Most model railroaders strive for accuracy in the construction of their model railroad layout. Of course there are modelers who do not, and of course “accuracy” means different things to different modelers, but broadly, accuracy, in one form or another, is the target for most model railroaders. When constructing their model railroad layouts, many modelers […]
One of the questions we receive quite regularly is where to find parts. Sooner or later, it’s likely you’ll need a part for your locomotive or rolling stock. It could be as simple as replacing traction tires or as complicated as a postwar rehab project. In either case, we’ve got you covered! For each retailer, […]
I began collecting O and 027 gauge trains in middle school. Like many toy train enthusiasts, the trains were eventually packed away for various reasons. Years later, I unpacked my Lionel and Marx collection. It had been a long time since I had seen these trains. I unpacked mostly postwar and modern 2-4-2 outline steam […]
Train-watching basics: Among the ways in which people participate in the railroad hobby, the simple act of watching trains is the most popular. Some railfans thrill to the power of thousands of tons of steel rushing by. Others watch for new locomotive types, or old classics running out their last miles. Many focus on […]
Q: When I was looking at pictures of the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy locomotive fleet, I noticed small numbers near the herald on some diesels. Were those numbers tied to the control system used on the layout, or did they have another meaning? — Jason Trew A: Those single- and double-digit numbers near the herald on […]
Track selection and tracklaying insights | Join David, as he first surveys a wide array of flexible trackwork offerings, and then shares helpful tips and tricks for properly preparing and installing sections of flex track on your next model railroad! Be sure to find other helpful videos like this in the How-to category on Trains.com […]
Are you aware of any kind of commercial device that can prevent Lionel and MTH trains from running in reverse? Whenever any of my young grandchildren try to run a freight train in reverse, the cars inevitably derail and ruin our fun. This is an interesting problem to have! I can’t think of any device […]
Learning how to install roadbed at a turnout, a place where tracks meet or diverge, is a valuable skill for all model railroaders to have. Installing strips of cork or foam roadbed for straight or curved tracks is a straightforward process. Mark the center line, split the roadbed sections into flexible strips, and glue them […]
Track selection is among the first decisions you’ll have to make when you get started in model railroading, second only to scale. In HO (1:87.1), the two most commonly used track sizes are code 100 and code 83. “Code” refers to the height of the rail, measured in thousandths of an inch. For a lot […]
Q: Since Model Railroader has moved to a new location, have you given any thought to a video or magazine series on building a workbench? I’ve got to build a new one to fit my new train room and am looking for ideas. — Jim Burns A: Thanks for writing in, Jim. Our workshop space […]
For model railroaders choosing a separately applied roadbed for laying track, two popular options dominate: cork and foam. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, as well as impacting factors such as ease of installation, durability, and realism. Let’s dive into the details and help you make an informed decision on cork vs. foam roadbeds. […]
“Which type of subroadbed is right for me?” It’s a question that is especially asked by beginners. The subroadbed is the material that you place under your roadbed, track, and often scenery. It serves as the foundation for your model railroad, so choosing the correct material is very important. Before evaluating good subroadbed options, let’s […]
