Signaling has entered a golden age in the hobby. More options exist now than have ever existed before for modelers to add signals to their railroads. Resources and online groups allow access to information and photographs at an unprecedented level. Possibilities cover the full range of options from a single stand-alone manual signal to a […]
Tag: Model Rectifier Corp.
How to keep N scale piggybacks on track
How to keep N scale piggybacks on track: My N scale Tehachapi Pass layout is set in 1985. Intermodal railroading was well established, but on nothing like the scale we see today. Most intermodal traffic in the pass was TOFC (trailer-on-flatcar), more commonly called “pigs,” short for piggybacks. For my money there’s nothing much less […]
Visit a modern layout with a prewar feel
Lifelong O gauge modeler Russ Boersma took his accumulated knowledge and roster of postwar and modern-era trains to develop a great new layout. While the trains might be up to date, the display has a fun and retro vibe. Check it out in the September-October 2023 issue! […]
An autumn O gauge layout
O gauge modeler Walt Urban created a medium-size three-rail empire with an autumn theme. Colorful trees on the mountains suggest fall has arrived along the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., with postwar and modern Lionel trains to enjoy in beautiful settings. See it in the September-October 2023 issue. […]
The HO scale Norfolk Southern Salem Division
Facts & features Name: Norfolk Southern Salem DivisionScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 15 x 34 feetPrototype: Norfolk Southern Locale: Salem, Va.Era: summer 1991Style: walkaroundMainline run: 80 feetMinimum radius: 22″ (branch), 25″ (main)Minimum turnout: No. 6Maximum grade: 1.5%Benchwork: open gridHeight: 40″ to 46″Roadbed: corkTrack: Atlas code 83 flextrack with Peco and Shinohara turnoutsScenery: extruded-foam insulation board and Woodland […]
HO scale freight car kit roundup
When I got into model railroading as a kid in the 1980s, factory-decorated HO scale freight car kits were the industry norm. I remember staring in awe at the shelves at McGiffin’s in Grand Forks, N.D., and Bader’s in Moorhead, Minn., two of the larger shops near my hometown, which were lined high and wide […]
The On30 Narragansett Railroad layout
Facts & features Name: Narragansett RailroadScale: On30 (1:48)Size: 24 x 22 feet Prototype: freelancedLocale: Rhode IslandEra: 1929 to 1935Style: walk-inMainline run: 150 feetMinimum radius: 18″Minimum turnout: No. 4Maximum grade: noneBenchwork: open gridHeight: 57″Roadbed: noneTrack: flextrackBackdrop: hand-painted tempered hardboardControl: direct current Download a PDF of this trackplan! Buy the August 2023 issue of Model Railroader! […]
Modeling transition era railcar brakes
Q: I am researching transition era railcar brakes. Were there books written on the subject, and are they still available for purchase? – Ron Buddemeier A: The most complete and detailed reference for transition era railcar brakes is the one used by the railroads themselves – the Car Builder’s Cyclopedia of American Practice. This weighty […]
A handy N scale uncoupler — good for olives, too
A handy N scale uncoupler: If you’re a model railroader, everywhere you go your antennae are out, scanning your environs for anything that might be useful to build with. And that leads me to swizzle sticks. I was having lunch with a tableful of in-laws at Maggiano’s Little Italy, a popular chain with a restaurant […]
Water plants for the garden railway
Water plants for the garden railway Ah, summer! It’s hot enough for iced tea and watermelon. You’re sitting by your little pond, enjoying the rhythmic chimes of rushing water from your railway’s beautiful falls. Through the haze your eyes rest on a serene lake; you’re imagining that anticipated fishing trip. Mountains reflected in cool, clear […]
How do I add DCC passenger car interior lighting?
Q: I have some HO scale passenger cars that I would like to install LED lights into. I’m new to model railroading. I understand that I need decoders in each car, but after that, I’m lost. – Alex Laserson A: If you want to install passenger car interior lighting, you don’t absolutely have to use […]
How do I get back into model railroading?
Q: I would value your feedback on how to approach creating a new HO scale layout. I’m approaching retirement, so I will have the time to get back into model railroading, which I’ve not pursued in more than 40 years. So much has changed that it’s overwhelming. I have a lot of track and rolling stock […]
