East Troy Industrial Park Sidetrack | Building a glass plant, Part 2

Eric White continues his efforts to construct an HO scale glass plant. In this second episode of the Sidetrack Series, he uses cardboard mockups to help envision and shape the structures, meticulously measuring and comparing pieces with prototype photos for accuracy. Eric then shares how he tests the mockups on the East Troy Industrial Park […]

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Chicago & North Western 4-6-0 steam locomotive No. 1385 homecoming

Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin, is celebrating the return of Chicago & North Western 4-6-0 steam locomotive No. 1385 after more than a ten-year restoration effort. Trains.com staff writer Lucas Iverson was there to witness and capture No. 1385 as it arrived back at the museum on July 18, 2025, to the excitement […]

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East Troy Electric Railroad celebrates Milwaukee Day

Come along with Trains.com staff writer Lucas Iverson, as he visits The East Troy Electric Railroad in the summer of 2025. Located in East Troy, Wis., the railroad (completed in 1907) was originally part of The Milwaukee Electric Railroad and Light Company (TMER&L). When the company planned to abandon the line in 1939, East Troy […]

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East Troy Industrial Park Sidetrack | Building a glass plant, Part 1

In this all-new Sidetrack Series, Model Railroader Editor Eric White begins building an HO scale (1:87.1) glass plant for the East Troy Industrial Park project layout. See how Eric studies prototype photos and Google Maps to inspire design ideas, and later confirms operational insights with an plant employee. Eric then reveals the Walthers and Pike […]

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The Roundhouse | Using Employee Timetables

In this episode of The Roundhouse, host Brian Schmidt and Bob Lettenberger continue to explore how employee timetables offer rail enthusiasts a “behind the curtain” look at operations. These official documents are vital for planning photography, conducting historical research, and accurately modeling railroads. They also serve as an index to other crucial railroad documents. Be […]

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Classic Trains Film Archive | Riding on the Norfolk & Western and Grand Trunk Western, J. David Ingles Reel 0051

Classic Trains Film Archive | Riding on the Norfolk & Western and Grand Trunk Western, J. David Ingles Reel 0051 – Ride trains on the Norfolk & Western, see colorful operations around Kansas City, and explore little-known lines in western Illinois with J. David Ingles. Plus, experience a Michigan snowstorm from the train and ride […]

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Trains.com Insider Interview | Jack Sommerfeld, Owner of Sommerfeld’s Trains & Hobbies

Listen in, as Trains.com draws knowledge and hobby insights from established retailer Jack Sommerfeld, owner/operator of Sommerfeld’s Trains & Hobbies in Butler, Wisconsin. Join staff writer Lucas Iverson as he chats with one of the top toy train dealers in the U.S., regarding the success and philosophy of his 40-year-old family-run business; his observations about […]

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Cody’s Office | July 2025

Picture of man wearing blue shirt and glasses holding a book with HO and N scale locomotives in foreground and model train layout in background.

Where has 2025 gone? We’re already into July, which means county fair season is in full swing. Right on its heels, back-to-school sales will begin! Between all of that hustle and bustle, take a few minutes to enjoy the July 2025 episode of Cody’s Office. We have an exciting lineup of products this month. Leading […]

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Cody’s Office | July 2025

Picture of man wearing blue shirt and glasses holding a book with HO and N scale locomotives in foreground and model train layout in background.

Where has 2025 gone? We’re already into July, which means county fair season is in full swing. Right on its heels, back-to-school sales will begin! Between all of that hustle and bustle, take a few minutes to enjoy the July 2025 episode of Cody’s Office. We have an exciting lineup of products this month. Leading […]

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Spaces to Places VII | Roundhouse Interior Detail

Trains.com video series host and Master Model Railroader Gerry Leone sets his sights on the interior details of the previously assembled three-stall roundhouse he reworked for his latest HO scale (1:87.1) Bona Vista model railroad. From the inspection pit, to the interior flooring and wall, to the oil stains, to a full complement of racks […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 15 | Installing Switch Motors

David and Bryson share the steps they used to install a complete Walthers Switch Machine system on the HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park project layout. To get things started, the pair first explains the features and function of each component. Then it’s straight to the task of installing the parts used to pivot […]

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The Roundhouse | Collecting Employee Timetables

In this 33rd episode of The Roundhouse, an on-camera interview series established in 2013, Trains Magazine Associate Editor Bob Lettenberger plays host to Brian Schmidt, Editor of Classic Trains Magazine. The two gather at the roundtable to discuss an endeavor they both enjoy – collecting employee timetables! Listen in, as Bob and Brian reveal the […]

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