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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 …

As you start experimenting with building your own train layouts, you’ll probably want to add a bridge at some point. Bridges are incredibly versatile. Not only can trains pass over and under them, but you can use them as decorations in your landscape. Follow our quick guide to building a bridge for your model railroad.Getting IdeasIf this is your first time building a model bridge, we recommend looking up some pictures of real bridges in the style and era you want to build. Remember that bridges …

When you’re getting into any new hobby, there are a lot of things to learn. With model railroading, some mistakes can cause your trains to not run properly, which is a huge disappointment. Read these five common mistakes beginner model railroaders make to avoid major problems with your first layout.Using Train SetsPre-packaged train sets make great starter kits for people curious about model trains, so we’re not here to bash them. However, once you decide to build your first serious layout, it’s …

If you spend enough time in the model railroading world, you’re bound to hear mention of 3-rail trains at some point. As the name suggests, 3-rail trains have a third rail that runs down the middle of track pieces and helps power the train. Read on to discover the difference between 2-rail models and 3-rail models.It’s An O Scale ThingIf you’re working with 3-rail model trains, you’re likely building with O scale or O gauge trains. This is because larger trains needed to run on three rails in th …

Decorating your model train landscape is half the fun of model railroading. In addition to the standard landscapes, trees, and water effects, you should consider adding a few structures to create more visual interest. Structures also allow you to tell a story with your design. Discover five model train structures to include in your layout.Water Towers and WindmillsThough water towers and windmills serve different purposes, they have a similar function in model railroading: they’re tall. Tall str …

If you have a model train enthusiast in your life, you’ve probably noticed that the hobby requires a lot of different tools, parts, and paints. That should make buying gifts easy, right? Well, it might not be easy if you’re not into the hobby; for example, do you know which scale your model train lover uses? To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of five unique gifts for model train enthusiasts that don’t require knowing too many specifics.Decorative SignsSigns for different train lines ar …