Check out this sound-equipped Athearn HO scale Union Pacific class CA-8 caboose. […]
Athearn HO scale Union Pacific CA-8 caboose with sound
Section: Modeling
Atlas HO scale Alco RSD-5
Watch Atlas’s HO scale Alco RSD-5 on the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy! […]
Santa Fe Inspiration gallery volume 2
In this photo gallery, we encourage you to enjoy two fantastic Santa Fe layouts that are inspired. We hope they inspire you on your journey to creating a new model railroad layout, even one based on the Santa Fe! The first railroad is Gary Hoover’s interpretation of the Santa Fe Railway on Aug. 29, 1951. […]
Santa Fe Inspiration gallery volume 1
The Santa Fe Railway and predecessors parsing the American Southwest have inspired countless artists and dreamers. Model railroaders using scale equipment and precision tools to re-create these railroad scenes are only the latest in that line. In this photo gallery, we encourage you to enjoy two fantastic Santa Fe layouts that are inspired. We […]
The best raw materials for garden railroaders
The first lesson we learn when we take our trains outdoors is that nature doesn’t play favorites. Our sensible action is to choose materials for our projects that will stand up to the forces of nature. Plastic “Plastic” is a generic term, for which there exist many variants. Most large-scale trains are made of ABS, […]
Tint turn signals and taillights
Turn signals and taillights on model trucks and cars are easily applied using simple hobby chemicals and even a touch of food coloring. Painting turn signals and taillights The number of vehicle models available today is greater than ever. Though the selection of makes and models is large, it’s the small things that make or […]
Glues and adhesives for garden railroads
Glues and adhesives are among the first things you need when building a model — to hold it together! There are lots of adhesives, and they all do specific jobs depending on the material. General-purpose adhesives White glue — This is known as a PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue. When it dries, it’s nearly transparent. Its […]
Small HO Scale layout with continuous running
By: Don Chaney Operating model trains with a good deal of switching is extremely popular, but I prefer watching trains run continuously. Moving around my finished 7 x 91/2-foot layout while watching a steadily moving train is a never-ending joy for me. As I planned a layout for my 12 x 17-foot game room, my […]
Five inexpensive garden railroad tools
Here are five tools for a garden railroad you can make or obtain cheaply. 1. Make a ballast broom If you do a lot of reballasting (or ballasting) on your railway, take an old 4-inch paint brush and attach the handle with screws to an extension pole about 3 feet long. This becomes a mini-broom […]
Make quick-and-easy junked cars for toy train layouts
Toy train layout operators foiled by the lack of inexpensive details can you aluminum foil as the raw materials for unlimited “junked cars.” Best of all, the project won’t strain your how-to skills and will add detail to your layout. You’ll need heavy-duty foil, gloss black paint, your choice of flat colors, a hobby knife, […]
5 tips for weathering garden railroad trains and structures
Weathering is one way to add realism to any garden railroad or garden railway. Weathering helps train models and rolling stock appear as though they have been exposed to elements and harsh conditions — like full-sized railroads. Here are top tips you can use. Paintbrush weathering To create a weathered finish on a passenger car […]
The Hills Line with James McNab: Freight Car Fixes, Episode 9
Freight cars are the stars of James McNab’s HO scale Hills Line layout, so he’s working to get them performance ready! Discover his helpful modeling tips, tricks, and insights that you can use to keep your rolling stock in prime operating condition! […]
