Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 26 | Ballasting the rails

In this episode, David shares a proven technique for adding and shaping a rustic course of ballast along the rails of the Olympia & Sand Creek On30 logging layout. But first he works to complete several scenery details, including realistic fencing, water effects, muddy cow paths, and more along the terrain and trackwork too! View […]

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Art Kear’s Wellsville, Addison & Galeton in HO scale

Title screen from layout visit video with title in upper left corner.

In the August 2025 issue of Model Railroader, we featured Art Kear’s HO scale Buffalo & Susquehanna to Wellsville, Addison & Galeton. The 12 x 32-foot multi-deck walk-in layout features a logging line circa 1910 and the steam-to-diesel transition era in 1950. “Once the train room was completed, it was time to get started on […]

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Art Kear’s Wellsville, Addison & Galeton in HO scale

Title screen from layout visit video with title in upper left corner.

In the August 2025 issue of Model Railroader, we featured Art Kear’s HO scale Buffalo & Susquehanna to Wellsville, Addison & Galeton. The 12 x 32-foot multi-deck walk-in layout features a logging line circa 1910 and the steam-to-diesel transition era in 1950. “Once the train room was completed, it was time to get started on […]

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Trains.com Insider Interview | NMRA President Gordy Robinson talks about the NMRA in its 90th year

Listen in, as Model Railroader magazine Editor Eric White interviews National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) President Gordy Robinson about the organization’s 90th anniversary. Hear Gordy highlight various celebrations planned throughout the year, including those at the upcoming NMRA National Convention (and National Train Show) in Novi, Michigan, plus the actual anniversary on Labor Day weekend (August […]

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Spring 2025

The spring 2025 cover of Classic Trains magazine

Welcome – Celebrating railroad history Head End – A potpourri of railroad history, then and now Fast Mail – Letters from our readers Mileposts – Commentary by Kevin P. Keefe True Color – Santa Fe at Del Mar racetrack The Way It Was – Tales from railfans and railroaders Classics Today – Saving Silver Splendor […]

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June 2025

The June 2025 cover of Trains magazine

In every issue News, p. 4 Amtrak CEO Gardner ousted, and the carrier sidelines its Horizon car fleet Bill Stephens, p. 10 CPKC keeps fingers crossed as trade tensions flair History with Hankey, p. 12 Railroads, logistics, and winning the Civil War Brian Solomon, p. 46 Visiting a pair of railroad-themed bed & breakfasts Preservation, […]

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Model Railroader Tips & Tricks | Working with suitcase connectors

Working with suitcase connectors | While also known as insulation displacement connectors, the name “suitcase connector” is a more common term used to describe one the most helpful fasteners in all of model railroading. These plastic cases include a conductive metal blade used to bridge (electrically) two press-fit wires. Let David show you how to […]

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Doug Tagsold’s Colorado & Southern in 1:72 scale

Doug Tagsold’s Colorado & Southern in 1:72 scale | Model Railroader Editor Eric White stops to visit with frequent MR contributor Doug Tagsold and his unique 40 x 52-foot 1:72 scale narrow gauge layout. The C&S Clear Creek District is a double-deck model railroad, set between Denver, Colo., and the Rocky Mountains during the 1920s. […]

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Spaces to Places VII | Roundhouse Retrofit

In this episode, Gerry Leone tackles another forgotten structure that will now fit right into his efforts to complete the classification yard and locomotive servicing area on his HO scale (1:87.1) Bona Vista model railroad. The focus of his attention is a previously assembled three-stall roundhouse that’s ripe for interior illumination and additional details. As […]

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