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Footnote from the steam to diesel transition
Tag: Electric Locomotives
Amtrak unveils Crayola locomotives as part of crayon promotion
WASHINGTON – Amtrak has wrapped a pair of ACS-64 locomotives in Crayola-inspired “Creativity on the Go” schemes in a nod to the iconic crayon manufacturer. ACS-64 No. 621 wears a violet blue livery that features eight crayon colors that Crayola recently brought out of retirement. No. 620 is wrapped in Crayola’s dandelion, a golden yellow […]
The Roundhouse | Classic Trains Magazine Origin Story
This reboot of The Roundhouse, an on-camera interview series established in 2013, welcomes host Brian Schmidt, Editor of Classic Trains Magazine, and guest Rob McGonigal, former (retired) Editor of Classic Trains Magazine, back to the roundtable. Just as the Summer 2025 issue of the now 25-year-old periodical is set for publication, Brian and Rob sit […]
MTH RailKing Skyline Chili Bump-N-Go Trolley
MTH has sold a “Bump-N-Go” trolley for many years, but I could not find evidence that CTT ever reviewed one. This version (No. 30-5249) was a custom-run for Dixie Union Station, as part of the RailKing line. The blue and yellow paint is well done. The Skyline Chili logo is on the lower center side […]
East Troy Industrial Park EXTRA | Answering viewer comments – part 1
In this special episode, hosts David Popp and Bryson Sleppy take a moment to address a few questions from viewers like you! As the work on the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) project layout has forged ahead rapidly, we’ve certainly appreciated the wide assortment of inquires you’ve submitted in the Comments field. Keep’em […]
Lionel’s 2025 Catalog Volume I celebrates the 125th anniversary
Lionel’s 2025 Catalog Volume I updates some landmark prewar and postwar locomotives individually and in incredible sets certain to delight operators and collectors. While exploring the brand-new 252-page full-color catalog as legwork for developing the upcoming edition of Greenberg’s Pocket Price Guide to Lionel Trains, 1901-2025, I discovered several impressive and desirable new models. Frankly, […]
Hornby: Book of Collectable Toys
Frank Hornby, British businessman and inventor born in 1863, is a name known across the globe for model trains and toys alike. This book, Hornby: Book of Collectable Toys, takes a deep dive into the history of the Hornby manufacturing company and its many subsidiaries. This book isn’t just about model trains–it includes all of […]
East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 9 | Laying down roadbed
Hosts David Popp and Bryson Sleppy work together to install the roadbed sections used to support trackwork for the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) project layout. While a variety of roadbed material is available for all scales and track gauges, the guys focus on the process for adding strips of HO scale (1:87.1) […]
A historic roundhouse and a new building: More from the Rhatische Bahn shops
Second of two parts. Part one is available here. LANDQUART, Switzerland — After winding through a number of other buildings, the tour of the Rhatische Bahn’s main shops by Markus Zaugg, the railroad’s head of rolling stock, eventually wound its way to the 19-stall roundhouse Zaugg says is “probably the most famous railway spot in […]
Behind the scenes at the shops of Switzerland’s Rhätische Bahn
First of two parts LANDQUART, Switzerland — A railroad’s shops can tell you a lot about the company in general. That was certainly the case from a visit to the main shops of the meter-gauge Rhätische Bahn, which firmly keeps one foot in the past while also embracing cutting-edge technology. My host for this tour […]
News photo: Amtrak “Hippos” near return as cab cars
Amtrak’s retired HHP8 electric locomotives — nicknamed “Hippos” during their relatively short operating life — are nearing their return to service as cab cars. The company operated crew-familiarization specials between New York and Wilmington, Del., on April 7-8, and will reportedly operate more this week. On April 8, cab cars Nos. 9751 and 9750 sandwiched […]
East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 8 | Installing fascia
In this episode of the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) project layout series, David and Bryson work to install trim panels at the front of the model railroad. These removable fascia panels are both decorative and protective hardboard components that help give the layout a finished look. The guys show you how to […]
