Q: Many of Model Railroader’s articles, reviews, and advertisements focus on products representing the “modern” era, say the 1940s to the present. That’s OK, and much of your audience obviously enjoys modeling contemporary railroading. However, I’m interested in modeling the railroad industry as it was in the 19th century. Can you suggest the names of […]
As many of you know, my primary modeling interest is the early days of the Burlington Northern (1970-1974) in Crookston, Minn., my hometown. One of the rail-served industries that has long intrigued me is the Otter Tail Power Co. (OTPCO) power plant. The 10,000 kilowatt plant, which hugged the banks of the Red Lake River […]
Model trains have long captivated the imagination of hobbyists, collectors, and enthusiasts of all ages. From their origins as simple tinplate toys to today’s intricate, highly-detailed machinery, model trains trace a fascinating evolution that mirrors advancements in technology and changes in cultural trends. Let’s explore how this beloved hobby developed over the decades. Tinplate Trains […]
Q: I will be starting my first model railroad soon, a small N scale layout. I want to use code 55 track, but I’ve read mixed reviews about it. Do you have any suggestions, or should I stick with code 80 track? — Damien Bouchey A: When shopping for N scale track, you’ll see it […]
Name: Union Station Kansas City Model Railroad DisplayGauge: ODimensions: 20 x 27 feetTrack: GarGraves (maximum diameter is 84 inches)Turnouts: Ross Custom Switches Motive power and rolling stock: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH, 3rd RailControls: Lionel CW-80 transformers (13)Accessories: Coaster Dynamics, Department 56, LionelStructures: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH, scratchbuiltVehicles: Eligor, Ertl, Matchbox, SolidoFigures: Arttista, Preiser, Woodland Scenics […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Atlas N scale GE B23-7 is back in new paint schemes and road numbers. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the four-axle road unit and Conrail 1948; highlights the molded and factory-applied parts on the locomotive; and demonstrates the sound and light effects on the B23-7, […]
The Atlas N scale GE B23-7 is back in new paint schemes and road numbers. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the four-axle road unit and Conrail 1948; highlights the molded and factory-applied parts on the locomotive; and demonstrates the sound and light effects on the B23-7, […]
Built by Others is an article series showcasing layouts constructed by modelers using plans and projects from the pages of Model Railroader and its associated products. The Virginian project layout first appeared in the pages of Model Railroader in January of 2012. Dustin Whitten’s Norfolk & Western South Branch layout took inspiration from this project […]
My N scale model railroad has about 50 mainline and storage track turnouts, all controlled by Tortoise by Circuitron motors and Digitrax SE8s for total control via Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI) as well as manual local and via Digital Command Control with a DCC throttle. I’m adding another 30 to 40 or more turnouts […]
One of my favorite things to do while eating lunch is to pull out an old volume of Model Railroader magazine and page through it. Lately, I’ve been working my way through the decade of the 1960s, often posting things I’ve rediscovered to MR’s Facebook page under the heading of “Lunchtime Reading.” Editor Linn Westcott […]
