December 2022

Cover of Model Railroader Magazine with steam engine going over bridge

Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 When is your realism level good enough? NEWS & PRODUCTS, pg. 12 Hobby industry news ASK MR, pg. 18 Speed matching DCC locomotives for better consisting STEP BY STEP, pg. 24 How to weather a modern […]

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Our Kalmbach Hobby Store wish list

Photo of paint brushes and masking tape on white background.

There are a variety of great items on our Kalmbach Hobby Store website, including modeling tools, paint and weathering supplies, freight car kits, and puzzles. With the holiday season just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to find out what members of the Model Railroader editorial staff have on their Kalmbach Hobby […]

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Trains Magazine, Kalmbach set for extended Thanksgiving break

Trains Magazine logo

WAUKESHA, Wis. — The offices of Trains Magazine, Trains.com, and other Kalmbach Media publications will be closing for the Thanksgiving holiday at the end of the work day today (Tuesday, Nov. 22) to allow staff members more time to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Expect posts on Trains News Wire to be limited […]

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Trains Trackside Trailer

Follow Trains.com videographer Kevin Gilliam as he explores U.S. railroading action from a trackside perspective. And when the opportunity arises, you’ll also find other notable contributors capturing footage of contemporary railroad operations – everything from steam-powered tourist train to Class I heavy haulers to Amtrak Northeast Corridor high speed Acela sets. Of course, you’ll never know […]

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Ask Trains.com Trailer!

Asktrains.com logo

Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and Trains.com members, where editors answer the questions readers and viewers are asking. Special guests can include editors and contributors from Model Railroader, Trains, Classic Toy Trains, Garden Railways and Trains.com. Questions can be about any railroad or model railroading topic. These can include questions about railroad operating practices, railroad […]

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All-new Trains.com Video is here!

Man speaking to camera in front of a video screen.

You asked, we listed. The all-new Trains.com Video is here! We’re announcing the release of the all-new Trains.com Video. This is the new home for the best modeling and railfanning video content including special series, how-to videos, product reviews, and more, on a site that’s easy to navigate. Some of the enhanced features and benefits […]

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Five tips for trouble-free turnouts

Two sections of brown model railroad track joined together against a yellow background

Five tips for trouble-free turnouts: Since turnouts play a prominent role on model railroads, they deserve attention before and after installation, as well as during routine maintenance. Taking the time to ensure turnouts perform well will guarantee more reliable, and therefore more enjoyable, operation. Though all commercial turnouts meet National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) standards, […]

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Photographers special to feature Boston & Maine F7s

Maroon and Gold F unit locomotives on passenger train

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts is sponsoring a winter photo excursion Jan. 7, 2023 on the Conway Scenic Railroad featuring the 470 Railroad Club’s restored Boston & Maine F7A’s Nos. 4268 and 4266. The “Covered Wagons in the Snow” trip will feature multiple photo stops and run-bys. No. 4268 was returned to service […]

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Southern California rail agency names director

ORANGE, Calif. — Jason Jewell has been appointed Managing Director of the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, the second busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the nation. Jewell has worked for the LOSSAN Agency for seven years, mainly as the agency’s chief financial officer. He has extensive experience in finance and […]

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