Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 9 | On the right track

After host David Popp cleans up a few foibles around the cork roadbed, he turns to the task of modifying turnouts to accommodate Tortoise switch motors. And then his full focus goes to laying down the trackwork! Follow his fastidious process for aligning the main line and gluing into place…to perfection! And be sure to […]

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Midday Modeler for March 8, 2023

On today’s Midday Modeler, David and Cody discuss painting track on the project railroad. Eric shows off the work he’s doing on a switch tower kit. Steve gives an update on the structures he’s building for the project layout. Mitch talks about working on the next layout structure, the water street freight terminal. David and […]

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Rick Abramson’s New York, New Haven & Hartford in HO scale

In this exclusive Trains.com video tour of an HO scale (1:87.1) model railroad based on New Haven operations in the 1950s and ‘60s, you’ll get to see close-up views of a masterfully detailed display! First showcased in the August 2004 issue of Model Railroader and Great Model Railroads 2020, Rick’s layout features exquisite catenary installations, […]

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Big Skies & Iron Rails, Crude Oil Trains

Railroads move a significant volume of crude oil, so it’s no surprise that Tom Danneman frequently frames these extensive unit trains traversing the expansive American West. These big trains and even bigger skies are all part of what makes Tom’s brand of contemporary railfanning so compelling to view – but only as part of the […]

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Big Skies & Iron Rails, Crude Oil Trains

Railroads move a significant volume of crude oil, so it’s no surprise that Tom Danneman frequently frames these extensive unit trains traversing the expansive American West. These big trains and even bigger skies are all part of what makes Tom’s brand of contemporary railfanning so compelling to view – but only as part of the […]

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Spaces to Places IV | Town development, part 1

There’s a new place in the making on Gerry Leone’s Bona Vista HO scale layout! Watch as he plans and plots out the details of a small community he calls “Westcott”. Take a tour down our host’s imagined Main Street, as he evaluates which structures and subtle details are best suited for the space. Plus, […]

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Troubleshooting problems with gauge-1 switches

piece of styrene in a turnout

Troubleshooting problems with gauge-1 switches: If you were to ask any model railroader what the biggest headache on his or her railroad was, “switches” would rank in the top three every time. If we want our trains to do more than just run around in circles, however, they’re a necessary part of any model railroad. […]

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Big Skies & Iron Rails, Hauling Freight

With our intrepid railfan Tom Danneman behind the camera, even a seemingly mundane manifest or general merchandise freight train stands out amidst the beautiful backdrop of the American West. Enjoy the striking natural views, complemented by the various sizes, shapes, and colors of modern freight trains traversing Big Skies & Iron Rails! Be sure to […]

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2023 National Garden Railway Convention is in Santa Clara

colorful logo with train and trees

The Bay Area Garden Railway Society (BAGRS) is hosting the 2023 National Garden Railway Convention this year. The event runs from July 1-8 at the Hyatt Santa Clara, Calif. and features a variety of events for all ages. The show features an exhibit and vendor hall (The Santa Clara Convention Center, adjacent to the hotel) […]

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Midday Modeler for March 2, 2023

Midday Modeler for March 2, 2023: An image of two men standing in front of the underside of a model railroad layout

Progress on the new project layout continues as some new electronic components are installed. Eric shows off his assembled car for Ultimate Guide 2023. Steve begins working on structures for the project layout. Cody reveals some new MR&T cars and unboxes a new kit. David announces an exiting new video series, coming soon to Trains.com […]

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Model steam locomotives and curve radius

A long, black Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive model on a scenicked base

If you’ve ever tried to run a big locomotive around a small radius curve of track, you probably realized that the minimum recommended track radius is still too small for a lot of rolling stock. Long-wheelbase steam locomotives, in particular, have trouble staying on the rails when the curve is too sharp. Model railroad manufacturers […]

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Trains LIVE — The Center for Railroad Photography & Art

man in front of photos

Trains LIVE — The Center for Railroad Photography & Art — 3-1-2023 — If the old saying — a picture is worth a thousand words — holds true, then how many words can be said about thousands of pictures. For this episode of Trains LIVE we are in Madison, Wis., visiting the archive facility of […]

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