Kitbashing trackside structures — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 19

Kitbashed N scale buildings alongside a blue backdrop with tree line

Kitbashing trackside structures for the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, David Popp shares his planning and preparation steps, which include finding prototype photos and building mock-ups for this N scale model railroad layout. Next, David uses parts from several model kits to custom build a paint factory […]

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A Lionel 2022 catalog review on Bob’s Train Box Episode 78

Lionel 2022 catalog review on BTB 78

A Lionel 2022 catalog review is the order of the day on Bob’s Train Box Episode 78! Bob and Hal take a look through the most recent Big Book and pick out a few items that have sparked their interest. They also have a first look at a couple of new Menards 14-3/4-inch flatcars. Bob […]

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Rehab My Railroad: Printed backdrop installation, Episode 14

Man standing near an unfinished model train layout in an episode that will discuss printed backdrop installation.

A printed backdrop installation might be the focus of this episode, but first, David Popp shares how he protects the new toggle switch installation along the fascia of the HO scale Jones Island layout section. Meanwhile, Eric White works to trim and secure a printed paper backdrop installation to the wall behind the industrial tank […]

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Amtrak Silver Meteor family trip

Baby girls eats food at a tray table on a train.

Watch as Stephen, Jess, and baby Hunter take a Silver Meteor family trip from New York City to Orlando. This video shows their adventures from NY Penn Station to Orlando, Florida, via Amtrak’s long-distance Silver Meteor. The Australian family maintains a travel blog, Flying The Nest, where they detail their globe-trotting experiences, mostly out of […]

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Midday Modeler kitbash challenge kickoff 02.16.2022

Two men at a workbench talking.

Midday Modeler kitbash challenge kickoff — In this episode Trains.com Executive Producer David Popp hosts a live stream cast of characters talking about the MR&T HO model railroad, with a special highlight of Ben Lake’s Hoan Bridge and the newly imagined Milwaukee waterfront. The kitbash challenge this year features N scale and HO scale models […]

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Railroad side marker: What is the upside down hockey stick for?

A picture of an upside down hockey stick which is actually a flanger sign.

Cody Grivno answers the question: I’m curious to know what the railroad side marker seated in the ballast before a grade-level crossing is all about. It appears to look like an upside down metal hockey stick. Please inform me what this marker stood for, and during what years it would have been utilized. […]

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Athearn Trains HO scale Electro-Motive Division SD60 diesel locomotive

Athearn Ready-to-Roll Chicago & North Western SD60 in yellow and green color scheme.

An Athearn Ready-to-Roll Chicago & North Western SD60 is in charge of a grain train on our HO scale Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. Before the six-axle diesel departs Williams Bay, Group Technical Editor Cody Grivno explains the features on this SoundTraxx Econami-equipped model. […]

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