With predecessors tracing back to 1830, the Pennsylvania Railroad’s legacy is one of the oldest in the United States, and with more than 10,000 miles of track at it’s peak, the PRR is recognized as one of the greatest business enterprises of the 20th century. Let’s explore the history and legacy of what is perhaps …
Big Boys: Head to Head
With the restoration of Big Boy #4014 by the Union Pacific railway in 2019, and the locomotive’s subsequent participation in the Spike150 celebrations in Utah, both Athearn Genesis and Broadway Limited Imports have rereleased their HO Scale Big Boys with new features and details, paying tribute to this now famous example. In this article, we’re …
5 Tips for Building a Model Train Fall Layout
From the crunching of leaves under your feat, to the slight crisp in the air, Fall is high on the list of most people’s favorite seasons. It’s no secret as to why – vibrantly colored forests, elaborate halloween decorations, and of course, pumpkin spice! What’s not to love? For model railroaders, Fall presents a challenge …
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Building an Authentic MOW Roster
MOW (or Maintenance of Way) trains are an essential yet often overlooked component of every railroad’s roster. Usually having the appearance of a somewhat normal freight consist to the untrained eye, MOW trains are quite literally the trains which keep the railroad running. In this article, we’re going to explore the different types of MOW …
5 Tips for Making a Model Train Railroad Yard
Found across the country from small towns to major cities, yards are the beating heart of the railroad. A typical freight yard will often lie at a strategic point in a railroad’s system, usually where multiple routes come together. Here the railroad can switch cars between trains, store equipment while not being used, and service …
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The History of the Erie Railroad
While not the largest of North American railroads, the Erie Railroad was a significant influence on the economic and social development of the Northeastern United States during the late 1800s and first half of the 20th century, particularly along the Southern Tier of New York State. In this article, we’re looking at the rich history …
Modeling Streetcar Systems
Streetcars can be a great addition to any layout, whether featured as a major component, or as an element of interest in a larger scene. In this article, we’re going to look at the hallmarks of North American streetcar systems, and how to incorporate them into your layout.
Weathering Your Track for Realism
Tracks are arguably the most important component of your scenery. Without them, your trains would have nowhere to go! When attempting a realistic scene however, adding detail to track can easily be overlooked. This is forgivable, as most commercially available track does come molded in generally correct color tones, however when placed into a highly …
Era Focus: Modeling the Modern Age
Explore modeling for the modern ear. We have thousands of items perfect for building your modern model train layout.
The History of the Alaska Railroad
Winding its way through rugged mountains, cavernous valleys, thick forests, and miles of untamed wilderness, the Alaska Railroad is truly a one of a kind operation. For railfans though, it’s uniqueness extends well beyond its geography. Establishment of the Alaska Railroad While railroad building was prolific across most of North America during the 1800s, Alaska …