N scale Siemens ALC-42 from Bachmann

Title screen from video showing N scale diesel on model railroad.

The N scale Siemens ALC-42 from Bachmann recently visited our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy State Line Route. Join Model Railroader Associate Editor (and Amtrak fan) Bryson Sleppy as he provides a short history of the contemporary four-axle passenger diesel and Amtrak No. 309; points out the various molded and separate, factory-applied parts on the model; […]

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Sources for double-shelf couplers

Color photo of rusty coupler on freshly painted black tank car.

Q: I would like to know where to buy double-shelf couplers for HO scale tank cars. — Joseph Kuepfer A: Before we look at what’s available in HO scale, let’s back up a step and learn what double-shelf couplers are. In his article “HO knuckle coupler guide” from the November 2007 Model Railroader, former Senior […]

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N scale Siemens ALC-42 from Bachmann

Title screen from video showing N scale diesel on model railroad.

The N scale Siemens ALC-42 from Bachmann recently visited our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy State Line Route. Join Model Railroader Associate Editor (and Amtrak fan) Bryson Sleppy as he provides a short history of the contemporary four-axle passenger diesel and Amtrak No. 309; points out the various molded and separate, factory-applied parts on the model; […]

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Atlas celebrates 100th anniversary

The 100th anniversary logo for Atlas model railroad company

New Jersey-based model railroad manufacturer Atlas Model Railroad Co. has marked its 100th anniversary. Stephan Schaffan Sr. founded Atlas Tool Co. in 1924 as a general machine shop in New Jersey. His son, Stephan Schaffan Jr., joined the business in 1933. By 1947, the two had their first factory built in Hillside, N.J., producing the […]

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Stadler makes US operations a separate division

White factory building with blue doors

BUSSNANG, Switzerland — Rail equipment manufacturer Stadler will make its Stadler US operation a separate North American division as of Jan. 1, 2025, the company has announced. Current Stadler US CEO Martin Ritter will lead the division and become a member of the company’s management board. “We are now strengthening the location to underscore the […]

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Ask Trains.com December 2024 compilation

Ask Trains.com December 2024 compilation | Host Cody Grivno tackles tough topics in model railroading and 1:1 scale railroading too! In this episode he addresses your questions about long-term use of lichen scenery material; selecting the ideal Code of trackwork; finding specific freight car couplers; painting a proper blue sky backdrop; plus a wide array […]

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An engineer’s life: Christmas calendar

green Burlington Northern locomotive

I used to get a bit of grief when I was a new hire from co-workers for being a railfan. Railroaders can sniff out a rail enthusiast from 100 miles away — but I know I was not alone. Personally, I think there are more out there than would ever admit to it. I was […]

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