January 2022

January 2022 issue cover

Also in this issue: EDITOR’S DESK, pg. 4 PHOTO ALBUM, pg. 8 LETTERS, pg. 12 NEWS & PRODUCTS, pg. 14 Atlas O container, weathering materials MODERN ERA NOTES, pg. 17 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS, pg. 20 COLLECTIBLE CLASSICS, pg. 22 VIEWS FROM THE UNDERGROUND, pg. 23 S GAUGE THEN NOW AND THEN, pg. 24 GREATEST FIND, […]

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January 2022

January 2022 issue cover

Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Introducing a new era for the MR&T NEWS & PRODUCTS, pg. 12 Hobby industry news ASK MR, pg. 18 What tools does a model railroader need? STEP BY STEP, pg. 24 Strip, paint, and decal a […]

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Winter 2021

Classic Trains' Winter 2022 issue cover

Welcome  Winter wonderlands, and a crew change Head End  A potpourri railroad history, then and now Fast Mail  Letters from readers on our Fall 2021 issue True Color  Sunrise at South Amboy Mileposts  Commentary by Kevin P. Keefe The Way It Was  Tales from railfans and railroaders Car Stop  Postscript in Milwaukee Bumping Post  Reading’s […]

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Model train scales explained

Photo of modern passenger units in five scales

Model train scales come in a handful of commercial sizes. Among the most popular model train scales in North America are HO, N, O and G. However, these letters stand in for very specific ratios that tell modelers what fraction they are using to scale, or model, reality. What is a model train scale? Scales […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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