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How did you get started in the hobby? Like so many of us, I was around five years old and woke up on Christmas morning to see a brand-new Lionel train running around the Christmas tree. I’ve been hooked ever since. What was your first large scale locomotive? It was a secondhand LGB European 0-4-0. […]
I’ve discovered a way to build inexpensive and custom designed buildings for indoor use or temporary displays at train shows or open houses. The primary material for this project is fabric. These fabrics are called “landscape designs,” and include patterns such as brick, wood, and stone, as well as signs. Several manufacturers make these designs, […]
Large scale freight cars Italian State Railways Eaos high-side gondola. Hook-and-loop couplers and plastic wheelsets. $157.99. October 2021. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com Electronics/controls Navigator remote. Updated replacement for nos. 35017 and 35021 Navigator remote. New 2.4GHz frequency. Ergonomic design, up to 300-foot wireless operation (when combined with the no. 35038 wireless receiver, sold separately), and […]
My garden railroad, the Snake River Railroad, is named after my interest in the Union Pacific. This has been my favorite railroad ever since I saw the Big Boy. The 200 by 300-foot railroad is shaped like a mirror image of Idaho, because of large Ponderosa pines in the backyard. There are two separate […]
Latin name: Sedum sp. Common name: Miniature sedum Plant type: Groundcover Plant size: Foliage under 2″ tall x 10″ wide, or less USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies Cultural needs: Full sun and dry soil Full size sedums (also known as stonecrops) have long been used as groundcovers for hot, sunny, dry sites. They spread quickly, are […]
Large scale freight cars Supermarine Spitfire two-bay hopper. Hook-and-loop couplers, plastic wheelsets, and molded handrails and stirrup steps. $104.99. October 2021. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com Tacky Tombstones two-bay hopper. Hook-and-loop couplers, plastic wheelsets, and molded handrails and stirrup steps. $109.99. September 2021. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com […]
Crawling around on the ground to clean my rail was getting tiring. I needed a new method to clean track, so I built an elevated track cleaner to get the job done instead. Supply list Wooden extension pole Drywall pole sander head Two-truck LGB gondola car LGB #50050 track cleaning attachment Scrap thin-gauge aluminum ¼” […]
How did you get started in the hobby? I definitely remember my early years (age 5) with my first tinplate locomotive. My father built what is known locally as “Christmas Garden.” The outside loop was Lionel Standard gauge, while the inner figure eight was a wind-up O gauge passenger train. I am celebrating 75 years […]
Tools Model 441 thread and cord scissors. Soft grip handles, Light-Touch return spring, and one serrated griping edge for holding threads, cords, and yarns. Ideal for cutting elastic cord, thread, nylon beading thread, yarn, and other materials. $20.25. Xuron Corp., 207-283-1401, xuron.com Books Los Angeles Railway. Book compares vintage images from the Mount Lowe Preservation Society […]
Common name: Corsican mint Plant type: Groundcover Latin name: Mentha requienii Plant size: ¼” to ½” high; spreading USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9; annual in other zones Cultural needs: Moist, well drained neutral or slightly acidic soil; sun to part shade Easily one of the flattest groundcovers, with the tiniest purple flowers, Corsican mint is great […]
Large scale freight cars Betsy Ross 40-foot refrigerator car. Hook-and-loop couplers; separate, factory-applied brake wheel, running boards, and stirrup steps; and plastic wheels. $119.99. October 2021. American Traditions series. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com Christmas 2021 40-foot boxcar. Hook-and-loop couplers; separate, factory-applied brake wheel, running boards, and stirrup steps; and plastic wheelsets. Model will only be […]
Thrift stores can hold a wealth of treasures for hobbyists, if you know where to look. I have suggestions of which departments to look for items for your garden railroad. I suggest going into a store with an open mind. For just a few dollars and a little paint, you might find something spectacular for […]
