Trains.com video series host and Master Model Railroader Gerry Leone sets his sights on the interior details of the previously assembled three-stall roundhouse he reworked for his latest HO scale (1:87.1) Bona Vista model railroad. From the inspection pit, to the interior flooring and wall, to the oil stains, to a full complement of racks […]
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 […]
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 […]
In January of this year, the future looked bleak for the storied Pacific Southern Railway, a model railroad club based in Rocky Hill, New Jersey. Their decades-old, constantly evolving club layout was facing an existential threat. The HO scale Pacific Southern Railway, spanning 5,000 square feet with over 3,500 feet of handlaid track, began its […]
Facts and features Name: Colorado & Southern Clear Creek DistrictScale: 1:72Size: 40 x 52 feetPrototype: Colorado & Southern Clear Creek DistrictLocale: Denver to Rocky MountainsEra: 1920sStyle: Double-deck linear walkaroundMainline run: 725 feet plus branch lineMinimum radius: 24″Minimum turnout: No. 6Maximum grade: 3%Benchwork: open gridHeight: 30″ to 70″Roadbed: cork on insulation boardTrack: code 70 and 83 […]
The plan is simple: a long loop-to-loop (folded dog-bone) single-track line. There are several passing sidings to allow three trains to be on the line at the same time with a long run between return loops. Wireless controls are always nice, but a classic Lionel type-ZW transformer with a switch control panel board is really […]
My layout, The “Casey” Line, was published in the September 2021 Classic Toy Trains. My 30-year project was based on reading a boxful of 1950’s Model Railroader magazines and compiling a list of the best features on model railroads from those articles. Fortunately, I was able to include all the scenic features recommended in those […]
Name: Neal Schorr’s Pennsylvania RR Middle DivisionGauge: O scale (1:48)Dimensions: 38 x 45 feet (maximum dimensions)Track: Atlas O code 215 three-rail flextrackTurnouts: Atlas O, Ross Custom SwitchesMotive power and rolling stock: Atlas O, Golden Gate Depot, K-Line, Lionel, WeaverControls: Lionel TrainMaster Command Control Structures: Atlas O, DPM, Lionel, MTH, scratchbuilt, Wm. K. WalthersFigures: Arttista, Woodland […]
Name: Gary King’s S gauge layoutDimensions: 11½ x 13½ feetTrack and switches: American Models (diameters range from 42 up to 60 inches)Motive power: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper ServiceRolling stock: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, Lionel, S-Helper ServiceControls: Gilbert American Flyer, Model Rectifier Corp. transformersAccessories: Gilbert American Flyer, MTH Electric Trains, Wm. K. WalthersStructures: […]
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. […]
I’m trying to troubleshoot a Lionel No. 624 Chesapeake & Ohio NW2 diesel switcher from the 1950s. The motor seems to short out, even after I spent time cleaning out the dried grease from long ago. All I get now is a grinding noise, and the locomotive barely moves. What do you think is the […]
The following is a series of edited excerpts from an interview conducted by David Popp with Jason Shron, owner and CEO of Rapido Trains Inc. on May 20, 2025 on the subject of United States tariffs in relation to the model train industry. You can find the complete interview on Trains.com Video by clicking here. […]
