For railroad builders in North America, a 2.2 percent climb was considered the standard maximum grade for a well-engineered mountain railroad. But why this number? And how did its adoption become so widespread? Using modern-day analysis of some famous mountain railroad grades, Trains Magazine’s September 2011 issue explores the origins and adoption of 2.2 percent […]
Magazine: Model-Railroader
Model Railroader Quick Tips: Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning model train track
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How-to Library: Easy Model Railroad Photography – Episode 1 Introduction
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this MRVP exclusive mini-series, Gerry Leone walks you through the basic steps you can use to capture great shots of your model railroad…and you don’t even need an expensive camera to get impressive results! […]
ExactRail HO scale depressed-center flatcar
ExactRail HO scale depressed-center flatcar This modern depressed-center flatcar is a recent release from ExactRail that follows the overall lines of prototype cars built by General Steel Industries (GSI) in the 1970s and 1980s. The prototypes featured one-piece, cast-steel underframes that could carry tall loads because the carbody deck is only 23″ above the rails. […]
Kato N scale General Electric U30C diesel locomotive
Kato N scale General Electric U30C diesel locomotive It’s been 20 years since Kato last offered an N scale model of General Electric’s six-axle U30C hood units, and it’s been worth the wait. The new model, retooled under the hood to make it friendlier to Digital Command Control, is a sharp-looking and smooth-performing engine. Keep […]
MTH HO scale ready-to-run train set
MTH HO scale train set Many model railroaders get started in the hobby with a train set. A loop of track, power pack, a locomotive, and rolling stock will have a new model railroader running trains in a matter of minutes. MTH has taken its ready-to-run sets a step further by including its Digital Command […]
Walthers HO scale Meadowhead barn kit
Walthers HO scale Meadowhead barn kit Price: $38.98 ManufacturerWm. K. Walthers Inc.P.O. Box 3039Milwaukee, WI 53201www.walthers.com Era: 1900 to present Comments: If you’re looking for a structure that you can assemble, paint, and weather in one evening, then you’ll want to check out the Walthers HO scale Meadowhead barn kit. The injection-molded plastic kit has […]
Modelers Spotlight Video — Inside Cody’s Office July 14, 2011
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Associate editor Cody Grivno weathered this Proto 2000 from Walthers 0-8-0 steam locomotive for the Model Railroader Virginian Ry. HO scale project layout. Cody will show you some of his favorite techniques. You’ll also see some new model railroading products, including a demonstration […]
2011 National Train Show preliminary report
HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division GP7 and GP9 diesel locomotives. New paint scheme on GP7 is Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (zebra stripes). New scheme on GP9 is New York Central (two-tone gray). Separately applied details, wire grab irons, and plastic handrails. Both road names offered with and without steam generators. Direct-current models with Quick […]
Video: Athearn Trains N scale F59PHI and cars
We tested the Athearn Trains N scale EMD F59PHI diesel locomotive on our Salt Lake Route model train layout. Equipped with a SoundTraxx Tsunami Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder, the locomotive looked and sounded great hauling a set of Athearn N scale Bombardier bi-level commuter cars. […]
Railroad timeline, 1950-1989
1950: Dieselization – Ten Class 1 railroads had already dieselized before this year, including the Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay; Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville (Monon); Columbus & Greenville; Detroit & Mackinac; Elgin, Joliet & Eastern; Gulf, Mobile & Ohio; Lehigh & New England; New York, Ontario & Western; New York, Susquehanna & Western; and Texas-Mexican. […]
Bachmann HO scale brill trolley
Bachmann HO scale brill trolley This brill trolley from Bachmann is a very good representation. It features a five-pull can motor and has all-wheel electrical pick up. The paint job is excellent and comes in red, green, or yellow. It has silhouetted people in the side windows, but the motor can be seen in the […]
