May 2025

The May 2025 cover of Trains magazine

In every issue News, p. 4 Canadian high speed rail moves forward Bill Stephens, p. 10 CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs’ mission: better employee relations History with Hankey, p. 12 Cataloging connections Brian Solomon, p. 44 How to make the most of an extended trip Preservation, p. 52 Alaska Railroad’s gold spike is returning to the […]

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Spaces to Places VII | Kitbash Rebash

Follow host Gerry Leone as he digs into the plans and efforts to rework a structure he initially kitbashed for a previous iteration of his HO scale (1:87.1) Bona Vista model railroad. But first, he ventures back to the old familiar set of his “Off The Rails” series, all with the objective of answering a […]

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Norm Charbonneau’s Northbrook Layout in O scale

Norm Charbonneau’s Northbrook Layout in O scale | Come along with Model Railroader Editor Eric White as he and Trains.com Video captures Norm Charbonneau’s 29 x 36-foot O scale (3-rail) basement layout, depicting steam-diesel transition era, Pennsy-inspired railroading action. Catch a sneak peek months before crowds arrive to visit the display during the 2025 NMRA National […]

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Model Railroader Tips & Tricks | Choosing roadbed

Choosing roadbed | While adding track to your subroadbed layout base is an possible, you’ll want to consider installing an additional, more realistic layer of material specifically designed to support and secure your trackwork. Follow along as David shares various roadbed options that can be used across layouts of all sizes and scales! Be sure […]

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Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 24 | Barn scene figures and details

Host David Popp is making good progress with his modeling, so he takes a moment to highlight some of the details that help shape the realistic barn and farmhouse setting on his Olympia & Sand Creek On30 display layout. In this episode, he talks through tree selection, fabricating custom figures, adding exterior/interior structural intricacies, and […]

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April 2025

The April 2025 cover of Trains magazine

In every issue News, p. 4 California drops zero-emission locomotive rule Bill Stephens, p. 8  BNSF’s double-tracking persistence pays off History with Hankey, p. 10 A railroad-themed float at a president’s inauguration Great Railfan Roads, p. 42 Route 66 is the country’s greatest railfan road Brian Solomon, p. 50 United Kingdom celebrates two centuries of […]

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Model Railroader Tips & Tricks | Evaluating subroadbed options

Evaluating subroadbed options| When it comes to building a new model railroad, the foundation you use to support your trackwork and scenery is especially important. Taking numerous factors under consideration (e.g., cost, easy of use, durability, etc.), expert layout builder David Popp shares info and insights you need to know before making your choice! You […]

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