Department 56 on toy train layouts: Toy train enthusiasts enjoy using Department 56 buildings and accessories on their O and S gauge layouts. In the spirit of the holidays, we’re sharing this photo gallery of displays. We hope you enjoy it. More holiday fun is in this holiday toy train photo gallery. […]
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Southern has launched a challenge grant fundraiser in connection with the return of its KCS Holiday Express train, matching donations through Dec. 16 to benefit The Salvation Army. KCS CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer said Tuesday that the railroad would donate $2 for every $1 raised by the Holiday Express […]
INDIANAPOLIS — After a pandemic cancellation in 2020 and a modified form of operation in 2021, the Indiana Rail Road’s Santa Train returns to its traditional format this weekend, making 12 stops over three days Friday through Sunday, Dec. 2-4. The train’s stops will offer guests the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, […]
CALGARY, Alberta — The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train has launched its 2022 tour, making its first-ever visits to Maine earlier this week as well as stops in Lac-Megantic, Sherbrook, and Farnham, Quebec, on Thursday. It is the first time the train has run in three years, after the Holiday Train program offered online concerts in […]
From simple elevated loops to railroading empires through a floral oasis, consider these permanent large-scale displays and garden railroads you can visit: Both across the United States and around the world. Please note that the status of any location can change, which is why it’s recommended to contact prior to a planned visit. If you […]
Menards intermodal cars and containers are popular with hobbyists who like to enjoy a modern scene on traditional-sized railroads. Bob Keller from Classic Toy Trains magazine has a look at them along with CTT editor Hal Miller in Bob’s Train Box 85. They also examine the shipping containers that go in the cars, and discuss […]
Hot Water Gingerbread Muffins Classic Trains Editor Brian Schmidt loaned me some old railroad cookbooks recently, and the recipe for “Hot Water Gingerbread” caught my eye. According to the book, this dessert was a favorite on the Sunset Limited in the 1950s and 60s. How would it taste today? With a few tweaks, I made […]
Amtrak looks to expand its services and routes across the nation, including the Upper Midwest. In this candid look at Coach-class travel aboard the Empire Builder between St. Paul, Minn., and Milwaukee, Wis., you’ll discover how easy and comfortable it is to travel about the United States by passenger train. First-time traveler Gerry Leone has […]
St. Paul Union Depot is a 105 year-old grand structure in the heart of downtown St. Paul, Minn. In the early 20th century, it was the transportation center for this entire area. Then, like many depots in America, it fell on hard times. But today it’s been restored and remodeled. Now, it’s not only a […]
St. Paul Union Depot is a 105 year-old grand structure in the heart of downtown St. Paul, Minn. In the early 20th century, it was the transportation center for this entire area. Then, like many depots in America, it fell on hard times. But today it’s been restored and remodeled. Now, it’s not only a […]
Amtrak’s flourless chocolate torte Amtrak’s flourless chocolate torte is a dessert that I have had more times than I can count. This is a staple dessert in the dining car on Amtrak’s long-distance trains, and now it can be a staple in your very own dining room. To start, you will need some standard baking […]
In August of 2022, Trains.com staff had a chance to travel from Chicago, Ill., to St. Louis, Mo., along the Illinois Hi-speed Rail corridor. For this trip, riders were treated to the newest equipment operating in the Amtrak Midwest fleet, Siemens-built Venture coaches. Discover some of the major (and subtle ones too!) features these coaches […]
