Green has been extensively employed by our railroads almost since their inception. The exact color and shades that railroads frequently utilized underscored open spaces and tranquility. Early steam locomotives often displayed a riot of color accented with polished brass and copper fittings. Frequently green was used as a base color for the boiler, cab and …
One of the great aspects of model railroading is the opportunity to turn our scenes into something genuinely life-like. While you might spend weeks perfecting and painting your landscape, the addition of model scenery to your layout is often the final touch that’ll bring it to life. And when it comes to choosing scenery, there’s …
Continue reading “Modeling Real Life: Atlas Scenery Additions for Railroading”
The age of great railroad mergers produced the BNSF of today. A leader in the industry and a favorite of investors, BNSF will likely remain in the forefront for years to come. Yet, the affiliation of today’s giant races its roots to the early part of the 20th century. Empire Builder James J. Hill saw …
Thomas the Tank Engine is one of the most iconic children’s TV characters. Most of us are familiar with both Thomas the train himself and his friends. Whether as children, parents, or grandparents – maybe all three – we have probably spent time enjoying Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends’ adventures. Unsurprisingly, Thomas and …
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This week we honor President’s Day and all the great leaders of our land that have served our Great Nation. Our railroads have demonstrated their respect for the Commander in Chief in different ways over the course of time. What is clearly first place going to the Chesapeake & Ohio Lines by honoring the first …
Whether you’re a relatively new model railroader or have been enjoying the hobby for years, there’s nothing like customizing your trains, carriages, or other parts of your model train layout. As anyone who has tried customizing or self-maintaining their model trains collection knows, you can’t just use any old tools to get the job done. …
Continue reading “Our 7 Favorite Model Train Tools from Excel”
Few corporations have had the profound impact on an industry to the level of the Baltimore & Ohio. The very inception of the B&O on February 27, 1827 nationally triggered the first intelligent consideration and later application of rail technology in interstate commerce. Prior to that date, the few primitive rail operations had very limited …
New wealth of the 1920s jump-started ski clubs and skiers’ rode trains to the Laurentians, the Adirondacks, the Rockies, the Sierra. The Great Depression cut into railroad revenues, creative railroad marketing managers and travel agents in New England and elsewhere hit upon the idea of special weekend excursion trains. In that era most railroads had …
Trains carrying the Texas Eagle name have been running on American railroads and helping people travel across the country for over 70 years. Today’s Texas Eagle service was born from the Amtrak Inter-American service but still holds connections to the original service operated by the Missouri Pacific Railroad and the Texas and Pacific Railway from …
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Most of us are drawn trackside by the action, brute energy and speed of a passing train. No matter what era, the sight of train in motion at very least catches our attention and often makes a lasting impression that prompts photographers to stand trackside with camera in hand and modelers to try and replicate …