Model train scales come in a handful of commercial sizes. Among the most popular model train scales in North America are HO, N, O and G. However, these letters stand in for very specific ratios that tell modelers what fraction they are using to scale, or model, reality. What is a model train scale? Scales […]
On a railroad, a switch usually refers to the moving parts of a turnout that routes a train between two possible routes. This time, though, we’re talking about an electrical switch: specifically, a double-pole double-throw switch (DPDT). It’s easy to understand a single-pole single-throw switch: it only has two states, open or closed, off or […]
Zach wants to know where he can find good quality automatic crossing bars for his layout, as well as some signals for his “rip” track. Cody Grivno is in the studio with some suggestions. […]
What was your first train set (or locomotive)? My first train set was a Lionel steam engine and freight car set my father brought home from his workplace. He was the manager of the “National Auto Store” in Saratoga Springs, New York. National Auto was a chain of (12 or so) stores in upstate New […]
Structures for our State Line Route N scale layout keep rolling in! In this episode, David gives a peek at the kits built by Seth Puffer and Sammi DiVito. Then, learn how Steve Brown, host of “It’s My Railroad” and “Scale It Down” on trains.com, kitbashed a packaging plant and modernized a tank farm to […]
Tobia Keseman is writing in because he came across some abandoned pieces of scrap metal while exploring, and now he wants to know what are the pieces, and what are their functions? Check out the submitted photos with Cody Grivno and he tries to reveal their purpose! […]
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Duncan McRee of Tam Valley Depot has announced on his website he has lung cancer and will be retiring immediately to spend time working on his layout. “The rest of the family are going to still make Frog Juicers; Mono, Dual, Hex; Circuit Breakers and DCC Boosters. All other products are discontinued. Between Duncan leaving […]
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 November 11, 2021. HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division SD60M “tri-clops” diesel locomotive. […]
Q: As an old newspaperman, I’ve been looking for a newspaper structure kit to add to my layout, but there doesn’t seem to be much available. I know there used to be newspaper office buildings available in HO, but there don’t seem to be any on the market now. Any ideas? – Marc Silvestrini A: […]
Q: I have a couple of 25-ton cranes on my layout. While running them in a work train, the hooks swing, giving them an unrealistic look. Are the hooks normally tethered to the boom when the cranes are being transported? I couldn’t find any photos of actual cranes during transport. – Steve Favale, Buffalo, N.Y. […]
As the mini-series continues, there’s plenty more work for Steve Brown to finish on his N scale scratchbuilt industry. This video picks up with our host sharing his instructions and insights for putting together a flood loader for the pet food plant. […]
