Trains Photo Contest 2022: Still Soldiering On

steam train in distance coming at you with signal in foreground

Trains is happy to announce its partnership with the National Railway Historical Society for the 2022 photo contest. The NRHS is a nonprofit that promotes the interest and study of the railroad industry, a mission the Trains brand shares. The NRHS, which was established in 1935, is a perfect match for a magazine that’s been […]

Read More…

Track wiring for beginners

Pair of wires seen alongside track attached to a power bus.

Track wiring your model railroad layout can be daunting, especially for beginners to the hobby. In order to help those looking to start, here’s a review of the bare-bones basics of wiring your layout that will help you get your trains up and running as quickly as possible. Run the wire bus roughly beneath the […]

Read More…

Toy Train Layouts for Small Spaces

Toy Train Layout for Small Spaces issue cover

Plus much more! Toy Train Layouts for Small Spaces, pg. 6 Compact layouts have always been a part of the hobby. Get started on one now. Modest beginnings, pg. 7 Where so many of us got started with our toy trains Small workhorse: CTT’s City Transfer & Terminal, pg. 8 This multi-role 5 x 9-foot […]

Read More…

December 2021

December issue cover

Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Know-how plus imagination equals success NEWS & PRODUCTS, pg. 12 Hobby industry news ASK MR, pg. 18 Santa Fe’s NCX: A freight you can model REHAB MY RAILROAD, pg. 24 Upgrading the MR&T with Walthers’ new […]

Read More…

Favorite Projects

Favorite Projects 2022 issue cover

Plus much more: IMPROVE YOUR LAYOUT TODAY!, pg. 7 Introduction by Carl Swanson INSTALLING A LAYOUT SKIRT ON CURVED FASCIA, pg. 8 A simple, inexpensive method helps complete a flowing layout edge by Jeff Sargeant BUILD BENCHWORK FOR A SECTIONAL LAYOUT, pg. 11 A way to prepare for disassembly or a household move by Pelle […]

Read More…

Fall 2021

Classic Trains' Fall 2021 issue cover

Welcome  Camelot in Dairyland Head End  A potpourri railroad history, then and now Fast Mail  Letters from readers on our Summer 2021 issue True Color  Frisco’s Will Rogers at St. Louis Mileposts  Commentary by Kevin P. Keefe The Way It Was  Tales from railfans and railroaders Classic Today  R&LHS turns 100 Car Stop  Bamberger Railroad […]

Read More…