Model Railroading Blog and News

Ever had a painting project not come out as expected? Or maybe had paint creep under your tape during a two or more color paint job? I’m sure we all have. I know this has happened to me several times. I have found an inexpensive way to remove the paint in preparation for a second try....

Last time I discussed freight operations and hinted at passenger operations. This time I am writing about the passenger operations. Passenger trains operated on a regular schedule (as opposed to steam runs which are popular today) can be of three types. There are commuter trains, whic...

1997 contest results. NMRA conventions and train show events feature a model and photo contest where entries are displayed to be viewed and enjoyed by other model railroaders and the general public. Any NMRA member may enter models and photos into these contests....

"Shake the box" kits have long offered good quality at reasonable prices. These kits can use some minor tweaking to improve their dependability and performance....

In my first column, I wrote that railroads are in the business of making money by moving freight and passengers (which can be thought of as a type of freight with certain requirements concerning movement). The manner in which the freight is originated and terminated uses a train known...

Detailed information on constructing HO scale modules....

As I was driving down the road the other day, I was thinking about what I would write in this space. I was having a hard time thinking of a topic that I could write about. At that moment I realized this was a “problem,” and my mind wandered to the thought of some of the operational pr...

Gateway Central IV, like its predecessors, is a 4'x8' beginner layout constructed by division members. Each of the layouts has been used to try out a variety of construction techniques for support, track design, scenery and structures. The project involves a large number of members in...

Low Cost Tips to Improve Your Railroad Modeling Photo by Richard Schumacher Trackwork is the most visible representation of your model railroad. It does not matter if the train is even on the track, the track is still there for all critical eyes to critique. It defines from where your...