Model Railroader April 2022

Info for beginners It’s not easy being new to a hobby, so that’s why the experts at Model Railroader are here to help! Confused on what tools you need? How to wire a layout? Where to even start? Head to the “Beginners” section of Trains.com, where you can find easy how-to articles answering any questions you may have! Trains.com visitors get access to seven free articles each month. State Line Route Enjoying our MR&T State Line Route project layout articles? Then you’ll love the video series! Head over to Trains.com and search for “State Line Route” to watch us build this sectional N scale layout, step by step. Learn how to use molded rubber rock walls, model farm fields, build and paint a backdrop, weather track, and more in this helpful how-to series! Track…

In 2018, our video team launched an innovative annual special issue. Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide was a winning combination of print and video – the key articles in the publication having companion videos for readers to enjoy on our website. “Video is an incredible tool for explaining how to do things,” wrote David Popp in the inaugural issue. “Seeing how to apply a weathering coat to a boxcar or attach leaves to a model tree makes it much easier to learn the technique. “However, there are still some things print does better. It’s much easier to pore over a printed track plan or follow construction drawings when you can lay them out on the table in front of you.” The Ultimate Guide combines the best of both worlds. Two annuals followed, but the…

Finishing the family home In “Ask MR” on page 22 of the June 2021 Model Railroader, you advised the reader of the availability of Rail Scale asbestos siding shingles. I have been searching for such a product since 1985, as I needed them to build a model of my family home. Your suggestion was the final piece I needed to complete the project. I’ve attached a photo of the completed model. I used it as a photo on the Christmas cards I sent to my family this year, which is why it has Christmas decorations and a tree in the window. Thanks for the timely suggestion. Patrick Stanley, West Chester, Ohio Telling a story with figures I just loved the article by Clark Propst in the December 2021 Model Railroader. When I place figures…

Electro-Motive Division SD60 diesel locomotive. This Athearn Ready-to-Roll six-axle road locomotive is decorated for Chicago & North Western (Zito Yellow in two road numbers, Traditional Yellow with Operation Lifesaver logo in one number), EMD demonstrator (blue and white), Norfolk Southern (Union Pacific patchout in two numbers, blue Helm Leasing patchout in one number), Oakway Inc. (blue and white), Soo Line (Candy Apple Red), and Union Pacific (lightning stripe). The HO scale diesel has wire grab irons and McHenry couplers. Direct-current models sell for $159.98. Versions with dual-mode SoundTraxx Econami sound decoder list for $229.98. Athearn Trains, 800-338-4638, athearn.com Rapido Trains announced that the next locomotive in its HO scale lineup will be the Electro-Motive Division GP38. Initial road names offered on the Rapido Trains model will include Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe;…

Greenbrier-Gunderson Multi-Max auto rack. Paint schemes on this contemporary auto hauler include Union Pacific, BNSF Ry. (orange and white schemes), Canadian National (yellow with red or white “wet noodle” herald), Canadian Pacific (yellow and white schemes), CSX (yellow with “boxcar” herald), Kansas City Southern (yellow and white schemes), and Norfolk Southern (yellow with Thoroughbred herald). The N scale Rivet Counter line car, priced at $44.99, is offered in four body types (early, intermediate, late, and current) and has car rack numbers and rack clearance data specific to each car number, ASF low deck swing-motion trucks, and body-mounted couplers. ScaleTrains.com, 423-299-3689, scaletrains.com…

A team of microferroequinologists from the University of Sodor have announced the discovery of a previously unknown model locomotive detail part. “We’re very excited,” said lead scale model train researcher Marty McFaux. “Scientists have long speculated about a missing link between the primitive Steam Encabulator and the better known Turbo Encabulator, but now we’ve proven its existence.” Dubbed the Gas Turbine Encabulator, the actual function of the detail part’s prototype is not well known. Researchers are still trying to locate a surviving prototype that includes the part, a task that has proved difficult due to every known example having exploded in spectacular fashion, sometimes shortly aft er rolling off the assembly line. Scientists speculate that the part should be installed on the front of a steam locomotive’s smokebox, on the cab roof of…