Detailing a train depot scene — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 22

David Popp and Cody Grivno looking at the depot and scenery on a model railroad layout

Detailing the train station scene on the N scale State Line Route is the focus of this video. David Popp is ready to install the train depot on the layout, but there some small projects to complete. First, David shows he made an Amtrak sign for the train depot. Then he installs interior and exterior […]

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Rocky Mountaineer’s Colorado Adventure

In the fall of 2021, Trains.com staff rode Amtrak train no. 5, California Zephyr from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Denver, Colorado, with the expressed intent of capturing seasonal operations of Rocky Mountaineer’s Colorado-Utah excursion. While best known for day treks into the Canadian Rockies, this new Rocky Mountaineer route offers patrons a similar mountain canyon experience […]

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Jason Shron’s Kingston Subdivision in HO scale

Kingston Subdivision in HO scale: Industry leader Jason Shron has successfully propelled Rapido Trains, Inc., into the model manufacturing spotlight. In this exclusive interview, you’ll get to see how his drive, dedication, and passion for the hobby is manifested in his own HO scale (1:87.1) Canadian-themed model railroad. Tour with Jason, as he walks the […]

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Midday Modeler — 04.20.2022, Gerry Leone, Cody Grivno and a super episode!

Two men talking at a table over a model train.

Midday Modeler — 04.20.2022 — is hosted this week by David Popp! Special guests this week include Gerry Leone and Cody Grivno. Midday Modeler is a new, regular video segment, recorded live and unscripted at Kalmbach Media beginning in February 2022. The segment features Kalmbach Media staff modeling and talking about model railroads in a […]

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Menard’s Metropolis Theater, Aerial Bridge on Bob’s Train Box 80

Menard's Metropolis Theater on the counter

Menard’s Metropolis Theater and Aerial Bridge highlight the 80th Bob’s Train Box. Bob Keller and CTT editor Hal Miller have an up-close look at the new and colorful movie house and the sturdy industrial-looking bridge from the home improvement chain. Plus, Bob reminisces on the history of the LocoMatic control box, a digital accessory for […]

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Spring & Fall, Part 1: Building Bridges | Let’s Make a Scene

You’ve come to love Kathy Millatt as host of Let’s Make a Scene on Model Railroader Video Plus since October 2017. She’s now back with all-new episodes, Spring & Fall Part 1 Building Bridges, of the helpful scenery-making series on Trains.com! Even better, she’s also documented many of her expert modeling insight in the Kalmbach Media/Model […]

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Frank Vodvarka’s layout has something for everyone

Frank Vodvarka's layout

Frank Vodvarka’s layout, the 23′ x 27′ Eclectic Empire, is featured in the May-June 2022 Classic Toy Trains. It’s colorful and entertaining, with pre- and postwar Lionel and other O- and Standard gauge trains from the U.S. and abroad. Plus it has accessories, figures, and structures from multiple eras and manufacturers like Bayko, Britains, Bassett-Lowke, […]

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Preparing an N scale locomotive for repainting | Cody’s Workshop, Ep. 48

Preparing an N scale locomotive for repainting. That’s what expert modeler Cody Grivno highlights in his latest Cody’s Workshop series video. From his workbench and vented spray booth, our host will lead you through the necessary steps for disassembling an Atlas EMD GP38-2 diesel locomotive model, stripping off the factory paint job and decoration, and then applying an […]

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Adding lighting and interior scenes to structures — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 21

Eric White shows how to add interior scenes to an N scale structure

Adding lighting and interior scenes structures on the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, Eric White makes interiors for Gerry Leone’s and Seth Puffer’s structures using images he found on Google. Then, he adds realistic lighting inside the structures by installing LED lights from Woodland Scenics’ Just Plug […]

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Jim Wrinn tribute video — a compilation

Man speaking in front of steam locomotive.

Jim Wrinn tribute video — a compilation: Trains.com and Kalmbach Media are proud to celebrate the rail journalism life of Jim Wrinn. For the 17 years Jim served as Trains’ Editor — his dream job — Jim was a leader in trying new ways to reach audiences and going great distances to “get the story.” Please enjoy […]

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Moonlight extra on the snowy Jericho & Mt. Zion Railway

Snowy garden railway with lit train approaching

Name: Ray Wheeler Railroad Name: Jericho & Mt. Zion Railway Location: Lynnwood, WA Scale: G scale Theme: Tourist railroad with freight operations in the modern era. Description: Moonlight extra – Gas Electric M-2 “Sadiebug” runs an extra passenger service on the Jericho & Mt. Zion Railway on a cold and snowy evening. Music from Epidemic […]

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