Reach, in model railroading terminology, is how far you can comfortably stick your arm into a scene without damaging the layout. Planning for reach is essential when designing a layout, as eventually you will need to dust, fix, change, or maintain one or more scenic features once it is built. The maximum depth the average […]
Facts and features Name: Missouri-Kansas-Texas RR St. Louis SubdivisionScale: N (1:160)Size: 15 x 25 feet with 19 foot extensionPrototype: Missouri-Kansas-Texas RRLocale: central MissouriEra: 1984Style: walk-inMainline run: 135 feetMinimum radius: 24″Minimum turnout: No. 6Maximum grade: 3% on Columbia BranchBenchwork: L-girder with 1 x 4 box modules on perimeterHeight: 53″ to 60″Roadbed: AMI Instant Roadbed on main […]
With joists on the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) model railroad installed, David and Bryson set out to establish elevated and lowered sections, along with the grades required to reach those new heights and depths. Follow the duo as they measure, test, and recheck how the sections fit and function, before installing the […]
Facts and features Name: Danforth, Hadley & NorthernScale: N (1:160)Size: 38 x 52 feetPrototype: freelanced, based on Northern PacificLocale: central MontanaEra: 1955Style: walkaroundMainline run: 400 feetMinimum radius: 24″ (main), 20″ (branch)Minimum turnout: No. 5 (main), No. 4 (industrial spurs)Maximum grade: 1.5% (main), 2.25% (branch), and 3% (logging)Benchwork: L-girder, with Homasote and spline roadbedHeight: 52″ to […]
Micro Engineering, the Macon, Missouri-based model railroad track manufacturer, announced in a recent press release that it has acquired Tomalco Track. “Micro Engineering Company is pleased to announce the addition of Tomalco Track and its S scale tooling to the Micro Engineering family. Micro Engineering will be adding six different S scale items to its […]
Tennessee Valley Custom Models has been acquired by new ownership. In addition, the manufacturer has a new name, Lineside Details. In a press release shared with the editors of Model Railroader, Michael and Elizabeth Thidemann announced their acquisition of the Atlanta-based scale signage producer and distributor. “We’re excited to continue providing high-quality signs to help […]
Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 What about all of the people? NEWS AND REVIEWS, pg. 10 Hobby industry news ASK MR, pg. 16 Tips for modeling station signs RAILWAY POST OFFICE, pg. 21 Letters from our readers STEP BY STEP, pg. […]
Q: I’m currently planning a layout that features several railroads, including a mythical short line that has to use running rights with the larger railroads. How would these running rights work in regards to timetables and train orders? And how would clearance cards be issued? Would there be a clearance card issued by each road, […]
The Athearn Genesis HO EMD GP38-2 recently arrived at our offices. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the four-axle road switcher and Milwaukee Road No. 363; points out the many prototype-specific details on the model; and demonstrates the sound and light functions on our review sample, which […]
The following is a series of edited excerpts from an interview conducted by David Popp with Jason Shron, owner of Rapido Trains on March 25, 2025. You can find the complete interview on Trains.com Video by clicking here. – Ed. David: The word on everybody’s minds in the hobby as of late is tariffs. Jason […]
News & Products for the week of March 31st 2025 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. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of March 31st, […]
David keeps the hammer down and drill humming, as he works to install the joists and subroadbed sections across the entire HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) model railroad. Watch, learn, and discover clever insights to adding the critical components used to create realistic trackwork and scenery set at various elevations. Be sure to […]
