Bob Cochran’s Vermont Rail System in HO scale

Trains.com Video features layout owner Bob Cochran and his 22’-10” x 25’-7” HO scale (1:87) Vermont Rail System inspired by Rutland Railroad’s Bellow Falls Subdivision. Bob grew up watching trains of Central Vermont and Boston & Maine across from his childhood home in Bellow Fall, Vt., so you’ll be sure to see plenty of Northeastern […]

Read More…

Rotary snowplow clears Cumbres Pass

Of all the forces that can bring trains to a halt, snow has to be one of the fiercest elements that Mother Nature can throw at a railroad. Keeping the tracks clear is a never-ending battle in the winter months. Depending on the severity, plows and flangers can do a good job winning the battle. […]

Read More…

Operation Sergeant Santa

The Military Railroad Society, a 501 C3 not for profit organization, returns to provide military families, both current and retired, with an affordable train option for the holidays. The Fort Eustis (Virgnia) Railroad hosted the 2022 operation aboard its train set consisting of holiday-themed cars lead by United States Army (rebuilt) GP9u no. 4624. […]

Read More…

Big Skies & Iron Rails, Timelapse Trek to the Tracks

In this extra-long, extended-length, timelapse video (1 hour 20 minutes!), our intrepid railfan/professional photographer Tom Danneman has a long way to go, but makes a point to enjoy the entire journey to, about, and from his favorite trackside destination – Big Sky Country! You’ve seen Tom’s meticulous preparations to his trail-rated 4×4 truck in previous […]

Read More…

Colorado Model Railroad Museum Display in HO scale

In this visit to the Colorado Model Railroad Museum’s 10,000 square-foot building, you’ll get to explore the HO scale (1:87) model railroad that’s open to the public year-round (visit CMRM.org)! Based on an obscure prototype railroad routing about the Pacific Northwest in 1975, the main display features long trains, museum-quality scenery, captivating animations, and a […]

Read More…

Tortoise Switch Machine topside installation

In the all-new series playing exclusively on Trains.com Video, you’ll discover scores of expert techniques and useful tools for making your model railroading efforts easy, more efficient, and even fun! To get the series started, Model Railroader magazine Editor Eric White shares his process for installing a Tortoise by Circuitron Slow Motion Switch Machine to […]

Read More…

CSX Santa Train returns to the rails

It began as a simple act of generosity to the folks of the Appalachian coalmining region. Now, 80 years later, the CSX Santa Train continues the tradition of distributing upward of 15 tons of toys and treats to delighted children and parents along a 110-mile railroad run. From onboard and trackside perspectives, follow the route […]

Read More…

Interviews and Q&As Trailer

Get the inside scoop! Hear relevant info, insights, and straight talk from Trains.com staff, Kalmbach Media contributors, industry experts, hobby manufacturers, and influencers from all walks of life…but only when you get Behind the Scenes as a Trains.com Unlimited Member! […]

Read More…

Big Skies & Iron Rails, Intermodal Trains

With its fast-moving, extensive-length, and often technicolor appearance, intermodal freight transportation along the rails of North America is interesting to view anywhere! But when set amongst a dramatic backdrop of the Mountain West region, you’ll find it hard not to be completely captivated by the magical culmination of engineered efficiency and striking natural beauty. That’s […]

Read More…

Big Skies & Iron Rails, Powder River Basin Coal Trains

There may be no better place than Logan Hill to highlight hard-working, heavy-haulin’ railroads in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. In this exploration of BSIR, Tom documents the parade of trains along the impressive, shared BNSF/Union Pacific four-track mainline through Thunder Basin National Grassland. While this territory is often maligned as “fly-over country”, Tom’s […]

Read More…