Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 8 | Time for trackwork

Host David Popp has the track and cork roadbed in hand, so he’s all set for trackwork! Following good construction processes, David first surveys the various sites where tracks will route. You’ll see how to install roadbed along the main line roadbed, along the turntable lead tracks, under turnouts, and even over bridges! Follow along […]

Read More…

Brightline receives last of its Siemens trainsets (with video)

Two locomotives and passenger trainset arrive at maintenance facility

ORLANDO, Fla. — Brightline has received the last of the 10 trainsets for its Florida operation, and the last of the five ordered for its upcoming expansion of service to Orlando. The “Bright Orange 2” train arrived at the company’s Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Orlando on Sunday, Feb. 19, after a 10-day trip from the […]

Read More…

Santa Maria Valley No. 205 at Work

Newly restored Santa Maria Valley 2-6-2 number 205 is under steam at the Albany and Eastern Railroad shops as the crew readies the locomotive for a photo charter the following day. We’ll follow the 205 as she is pressed into revenue freight service for a day, March 17, 2022. The Albany and Eastern operates 64 […]

Read More…

Soo Line No. 1003 Photo Special

In coordination with the Kalmbach Media sponsored TrainFest hobby show in Milwaukee, Wisc., the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association used the opportunity to fire up their 1913-built American Locomotive Company, Class L-1 2-8-2 steam engine, Soo Line No. 1003. This photo special routed over the tracks of regional railroad Wisconsin & Southern — all to the […]

Read More…

Spaces to Places III | Making a highway, part 4

Work on the highway underpass settings concludes. Watch as host Gerry Leone shares techniques for blending his realistic photo backdrop into the scenery. Starting from the back and working to the front, Gerry builds out the countryside setting with a variety of ground cover, strategically placed trees, and signature roadside details that turn this model […]

Read More…

Spaces to Places III | Making a highway, part 4

Work on the highway underpass settings concludes. Watch as host Gerry Leone shares techniques for blending his realistic photo backdrop into the scenery. Starting from the back and working to the front, Gerry builds out the countryside setting with a variety of ground cover, strategically placed trees, and signature roadside details that turn this model […]

Read More…

Operating the layout — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 26

Operating the layout | In the previous Episode 25 (Car routing with JMRI OperationsPro), you saw the crew prepare the State Line Route N scale model railroad for an operating session. Now, host David Popp walks you through the prototypical actions as they transpire over the simple, yet engaging layout! Enjoying this coverage of our […]

Read More…

Union Pacific Silvis Donation Special

In November 2022, a special train left Cheyenne, Wyo., bound for the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America’s steam shops in Silvis, Ill. The move marked the end of one era and the beginning of a new one, as the Union Pacific, the only Class I railroad in North America with a steam program, decided to […]

Read More…

Woodland Scenics O scale traffic lights hit the streets

Woodland Scenics O scale traffic lights

Chris from Chris’s Trains and Things on YouTube is back and checking out some new products from Woodland Scenics. He has the company’s much-anticipated traffic light system that looks great on any road. There are three different options, including suspended, pedestal, and mast-arm mounted versions. They are part of the Just Plug system that makes […]

Read More…

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 6 | Mechanical turnout control

With underside wiring in place, David returns front and center at the side of his Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout. That’s where he temporarily placed the fascia, and prepared to into install hand-operated, mechanical Blue Point turnout controls. Follow along to learn the process and techniques pros like David use! And be sure to explore […]

Read More…

Resin kit construction basics

In this video, Eric White continues sharing his insights on the most useful tools and materials. Even better, he demonstrates techniques you can use to make your resin modeling more precise! Be sure to follow the exclusive In The Workshop series for tips, tricks, and clever insights, as demonstrated by various members of Trains.com staff […]

Read More…