While running our trains is what we want to spend most of our time doing, the reality is that our model railroads need a significant amount of TLC, too. When it comes to N scale trains and accessories, their smaller size in relation to most other widely available scale models can make them a little …
Saluting Southern Railroads
Each region of our Nation has its own unique characteristics that make them unique and that in turn shape the type of railroad service that evolves. The South provides an excellent example to look at with respect to railroading. Due in part to slower development and modest farms and manufacturing, the south lagged behind early …
How to Bring Spring to Your Model Train Layout
If you love updating your model train layout with the seasons, it’s time to move away from your winter layout and get your railroad set up for springtime. Whether you’ve yet to start updating your layout or you’re looking for ideas for final touches, this guide will help you bring the colors and sounds of …
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Honoring The Green – St Patrick’s Day
Green has been extensively employed by our railroads almost since their inception. The exact color and shades that railroads frequently utilized underscored open spaces and tranquility. Early steam locomotives often displayed a riot of color accented with polished brass and copper fittings. Frequently green was used as a base color for the boiler, cab and …
Modeling Real Life: Atlas Scenery Additions for Railroading
One of the great aspects of model railroading is the opportunity to turn our scenes into something genuinely life-like. While you might spend weeks perfecting and painting your landscape, the addition of model scenery to your layout is often the final touch that’ll bring it to life. And when it comes to choosing scenery, there’s …
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The Heritage of BNSF
The age of great railroad mergers produced the BNSF of today. A leader in the industry and a favorite of investors, BNSF will likely remain in the forefront for years to come. Yet, the affiliation of today’s giant races its roots to the early part of the 20th century. Empire Builder James J. Hill saw …
How to Add Onto Your Thomas the Tank Engine HO Scale Layout
Thomas the Tank Engine is one of the most iconic children’s TV characters. Most of us are familiar with both Thomas the train himself and his friends. Whether as children, parents, or grandparents – maybe all three – we have probably spent time enjoying Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends’ adventures. Unsurprisingly, Thomas and …
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President’s Day on the Rails
This week we honor President’s Day and all the great leaders of our land that have served our Great Nation. Our railroads have demonstrated their respect for the Commander in Chief in different ways over the course of time. What is clearly first place going to the Chesapeake & Ohio Lines by honoring the first …
Our 7 Favorite Model Train Tools from Excel
Whether you’re a relatively new model railroader or have been enjoying the hobby for years, there’s nothing like customizing your trains, carriages, or other parts of your model train layout. As anyone who has tried customizing or self-maintaining their model trains collection knows, you can’t just use any old tools to get the job done. …
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Founder’s Day – Honoring the B&O and CSX
Few corporations have had the profound impact on an industry to the level of the Baltimore & Ohio. The very inception of the B&O on February 27, 1827 nationally triggered the first intelligent consideration and later application of rail technology in interstate commerce. Prior to that date, the few primitive rail operations had very limited …