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 […]
Micro Engineering, the Macon, Missouri-based model railroad track manufacturer, announced in a recent press release that it has acquired Tomalco Track. “Micro Engineering Company is pleased to announce the addition of Tomalco Track and its S scale tooling to the Micro Engineering family. Micro Engineering will be adding six different S scale items to its […]
Tennessee Valley Custom Models has been acquired by new ownership. In addition, the manufacturer has a new name, Lineside Details. In a press release shared with the editors of Model Railroader, Michael and Elizabeth Thidemann announced their acquisition of the Atlanta-based scale signage producer and distributor. “We’re excited to continue providing high-quality signs to help […]
Q: I’m currently planning a layout that features several railroads, including a mythical short line that has to use running rights with the larger railroads. How would these running rights work in regards to timetables and train orders? And how would clearance cards be issued? Would there be a clearance card issued by each road, […]
The following is a series of edited excerpts from an interview conducted by David Popp with Jason Shron, owner of Rapido Trains on March 25, 2025. You can find the complete interview on Trains.com Video by clicking here. – Ed. David: The word on everybody’s minds in the hobby as of late is tariffs. Jason […]
Locomotives & rolling stock MTH Electric Trains, 7393 Washington Blvd. Ste. 101, Elkridge, MD 21075, is selling O gauge Depressed Center Flatcars as part of the RailKing line. The engines feature O-27 operation and are available in six paint schemes (30-76933 shown). Expected delivery in July 2025. Price: $64.95. To order, contact your local MTH […]
Trains.com Insider Interview | Rapido Trains Inc. Founder and CEO Jason Shron visits with Trains.com Director David Popp to discuss the impact U.S.-Canada tariffs have on Rapido operations, along with the loyal customers who have helped sustain the business for more than 20 years. In the simplest terms, Jason shares how the model train manufacturer (of […]
Q: In Model Railroader product reviews, locomotive speed is often measured and compared with the prototype. I was wondering how this is done so I can run my trains at prototypical speeds. — George Smitton A: When we test locomotives at the workbench, we use the Model Railroad Technologies Accutrak II train speedometer for measuring […]
Frank Kotnik was introduced to toy trains as a child. Someone gave his father a secondhand Lionel set and accessories from the early 1950s. When Frank was three, around 1963, his dad surprised him with a simple tabletop layout. The engine captivated the young tot, sparking a lifetime interest in the hobby. Frank is a […]
Lionel has reissued the U28C diesel locomotive for the first time since 2012. The model was announced in the 2024 Volume 1 catalog. This six-axle unit was not that common on prototype railroads, and its unique appearance will allow it to stand out on your layout. The prototype was produced by General Electric between February […]
Q: I have some questions about streamlined observation cars with rounded ends. What was the purpose/use of the large light located at the end of the roofline of these cars? Is it a white light for reverse moves, or is it a red light similar to a modern day Flashing Rear End Device? Could the […]
Q: I’m setting up a model railroad on a 6 x 12-foot table. The layout will use Digital Command Control. What would be the best wire size(s) to use on the layout? — Greg Kurtz A: Two considerations when selecting the right wire size, Greg: First, that doesn’t involve long bus-wire lengths, so No. 14 […]
