The Operators video: Using Digital Command Control (DCC) sound realistically

Model locomotive approaches a crossing

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader contributing editor Andy Sperandeo installed a SoundTraxx Micro-Tsunami Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder into his HO scale Atlas Alco S-2 switcher. Watch as Andy runs the HO scale diesel locomotive on our Beer Line model train layout. He’ll also show […]

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When the Green Hornet raced the Hiawatha

HiawathaDeerfield

On a day when they left the “Green Hornet” parked in order to simply watch the Afternoon Hiawatha sweep by, artist buddies Howard Fogg (at right in photo) and Gil Reid witnessed an F7 Hudson lean into Deerfield Curve with the Chicago-bound train. Gil Reid The year is 1939, and I am a student at […]

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Special handling at Las Vegas

UP-Las-Vegas-sta

Union Pacific’s Las Vegas depot was the gateway to temptation for some passengers. Fletcher Swan I am a fanatic when it comes to preserving old paperwork related to railroad operations and history, as attested by a cluttered basement. I tell my wife, who is sometimes a bit skeptical, that there is always some interesting history […]

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Bath & Hammondsport RR enginehouse plans

MRR-C0612_A enginehouse

This enginehouse would fit on many model railroads set in the modern era The prototype structure is found along the Bath & Hammondsport Rail Corp., a shortline subsidiary of the Livonia, Avon & Lakeville RR, operates on the former Erie Lackawanna line between Wayland and Painted Post, N.Y. In addition, it also serves customers along […]

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Incident at Tucson

SP4173

When SP cab-forward 4173 derailed on the turntable at Tucson, “suits” and laborers reported to the scene. R. S. Plummer, Gordon Bassett coll. I have been collecting old black-and-white railroad negatives for nearly 30 years. When I receive a new batch, it’s like Christmas, opening the package and sorting through the stuff. You never know […]

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The towerman was a kid

SP-4415-Glendale

Near the end of its San Francisco–L.A. run, SP GS-2 4-8-4 4415 rolls “Overnight Merchandise” train 374 through Glendale. Herb Sullivan In 1954, when I was 14 years old, my family moved to within a few blocks of Southern Pacific’s Glendale Tower north of Los Angeles. I soon became friends with the second-trick towerman, and […]

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Previewing a future that never was

CO500

Townspeople of South Charleston, W.Va., inspect C&O 500, first of the road’s trio of colossal steam-electric-turbine locomotives intended for its new Chessie train, on Dec. 4, 1947. Ogden Willis, William J. Sparkmon coll. When Robert R. Young took over control of the Chesapeake & Ohio, he started looking for ways to improve the railroad. After […]

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Thank you, Q

CBQ4000

CB&Q Hudson 4000, a sister to the 3012 that surprised Bob Jack on a freight, works tonnage at Galesburg, Ill., in 1954. Robert Milner Steam died in various ways, depending on the railroad. I nominate the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, “The Q,” for having done it in the most agreeable fashion. On some roads, steam’s […]

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Model Railroader basic training video: Essential tools for model railroaders

Hand holding an X-acto knife

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows you some of the basic tools that should be in every model railroader’s toolbox. These essential tools will make working on your model railroad easier. […]

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Model Railroader basic training video: Essential tools for model railroaders

Hand holding an X-acto knife

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows you some of the basic tools that should be in every model railroader’s toolbox. These essential tools will make working on your model railroad easier. […]

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‘Deepest twilight’ on the Rutland

Rutland93

While waiting for their train at Bellows Falls in 1952, author Beardsley and his dad saw Rutland 4-8-2 No. 93. Kenneth D. Beardsley Catching up on my reading a while back, I had my memory jogged by David Lustig’s “One Day in March” and Curt Tillotson Jr.’s “Magic Carpet to Durham” in Spring 2003 Classic […]

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