The much-anticipated Rapido HO GE 44-ton diesel locomotive recently arrived at our headquarters. Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno provides a brief history of the center-cab switcher and Milwaukee Road 992; points out the various details on the diesel; and demonstrates the sound and light function on the model, equipped with an ESU LokSound V5 […]
News & Products for the week of December 16th 2024 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of December 16th […]
The silver and gold bonanza of the late 19th Century led to a boom in narrow gauge railroad startups across Colorado. But out of the plethora that’ve come and gone, which left an impact in the Centennial State and sparked our enthusiasm to visit what’s left today? Let’s find out by reminiscing about five prolific […]
Burlington Route diesel locomotives showed a strong loyalty to Electro-Motive Division, located in the online community of LaGrange, Ill. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy was a diesel pioneer with its Zephyr passenger trains in the 1930s, and the railroad began dieselizing mainline freight trains with EMD FTs in 1943. The CB&Q continuing dieselizing with a […]
A Milwaukee, Racine & Troy offset-cupola caboose kit is now available at Shop.Trains.com. The model, produced by ScaleTrains and part of the manufacturer’s Kit Classics line, has an injection-molded plastic body with a separate cupola and underbody. Kit features Steel cabooses like this were a staple on our freelance HO scale railroad for many years. […]
Model trains have long captivated the imagination of hobbyists, collectors, and enthusiasts of all ages. From their origins as simple tinplate toys to today’s intricate, highly-detailed machinery, model trains trace a fascinating evolution that mirrors advancements in technology and changes in cultural trends. Let’s explore how this beloved hobby developed over the decades. Tinplate Trains […]
The truss bracing in the sides of cab units helped support the locomotive’s weight, so cab units required a thinner underframe compared with switchers and road switchers. This is an F unit being assembled at EMD’s La Grange, Ill., plant. Electro-Motive Division photo […]
Louisville & Nashville’s Hummingbird passes between the engine terminal and coach yard as it backs towards New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal in 1954. Visible at left are locomotives of Illinois Central and Kansas City Southern. James G. La Vake photo […]
Trainz has purchased the inventory of screws, bolts, springs, rivets, and fasteners from L&L Model Train Restoration Co. (Len Carparelli). The business, known as the Ted Nyerges Bolt & Screw Company, offers a line of fasteners for postwar Lionel trains. Trainz plans to increase the availability of screws, fasteners and other small parts at Trainz.com. […]
Facts and features Name: Colorado PlainsScale: N (1:160)Size: 2′-43∕4″ x 8′-6″Prototype: BNSFLocale: Eastern ColoradoEra: ModernStyle: T-Trak modularMainline run: 182∕3 feetMinimum radius: 11″Minimum turnout: no. 4Maximum grade: noneBenchwork: Modular laser-cut kitsHeight: 23∕4″ Roadbed: noneTrack: Kato UnitrackScenery: SculptamoldBackdrop: Painted medium-density fibreboardControl: NCE DCC Click the link to download a PDF of the track plan! Buy the January […]
Facts and features Name: Youngstown Model Railroad AssociationScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 24 x 47 feetPrototype: freelanceLocale: northeast OhioEra: 1950 to presentMainline run: 200 feet (double-track outer main), 125 feet (single-track inner main)Minimum radius: 30″ (main), 22″ (industrial areas)Minimum turnout: No. 8 (main), No. 6 (yards), No. 4 (industrial park/steel mill)Maximum grade: 2%Benchwork: L-girderHeight: 43″ to 60″Roadbed: […]
Santa Fe 2-10-2 No. 1680 assists the 15 passenger cars and three diesels on train No. 19, the Chief, at Wootton, Colo., on the climb up Raton Pass on June 17, 1950. R.H. Kindig photo […]
