Operating the N scale Bachmann 4-6-4 Hudson with sound; SD80MAC; iron ore book review

Man holding book at table with model trains.

In this installment, Cody test-runs Bachmann’s new sound-equipped N scale New York Central 4-6-4 Hudson, as well as Athearn’s Genesis 2.0 HO scale SD80MAC. He also looks at Jeff Wilson’s latest book, The Model Railroader’s Guide to Iron Ore Railroads. In addition, Cody shares tips about using Rails Unlimited reproduction railroad industry directories to improve […]

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Off The Rails: The Missing Kinks, Episode 53

Gerry Leone standing in front of this HO scale model railroad

Just when you thought there couldn’t be any more Model Railroader Construction Kinks left on the planet, host Gerry Leone just unearthed the final remnants — a.ka. The Missing Kinks! Learn from these timeless workbench and layout building insights, and enjoy Gerry’s helpful demonstration of their usefulness. […]

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Big Skies & Iron Rails: Episode 1 Montana and eastern Washington

Train moving along the tracks at dusk and Big Skies & Iron Rails logo.

Railfans and model railroaders alike will enjoy this ethereal approach to capturing the stunning natural vistas and railroads of the American West. Beginning with this Autumn episode of an all-new, seasonal series by photographer/videographer Tom Danneman, you’ll be immersed in extended-length footage of contemporary trains working through expansive scenes, and even bigger, broader skies. Available […]

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Rehab My Railroad: Adding more details at Mukwonago, Episode 10

David Popp standing next to a section of the MR&T

More work along the Mukwonago layout location. The session starts with David installing trackwork for the industrial spur at this site, while Cody continues prepping the structure itself. Adding realistic details to the track, pavement, structure, and surrounding area is also part of the process in this episode of the Jones Island rehab effort.   […]

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Cass Scenic Railroad steam logging locomotive quintuple-header (that’s 5 at once!)

Geared steam locomotive hauling a train through the forest.

  Join Trains Editor Jim Wrinn in Cass, West Virginia, in June 2020 for the re-opening of the Cass Scenic Railroad. Although the opening came amid a serious health crisis, Cass crews steamed up five locomotives and coupled them end-to-end for a quintuple-headed steam train — rare in any location in modern times. The highlight […]

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Rio Grande Southern steam locomotive returned to service in Colorado

Steam locomotive moves out of a roundhouse.

  Follow along with Trains Editor Jim Wrinn as he gets a close look at Rio Grande Southern No. 20 — a newly restored narrow-gauge 4-6-0 steam locomotive now homed at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colo.  Before 2020, No. 20 had not steamed since the 1950s and required more than a decade of […]

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Manitou & Pike’s Peak Cog Railway re-construction work

Track workers and a back hoe work high on a mountain top.

  Trains’ Editor Jim Wrinn visited the Manitou & Pike’s Peak Cog Railway in August 2020 to grab video above the tree line to record portions of the tourist line’s re-construction project. The railroad itself is being completely re-built and is expected to re-open in May 2021. The railroad has also ordered new trains from […]

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Siemens Charger locomotives on Midwest trains

Diesel electric locomotive leading a train over a bridge.

  Chargers are among the newest and most popular passenger locomotives in North America today. The diesel-electric units are made by Germany-based Siemens, at the company’s Sacramento, Calif., manufacturing plant. This videos offers a Chicago-area tour of Chargers leading Amtrak train to Midwest destinations. […]

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Narrow gauge Denver & Rio Grande Western caboose restored to operation

Freshly painted caboose in mountain scenery.

  Colorado’s magnificent Georgetown Loop Railroad rebuilt a unique caboose in 2020. One of a small number of surviving Rio Grande cabooses with eight wheels, the Loop’s caboose adds a new element to this spectacular railroad. Join us for a ride with the man who headed up the restoration. […]

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