Six grade crossings you can model

Asphalt-and-timber crossing on west edge of Wisconsin & Southern yard in Horicon, Wis.

Grade crossings you can model are scene enhancers that you should consider adding to your list of projects. “Why a grade crossing?” you may ask. “I’d rather work on a locomotive, freight car, structure, or [fill in the blank with your favorite aspect of the hobby.]” I get it. Grade crossings you can model introduction […]

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Where on a car should a consolidated stencil be placed?

A diagram of the side of a generic boxcar indicates areas for placement of lettering

Q: I’m interested in correctly applying consolidated stencils to rail cars existing in 1972 when consolidated stencils were introduced. Please describe the parameters of the area on a rail car within which the consolidated stencil must be located. This is possibly described in AAR Field Guide, Rule 80. – Chris Roehl A: Hi, Chris. You’re right; the […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Installing fascia, Episode 9

David Popp leaning on the fascia on the State Line N scale layout

David shows how he attached fascia to the State Line Route N scale layout to give it a more finished appearance. It can be especially tricky when there are no extra hands around to help with the curves, but David has a solution! Plus, Gerry Leone and Seth Puffer have finished building their structures for […]

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Meet the Modeler: Thomas Klimoski

Model locomotive with model person next to it on a layout

What was your first train set (or locomotive)? In the late in 1960s my dad worked for an auto parts store. Champion Spark Plug had a sales promotion that if you sold a certain number of spark plugs, you would receive a Lionel train set. Apparently my dad was a great salesmen, as he sold […]

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Difference between an SW7 and a SW1500

Ask Trains logo

Walt Hughes from Cincinnati, Ohio, always used the side rails (or lack of them) to tell the difference between an SW7 and an SW1500. Now he’s not sure if that’s the best method, and wants to know is SW7s and SW1500s come both ways. Cody Grivno is here to help! […]

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Resuscitating a lifeless locomotive

A stethoscope is used to listen to a model locomotive being held upside down in a foam cradle

Good news! If your lifeless locomotive has ever run under Digital Command Control (DCC), chances are good that you can get it running again without having to send it off for repair. The solution is easy, too! More good news! If you have a new steam locomotive that doesn’t run or only partially works, maybe […]

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Model railroad locomotive, freight car, passenger car, structure, detail, and weathering supply announcements for October 14, 2021

Fertilizer distribution facility.

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 October 14, 2021. HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division GP38-2 diesel locomotive. CSX […]

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