The Milwaukee, Racine & Troy RR in HO scale (2024)

A model railroad trackplan with labeled locations and structures

Facts and features Name: Milwaukee, Racine & Troy RR Layout owner: Model Railroader staff Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 28 x 54 feet Prototype: freelanced bridge line Locale: Southeastern Wisconsin Era: current day Style: walk-in Mainline run: approx. 200 feet Minimum radius: 36″ (main) Minimum turnout: no. 6 (main), no. 4 spurs Maximum grade: 3 percent […]

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The next generation of the model railroad industry

Next generation of model railroad Jeff Lassahn

In 2023, I wrote an article about four young men under the age of 40 that were either modelers or worked in the model railroad industry. I had noticed a lot of young people working for various manufacturers at the National Train Show in Grapevine, Texas. Since then, I had the opportunity to attend the […]

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Big Skies & Iron Rails, 24 Hours Down by the River

When a trek to Big Skies & Iron Rails is a tad too far to reach, railfan/videographer Tom Danneman opts to settle trackside at the very edge of the waterway that denotes the start of American’s western expanse. From his rental property (not a van!) down by the river, Tom and his crew take in the […]

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Big Skies & Iron Rails, 24 Hours Down by the River

When a trek to Big Skies & Iron Rails is a tad too far to reach, railfan/videographer Tom Danneman opts to settle trackside at the very edge of the waterway that denotes the start of American’s western expanse. From his rental property (not a van!) down by the river, Tom and his crew take in the […]

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How to lubricate your O and S gauge trains

Applying light gear lube to a model locomotive truck with a needle applicator.

Some questions we get frequently are: “How do I lubricate my locomotives?” followed by “What type of lubrication should I use on them?” Here are some answers. And remember, when it comes to oil and grease on locomotives or other rolling stock, less is more. Fortunately, there’s a quick and easy answer for what to […]

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Common methods for uncoupling cars

Photo showing two flatcars and assorted uncoupling items.

Automatic knuckle couplers have been a part of model railroading for more than 60 years. Not only do these couplers look more like what you see on full-size locomotives and freight cars, they’re easy to install and use. You can learn more about them in my articles on HO and N scale couplers on Trains.com. […]

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In Memoriam: Jim Hediger

Photo of man standing by HO scale model railroad.

Jim Hediger, a member of the Model Railroader staff from 1972 to 2015, passed away on February 9, 2024 in Oconomowoc, Wis. Early years Jim was born in Chicago to Norm and Elenore Hediger. While in the Windy City, his father worked for the Grand Trunk Western. When Jim was 13, his family moved to […]

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Mikados in the snow

For Snow Week 2024, let’s head west to view operations at two tourist railroads running 2-8-2 Mikado-type steam locomotives during the winter. We’ll begin at the Sumpter Valley Railroad in McEwen, Oregon, before jumping to Nevada to chase the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. Want to see and learn more about this class of steam locomotive? […]

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Broadway Limited Imports HO EMD GP30

Title screen of Product Review video featuring Broadway Limited Imports HO scale GP30 diesel locomotive.

In our latest Product Review video, we’ll head down to the quarry on our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy staff layout to see the Broadway Limited Imports HO EMD GP30 in action. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe No. 2710; points out the […]

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Broadway Limited Imports HO EMD GP30

Title screen of Product Review video featuring Broadway Limited Imports HO scale GP30 diesel locomotive.

In our latest Product Review video, we’ll head down to the quarry on our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy staff layout to see the Broadway Limited Imports HO EMD GP30 in action. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe No. 2710; points out the […]

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