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, …
Shark Attack: The Broadway Limited Imports Baldwin BF16
Now available for the first time with Paragon3 DCC and Sound, we take a look at one of the most unique diesel locomotives to grace HO scale rails. The Prototype The onset of the diesel era was not kind to the Baldwin Locomotive Works. During the 1940s, the legendary steam builder had seen little success …
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Which Era Should You Model?
With more than 190 years of history, it can be difficult to decide which period to base your layout on. Do you yearn for that lonesome whistle in the night? Are you a history buff fascinated with the civil war? Are you enthralled by the power and technology of modern locomotives? In this article, we’re …
How To Detail a Concrete Silo from a Plastic Kit
Much like red barns or wood-framed houses, concrete silos are a classic staple of the American landscape. They can be seen from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the great plains to the industrial northeast. Used for storing diverse materials ranging from concrete to grain, these industrial pillars can often be found alongside railroads, making …
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Primed for Grime! Athearn’s Line of Semi-Weathered Freight Cars
You may have noticed a new logo appearing on the packaging for certain HO scale Athearn and Roundhouse products over the last couple of years. In this post, we’re taking a look into exactly what this brand-transcending “Primed for Grime” title means, and how it’s revolutionizing the custom weathering aspect of the hobby. The Prototype …
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The New HO Scale Bachmann Amfleet
Bachmann’s HO Scale Amfleet has been available in various forms for almost as long as Amfleets have been in existence. However just like the prototype, the model has gone through several incarnations over the past 40 years. The highly anticipated 2019 release is now here, and we’re taking a first hand look at these updated …
Going West: Spike150 and Chasing the Big Boy
The week of May 10th 2019 was possibly one of the most monumental occasions for North American railfans in recent years. Based around the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad, events centered around a historic gathering at Promontory Summit, Utah – the location where the final Golden Spike was driven. Tied into …
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Detailing a Modern Boxcar
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 …
Bringing the Super Chief to Life in N Scale
There are several named trains throughout history which have transcended both the railfan and railroading world, making a lasting impression in popular culture. There’s the Orient Express; made famous by Agatha Christie’s mystery novel of the same name. The 20th Century Limited; remembered as an icon of the art deco era. And there’s the Super …
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Adding Grass and Greenery to Your Layout
While not indigenous to every region, many layouts typically feature natural scenery dominated by lush greenery and grass cover. As the first signs of Spring begin to appear here on the east coast of the United States, we figured we’d take the opportunity to examine several methods for adding traditional spring or summer grass to …