Infrared photography makes your photos pop

Infrared photo of train and hills in background

Infrared photography Photography is a wonderful way to document your life. Whether you take pictures of your family, animals, landscapes, or trains, after a while the “seeing it like it is” or untouched photo can leave something to be desired. It may even eventually make you put the camera down. I was in such a […]

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Department 56 buildings on toy train layouts

Christmas scene on S gauge layout with Department 56 buildings

Department 56 on toy train layouts: Toy train enthusiasts enjoy using Department 56 buildings and accessories on their O and S gauge layouts. In the spirit of the holidays, we’re sharing this photo gallery of displays. We hope you enjoy it.   More holiday fun is in this holiday toy train photo gallery. […]

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What are those gray SPMX covered hoppers?

A new light gray, four-bay, cylindrical covered hopper is seen in a rail yard

Q: What are the gray SPMX covered hoppers for? I see them everywhere, but never moving. – Carol Schuler A: SPMX is a relatively new reporting mark – so new that it doesn’t show up yet on many of the websites I use for reference. But that reporting mark belongs to Shell Polymers. That’s a […]

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Broadway Limited HO scale Electro-Motive Division SD45

A green locomotive against a blue sky background.

Broadway Limited HO scale Electro-Motive Division SD45 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $399.99 Era: 1965 to present Manufacturer: Broadway Limited Imports, 9 East Tower Circle, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 broadway-limited.com Electro-Motive Division SD45 features: Two prototype-specific short hood variations Separately-applied wire grab irons, lift rings, and other details Etched-metal radiator fans and grills Light-emitting-diode lighting with […]

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Alco S5 locomotive — a Diesel That Didn’t

End cab Alco S5 locomotive in train yard in front of light tower

Similar to the EMD RS1325, the Alco S5 locomotive is one of those locomotive designs that seemed like a good idea at the time, was engineered well, ran well, but almost no one wanted to purchase.     The manufacturer needed to update its aging lineup of 660-hp S3 and 1,000-hp S4 end cab switchers […]

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KCS launches Holiday Express challenge fundraiser

Flatcar decorated to look like steam locomotive, covered with holiday lights

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Southern has launched a challenge grant fundraiser in connection with the return of its KCS Holiday Express train, matching donations through Dec. 16 to benefit The Salvation Army. KCS CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer said Tuesday that the railroad would donate $2 for every $1 raised by the Holiday Express […]

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Athearn Genesis National Steel Car 6400 gondola

A green gondola freight car is shown from the side, rear and front

Athearn Genesis National Steel Car 6400 gondola Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single car, $64.9; two-pack, $109.99 Era: 2012 to present (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com National Steel Car 6400 gondola features: Multiple body styles, end variations, top chords, and ladder variations Brass stirrup steps Metal […]

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British passenger equipment company files for insolvency protection

Silver, yellow, and green multiple-unit trainset in operation

SOUTHAM, England — Vivarail, the British passenger train re-manufacturing company majority-owned by Pittsburgh-based Railroad Development Corp., has announced it is seeking the appointment of insolvency administrators via the British courts while efforts are made to find new investors or owners for the company. The process, similar to Chapter 11 protection in the USA, will allow […]

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