Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller prowls the dollar store aisles in search of inexpensive items that are useful on the workbench or layout. […]
Budget railroading: dollar store finds

Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller prowls the dollar store aisles in search of inexpensive items that are useful on the workbench or layout. […]
Produced by the MR staff in 1940, this home movie shows how things were done to make the model railroading hobby’s premier publication back in the “good old days.” […]
As the world and Gerry’s helix continues to turn, he deals with its ups and downs. See how he works to avoid wavering levels on each turn of the helix. And you won’t want to miss the first running train on the new layout. […]
Even with a little help from a friend, host Gerry Leone still struggles with benchwork construction. But after setting joists straight and level, he jumps right into raising the grade along the helix. Discover a few new track tips and tricks along the way. […]
With design issues behind him, Gerry begins building the components of a four-turn helix. Even though math is involved in this stage, our host is up to the task. And he’s clever enough to use and share a number of helpful resources that make the process easy to understand and follow. […]
Athearn is rolling out its Genesis 2.0 models and we recently received a sample of the Electro-Motive Division SD80MAC. Sounds features include EMD’s 20-710G3B 20-cylinder diesel engine, and lighting features such as operating ditch lights that flash when the horn in sounded. […]
Kalmbach’s own Cody Grivno talks through the basic ways of fastening track to a layout so you can run model trains. […]
CSX is honoring veterans and first responders with three specially painted HO scale General Electric ES44AC locomotives. ScaleTrains.com recently sent us all three examples. We took a look in our workshop and tested them out on the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. […]
A three-pack of Chicago & Northern Western ACF 2970 covered hopper kits recently arrived at our offices. Take a look at the kit contents, see a finished model, and learn a bit about the history of the North Western’s fleet of two-bay Center Flow covered hoppers. […]
Learn about Kalmbach Books’ new Guide to Signals & Interlockings, Bachmann’s updated HO scale CB&Q offset caboose, Kato’s new N scale Gunderson Maxi-I five-unit articulated well car with containers, a modeling tip, and viewer mail in the new episode of Cody’s Office! […]
It’s My Railroad star Steve Brown is hosting a new series on Trains.com focused on keeping model railroading small. N-scale small. Join Steve in Scale it Down, where he takes a classic HO scale layout from the editors and producers at Model Railroader and makes it small enough to fit in with his layout. For […]
What’s better than hanging out with Hal Miller and David Popp in the Model Railroader / Classic Toy Trains Workshop? The chance to repeat the experience! Enjoy this full replay of their hour-long trackside/layout-side chat, which was originally presented as a livestream session during the World’s Greatest Hobby Virtual Show on Saturday, April 17, 2021. […]