Model Railroading

A review of a book that traction (trolley, streetcar) scratchbuilders should have in their model railroad libraries.

A review of a book that traction (trolley, streetcar, LRV) modelers should have in their model railroading libraries.

A candid review of a rare model railroading book about trolleys, streetcar, trams, and other traction.

A review of "Carl Arendt's Small Layout Scrapbook," a collection of plans, pics, and information about micro-layouts in different model railroading scales.

Five recommended track planning books from my own library to help you plan your own model railroad layout.

Modern railway footbridge is very different from those found in the days of steam. Elevator towers are the biggest change, and they transformed the appearance. A footbridge is key on most model railway layouts.

I am continuing to create modern buildings for my 21st century modern model railway. Here is my next challenge: the ubiquitous coffee shop. Costa creates some of the best. I hope you enjoy reading.

In this article, I building an OO gauge model of an ultra-modern waiting room on an island platform. This example is seen at Peterborough Station, UK.

This article covers model railway motive power depots (MPDs), including many variations. Railways had large and small MPDs.

Planning a model train layout will require time and effort to avoid making serious mistakes. Design a simple and realistically working model to accommodate the scale size of the train and its tracks.

Take a tour of my HO model railroad. Set in the 1950s, my mid-sized layout features around-the-wall construction and a good 'nuff level of modeling. Mostly, it is a lot of fun.

Just because you only have a small space available—in this case, 2x4 feet—that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy N scale continuous running! Try out this double oval track plan.

Learn all about N-scale track plans for shelf layouts. Perhaps some of these designs will inspire you to finally build your own pike.

This article contains a list of model trolley resources to inspire you.

Take a break from whatever you are doing and enjoy perusing one of these wonderful online model train sites.

One of the easiest and best ways to get started in model railroading is with a 4x8 train layout in HO scale. Get some track planning ideas here.