The foundation for scale model railroading in the US began nearly 100 years ago when pioneers like E. P. Alexander, Minton Cronkite, and Fred Iken elevated the global fascination with “toy trains” to a higher level of accuracy, craftsmanship, and enjoyment. Since that time, the hobby we now enjoy has seen unrelenting progress that shows …
Pennsylvania Railroad Class S-2 It was positioned to forecast modern railroad motive power and to remind the world that the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) had not lost its way. It also gave steam locomotive builders and coal mining interests promise that their respective markets would not be decimated by the new Diesel-Electric locomotives that showed early …
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The Norfolk & Western Railroad (commonly known as the N&W) was a legendary railroad whose legacy lives on today. Its rich history and reputation were built on nicknames such as King Coal and becoming famous for manufacturing its own steam locomotives and hopper cars. The N&W was also the last major railroad in the United …
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Industry experts acclaim that the mammoth electrification of the Pennsylvania Railroad was one of the last great adventures of traditional railroading with good reason. Immediately after this project was completed in 1938 (but hopes lingered about future expansion until 1960), the railroad industry struggled under the pressure of World War II traffic (noted by accountants …
Our theme this month includes the legend “second section”. Seasoned railroaders know that symbolized traffic that was so heavy that another section of a schedule train was required to handle crowds. Those crowds normally peaked during traditional holidays but became more a part of “standard operations” during summer months. Railroads themselves started early on promotions …
This month we pay a special tribute to the railroads of Great Britain. Just as Britain influenced colonial America, they too influenced the development of railroad transportation in the US. England holds claim to the earliest experiments with railroads and practical application of steam locomotives. In 1802, Richard Trevithick designed and built the first (unnamed) steam locomotive to run …
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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 …
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 …
We honor the men and women that have served our Great Nation in the various branches of the Armed Services and respectfully remember those that have given for their Country. Many aspects of our society have changed but the importance of this day must remain aloof and untainted from contemporary debates and division that we …
Percy The Small Engine: A Great Gift For Children If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a younger model railroader, you’re not exactly short of options! At the same time, more choice isn’t always a good thing, especially if you find yourself looking at 10 different trains and want to make sure to buy …
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