One of the great things about model railroading is the flexibility we have in terms of what we can do with our layouts – we can create the feel of any time, place, or season. From the arctic cold of northern Canada, to the sunny beaches of south Florida. As we enjoy the warm weather …
A few months ago we outlined the basic hallmarks of the 5 key eras of railroading history. In this new series, we’ll be taking a closer look into 4 of these eras, examining what types of rolling stock, locomotives, industries, and scenery items would best fit these periods on your model railroad. For our first …
Found throughout North America, short line railroads serve as the “last mile” haulers for many freight cars. Often operating on a shoestring budget compared to class one railroads, these operations can be hidden gems of vintage locomotives and old-time railroading practices. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the hallmarks of short …
While many of us find ourselves either in self-quarantine or in “lockdown” due to COVID-19, our layouts are becoming a welcome source of distraction and an escape from feeling cooped up at home. That being said, there’s no denying that it’s more challenging to make significant changes to our railroads during this time. Getting supplies …
The first day of Spring is here – this means that nature will soon start to come to life from it’s winter slumber. Trees are beginning to bud, flowers are emerging, and lakes and rivers are thawing out. What better time than now to take a look at one of the most challenging and important …
One common aspect almost every layout shares is corners. In this article, we’re going to look at how we can utilize these awkward spaces on our railroads to either add to our operations, or increase the realism and dramatic impact of our scenery. The Problem with Corners When planning a layout you’ll likely know the …
At this time of year, we’re all thinking about what we can do to create an inspirational winter layout, teeming with realism and seasonal features that makes us feel like we’ve stepped into a true winter wonderland. Let’s take a look at how you can create a stunning winter layout by following a few simple …
Continue reading “Winter Landscaping: Tips and Tricks for Creating a Winter Layout”
As the weather grows colder and the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time than now to find inspiration for your winter themed model railroad! Let’s take a look at some of the most inspiring seasonal layouts we’ve come across while researching for our own holiday scenes. 1. Winter Railroading in the Mountains …
Continue reading “5 Innovative Layouts to Inspire your Winter Scenes”
Wheels – they’re an integral part of every model train. But you might be surprised to know that there is far more to them than just watching them roll. With multiple size and material choices, things can get confusing very quickly, especially when it comes to replacing them or building a kit. In this article, …
Since the earliest days of railroading, boxcars have been used to transport goods and materials across North America. Today, boxcars continue to play a vital role in the shipment of bulk materials, with thousands operating in regular service. While basic designs have stayed close to their roots, there are several key details to take into …