Blog

People get into model railroading for different reasons. Some people love making realistic dioramas, while others are fans of train design and engineering. Maybe you like building model railroads, but you’re never quite sure what kind of layout to build. If you need some fun inspiration, you might consider building a layout based on a famous train from pop culture. Check out these five famous pop culture trains that will inspire your model.1. The Orient ExpressNo list of pop culture trains could …

If you’re starting out in the model railroading hobby, you might wonder which brand you should choose to work with. Thankfully, you don’t have to stick to one manufacturer since many model train parts are compatible with others. Let’s take a look at which model train brands are compatible with another.Track PiecesIf you’re buying track pieces from a different manufacturer than your trains, don’t worry. The most important thing to look for in matching trains and track pieces is the gauge, the wid …

No model train landscape is complete without some kind of greenery. This includes trees, bushes, shrubs, reeds, and grasses that make your layout come alive. Discover five ideas for adding greenery to your model train layout.Get the Right Grass TextureUnless you’re modeling a winter or desert scene, you’ll probably need to cover your layout in grass. To do that, you need flocking, which is a loose mixture of tiny fibers that resemble grass. To apply flocking, texture and paint your dirt. Then, c …

As you get more involved in model railroading, you may need to start investing in some special tools. These tools allow you to build layouts and perform maintenance on your trains more easily and efficiently. Keep reading to learn about the top five must-have tools for model railroading.1. Standards GaugeA standards gauge is a piece of metal that you can use to measure things like points, wheels, and coupler heights. Each standards gauge is set to a specific model train scale, so you’ll need to …

If you’re looking for ways to expand your model railroad, you should consider adding a yard. A yard is a network of tracks off the main line where you can simulate train operations like pulling aside cars for repair and making up new train configurations. It’s a fun way to make your track even more interactive. Keep reading to learn three tips for designing a model train railroad yard.1. Classification Track LengthYou can use classification tracks to sort your cars into different industries (coa …

Many still consider travel by train to be fun and romantic, but the number of people actually riding trains has decreased. Declining public demand has led to some drastic changes in the American railway system, including the separation of passenger and freight trains. Keep reading to learn about train history and the difference between passenger and freight trains.The History of Train TypesIn the early years of the twentieth century, almost everyone traveling between cities did so by train. Trai …

Model railroading is often a solo activity, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a thriving hobby community. From online groups to in-person events, there are plenty of ways to meet your fellow model railroaders. Some vendors will even give you early access to new products! Check out these five railroad hobby shows for train enthusiasts to visit.The Great American Train ShowsThe Great American Train Shows (GATS) is a collection of railroad hobby shows by the same organization. These include four di …

Cleaning model trains is a delicate business. If you use cleaners that are too harsh, you could take off some of the paint. With N scale trains, things are more difficult because the models are so small. For the best train care, follow our quick guide to cleaning your N scale trains.Gathering SuppliesTo clean your model train, you’ll want to gather some special supplies. Here’s what you need:A foam cradleDish soapWaterRubbing alcohol or white vinegarSoft brushesCompressed airMakeup spongesUsing …

Light, sounds, and special effects can really elevate your model railroad. They also help you increase the degree of realism in the scene. Using lighting in their layouts can intimidate some people, so we’ve prepared a list of best practices to follow. Use our tips and tricks for lighting your model railroad for a fantastic finished look.Lighting Multiple LayersAre you in the process of designing a multi-layer model railroad? One of the problems with having multiple layers is that it’s hard to s …

So, you’ve built your layout, weathered your rolling stock, and laid down a perfect track. You switch your train on only to find it travels lethargically around the track like an elderly tortoise. The disappointment sets in, and you wonder what you got wrong. The good news is that a slow train could benefit from one of several well-known fixes. Read on to learn how to make your model train run more efficiently.Quick Tips for Fixing Train Speed Clean the train/trackCheck the power supply and ele …