a model railroad. One of the most common methods for anchoring buildings to a layout is with white glue. The key attribute of white glue […]

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News & Products for the week of October 28th 2024

A black model steam locomotive with tender car and a yellow model caboose pictured below

News & Products for the week of October 28th 2024   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. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of October 28th […]

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Atlas N scale SD60E

Screen capture of title screen from product review video.

The Atlas N scale SD60E diesel locomotive is now available in the company’s Master Line. In this video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief history of the prototype diesels, rebuilt by Norfolk Southern at its Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pa.; points out the various freestanding and molded detail parts; and demonstrates […]

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Atlas N scale SD60E

Screen capture of title screen from product review video.

The Atlas N scale SD60E diesel locomotive is now available in the company’s Master Line. In this video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief history of the prototype diesels, rebuilt by Norfolk Southern at its Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pa.; points out the various freestanding and molded detail parts; and demonstrates […]

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Resurrecting unused locomotives

Photo of weathered dark blue six-axle road unit on white background

There are many reasons you might need to bring a locomotive back to life. Here are some tips for resurrecting unused locomotives. Disassembly The first thing you’ll need to do is to get inside the locomotive shell. Maybe you’re lucky enough to have an exploded-view diagram of your model. If not, you can check the […]

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