We think modeling trains is the World’s Greatest Hobby. Why? Well, flexibility for one: Part art form, part construction project, a model train display can be as simple or as complicated, scenic or functional, as you wish. Plus there is the joy of watching trains run! To get started, see World’s Greatest Hobby’s free booklet, […]
Four ideas for window treatments: The sky is the limit … or rather your structure’s windows are. There are endless options when it comes to decorating or dressing up windows. You can be as creative or as simple as the project calls for. Just consider how fancy or frugal you want to be from the […]
Q: I’m an HO scale modeler and struggling with track laying techniques. I would appreciate guidance on measuring, cutting, and installing flextrack on curves. I’m always disengaging the rails from the ties, and thus having trouble connecting to the next track. Also, when superelevating curves, is it better to attach the risers under the outer rail […]
Recreate a prototype photo: If you are a history nut like me, authenticity is important on your layout. I model the Kansas Central narrow gauge line that tried to build across Kansas in the 1870s to connect with the Denver & Rio Grande in Colorado. It met with competition from the standard gauge Kansas Pacific […]
Locomotives and freight cars in fresh paint Locomotives and freight cars in fresh paint. Many modelers, myself included, enjoy accurately weathering locomotives and freight cars. I’ve written several articles on weathering for Model Railroader in my time with the magazine, including “How to weather with acrylics” in May 2016 and “How to weather a covered […]
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5 tips for moving a layout Many people spend years building their dream layout in their home, building it in permanently, thinking they will never move. But we know that life happens, and things change. When building your dream layout, even though you’re not planning on moving, build it in sections, so that it can be […]
Facts & features Name: “The Loop” City Belt Line Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 9 x 14 1/2 feet Theme: industrial switching Locale: Midwest Era: 1950s-1960s Style: around-the-walls Mainline run: 30 feet Minimum radius: 18″ Minimum turnout: no. 4 Maximum grade: none Name: “The Dogbone” Canis & Ossa RR Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 9 x 14 […]
Facts & features Name: MHO Junction Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 25 x 38 feet Prototype: 80 percent freelanced, 20 percent prototype (Canadian Pacific and Ontario Northland) Locale: Ontario and Quebec (between Ottawa and Montreal) Era: 1970s Style: walk-in Mainline run: 170 feet Minimum radius: 30″ Minimum turnout: Peco large radius (SL-88 and SL-89) Maximum grade: […]
Packing up a model train layout: There are many reasons for packing up a model train layout. For John Lehnan of Pewaukee, Wis., the reason was to rebuild. His first layout had reached a point that the best way to improve it was to replace it, so the old layout had to come down. One […]
Facts & features Name: Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers’ O gauge layout Dimensions: 35 x 80 feet Track: GarGraves flextrack (maximum diameter is 120 inches) Switch: Curtis Hi-Rail, Ross Custom Switches Motive power: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel (postwar and modern), MTH, Weaver, Williams Rolling stock: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel (postwar and modern), MTH, Weaver, Williams Accessories: […]
Q: I have a new HO scale 2-6-0 steam locomotive that has trouble negotiating my layout’s 18-inch radius curves. My 4-4-0 locomotive runs fine on the layout. I’ve read that on longer wheelbase locomotives, the center drivers have their wheel flanges removed for tight radius layouts. Is removing the flanges from locomotive drivers a thing to do? Or […]
