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The History of the GATC Welded Tank Car Until World War Two, tank cars were typically built using the complex and time consuming method of riveting. One of the advancements to come out of the war effort however was new and improved welding technology. This revelation allowed manufacturers such as General American to retool their …
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If you’re looking to take your model train layout to the next level, adding sound effects is a great way to transform your railroad and bring an added level of realism to your scene! From in-cab locomotive sounds to ambient effects and immersive surround sound setups, there’s no shortage of possibilities for adding sound to …
Continue reading “Adding Sound to Your Model Railroad: Sound Systems and DCC”
ModelTrainStuff is celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Pacific-type locomotive, wheel arrangement 4-6-2! The Pacific dominated high speed passenger service and express freight service in the United States from 1902 through 1950 until steam locomotives surrendered to Diesel-Electric locomotives. The Missouri Pacific was the first US buyer in 1902 and accordingly the 4-6-2 was christened …
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A significant moment in your railroading journey is when you start thinking about your model train layout as more than just pieces of track on a level surface. We previously covered how to build realistic hills and mountains for your layout. And while that allows for elements like tunnels, it also creates space for you …
Continue reading “Up and Over: How to Build a Bridge for Your Model Train Layout”
This month at ModelTrainStuff we’re paying tribute to the founding of America’s first common carrier the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad on February 27th, 1827. The B&O Railroad Museum once issued a poster with the legend “America Grew Up on Trains” and the B&O railroad started our Nation on that glorious journey. The B&O had to …
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We’ve talked about model railroad scales, we’ve talked about eras, and we’ve talked about scenery styles. But one crucial question we haven’t yet explored is what type of layout will work best for you? In this article, we”ll explore the pros and cons of three major model railroad designs. The Classic Tabletop Loop Ah, the …
All good model railroads start with a flat plywood base, but unless you happen to be modeling the farmland of the midwest, it will soon become apparent that the real world rarely has this appearance. Hills and mountains are a great way to add scenic interest to your railroad and to develop the believability of …
Continue reading “Moving Mountains: Building Realistic Hills & Mountains for Your Layout”
The Prototype Launched in 2004, the SD70ACe was the 21st Century successor to the SD70MAC. Sporting a now iconic redesigned cab, and capable of producing 4300 horsepower, the SD70ACe was EMD’s answer to General Electric’s highly successful Evolution series. Produced in compliance with the EPA’s Tier 2 emissions standards, the first generation of ACes were …
Continue reading “N Scale ACES: The Broadway Limited Imports SD70ACe”
The Prototype The PRR X58 Boxcar Between 1964 and 1966 the Pennsylvania Railroad embarked on an ambitious project to construct a fleet of new and more modern boxcars to allow older less reliable cars to be withdrawn, while also meeting the expectation of providing a cushioned ride for dry goods. Given the designation of X58, …
Continue reading “Iconic Boxcars in N Scale: The ESM X58 and X72”
Are you looking to embrace a new hobby in 2021? Perhaps you or a family member received a model train set for Christmas, but you’re not sure how to start expanding your collection? If so, welcome to the club! You’ve entered into an exciting hobby with plenty of possibilities to make it your own! Before …