A 4×8 HO scale paper mill layout

A pencil sketch of a 4x8 HO scale paper mill layout on graph paper

Modelers often compress industries to fit more of them on our model railroads. But doing the opposite – expanding a modeled industry to prototypical proportions – can create an intensely realistic operating experience that can’t be matched. Let’s explore that idea with a 4×8 HO scale paper mill layout. Some industries are just too large and […]

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Build a brake system for a resin car kit

Host Eric White demonstrates how to assemble an underbody brake system for a resin car kit. Follow his expert insights and advice, and you’ll appreciate how this process differs from a typical plastic car kit assembly. Be sure to follow the exclusive In The Workshop series for tips, tricks, and clever insights, as demonstrated by various […]

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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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Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 8 | Time for trackwork

Host David Popp has the track and cork roadbed in hand, so he’s all set for trackwork! Following good construction processes, David first surveys the various sites where tracks will route. You’ll see how to install roadbed along the main line roadbed, along the turntable lead tracks, under turnouts, and even over bridges! Follow along […]

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Trains LIVE – Ridin’ the Rail Gliders

railcycle vehicle on train track

Trains LIVE: Ridin’ the Rail Gliders — 2-15-2023 — On tourist railroads, railcycles are gaining in popularity. These human-powered, peddle-driven cruisers offer a relaxed way to travel the rails while exercising as if on a recumbent bike. As the Colebrookdale Railroad of Boyertown, Pa., found out, all railcycles are not created equal. Then again, the […]

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Trains LIVE – Ridin’ the Rail Gliders

railcycle vehicle on train track

Trains LIVE: Ridin’ the Rail Gliders — 2-15-2023 — On tourist railroads, railcycles are gaining in popularity. These human-powered, peddle-driven cruisers offer a relaxed way to travel the rails while exercising as if on a recumbent bike. As the Colebrookdale Railroad of Boyertown, Pa., found out, all railcycles are not created equal. Then again, the […]

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Lego Trains for Large Scale Rails

green and white Lego diesel engine

Lego Trains for Large Scale Rails In the Summer 2019 issue, Gary Raymond shares how he modified Lego trains to run on gauge-1 track. Here, Ben Lake has shown the steps to build a Mack diesel using Lego parts. Download the PDF below and share what you build with us! […]

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Menards Fury Motors, new O gauge test track on Bob’s Train Box 87

Menards Fury Motors with Bob and Hal on set

Welcome to the first Bob’s Train Box of 2023! On this episode, Bob and CTT editor Hal have a look at a variety of new products including Menards Fury Motors, an Atlas O Schlitz Beer boxcar, a Classic Toy Trains delivery truck, and an O gauge test track from our friend Gary at Gooddealsdcc.com. Bob […]

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Spaces to Places III | Making a highway, part 4

Work on the highway underpass settings concludes. Watch as host Gerry Leone shares techniques for blending his realistic photo backdrop into the scenery. Starting from the back and working to the front, Gerry builds out the countryside setting with a variety of ground cover, strategically placed trees, and signature roadside details that turn this model […]

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