Milwaukee museum debuts HO scale layout

A photo of the Milwaukee Everett Street train station in HO scale.

Milwaukee museum debuts HO scale layout: “All Aboard” is the name of a 10 x 35-foot HO scale model railroad at Discovery World, a family-oriented science and technology museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Set in the steam-to-diesel transition era, the proto-freelanced layout opened Nov. 25, 2021. The exhibit supports Discovery World’s mission of Science, Technology, Engineering, […]

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Ask MR: How do I gap track that’s already laid?

A razor saw cuts track glued down to blue expanded-foam insulation board.

Q: How can N scale code 80 nickel-silver track that’s already in place and anchored to a layout be cut for block separation? What are the pros and cons of any methods suggested? The track is a combination of Bachmann EZ Track, Kato Unitrack, Atlas sectional and flextrack, and Peco sectional and flextrack. – Pete […]

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Patchout equipment you can model for your layout

Photo of HO scale end-cab locomotive in weather-beaten orange-and-black paint scheme.

The colorful world of patchout equipment you can model   Patchout equipment you can model: I remember when I placed Milwaukee, Racine & Troy MP15AC no. 1505 on our HO scale staff layout for the first time. Andy Sperandeo looked at the model, shook his head, and said, “Cody, there was a time when the […]

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Layout Visit: Hans Schlegel’s Gogebic Iron Range in HO scale

In this visit to the Gogebic Iron Range, layout builder Hans Schlegel hosts an exclusive video tour of his HO scale (1:87) model railroad highlighting Chicago & North Western (C&NW) and Soo Line railroad operations under steam and diesel-power during the mid-1950s and early-1960s. Travel with Hans, as he takes you to faithfully modeled Michigan […]

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Signature scenes of the Puffer Lines

Explore signature scenes of the Puffer Lines, as notable Model Railroader contributor Seth Puffer takes viewers on an in-depth tour of the detailed settings across his HO scale layout. Along the way, you’ll discover some of the helpful insights Seth used to compose realistic mini-scenes with unique characteristics. Seth also takes time to share one […]

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Model railroad announcements for March 31, 2022

Photo of HO scale streamlined E1A and E1B diesel locomotives painted red and silver on scenicked base.

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 model railroad announcements on products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of March 31, 2022.   HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive […]

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Athearn announces brand consolidation

Illustration of dark blue, yellow, and white company logo.

Athearn announces brand consolidation: Athearn Trains announced this morning that it will be consolidating its product brands. The company will now be using the Athearn, Athearn Genesis, and Athearn Roundhouse names for its HO and N scale locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, vehicles, and train sets. “We listened to our most important focus group, you,” […]

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Santa Fe New Mexico branchline service

A lone diesel locomotive pauses in an arid landscaped rail yard.

Santa Fe New Mexico branchline service epitomizes a long-gone era of U.S. railroading — the kind where locals and shuttles move rural freight (and passengers) in unhurried ways. True, this photo gallery from the David P. Morgan Library collection offers dedicated copper-mine running. But there are no “hot-shots”, high-priority merchandise freights, or even an intermodal […]

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Midday Modeler 03.23.2022 — hosted by Cody Grivno!

Two men in front of a model train layout.

Midday Modeler 03.23.2022 — Welcome to another recorded LIVE Midday Modeler episode. This week, Cody Grivno hosts the live stream dream team on the HO scale MR&T layout inside Kalmbach Media’s Waukesha, Wisconsin studios. In the room beside Cody are Ben Lake and Vince Clore. Watch the guys take a look at the almost-finished Jones […]

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