Author Archives: Nightwatch Trains

Online Model Train Shops Redefine an Old School Industry

They were once found just about everywhere in America. Tucked away off the beaten path track in an old section of the city, or a go-to family favorite situated on Main Street in Smalltown USA, the iconic hobby shop has been slowly losing its ground…in-person, at least. Consider just a few headlines from the last […]

Powerhouse PRR Class L1s 2-8-2 Mikado Locomotives: History of a Legend

If you’re a brass train collector, does the Pennsylvania Railroad L1s 2-8-2 locomotive rank as one of your favorites? You’re not alone: Revered among both collectors and railroad enthusiasts alike, this infamous locomotive boasts a significant place in rail history. These 2-8-2 “Mikado”-type steam locomotives were in service on the PRR during the early 1900s […]

Uncovering the History of Jordan Spreaders: 5 Trivia Facts

Ever heard of Jordan Spreaders? If you’re into model railroading, you probably have. When we recently added some HO scale Walthers Jordan spreaders to our inventory, I decided to research the history of this intriguing railroad equipment to see what I could find out. Simple in design, Jordan spreaders have a unique place in railroad […]

How (& Why) to Replace Old HO Scale Plastic Wheels With Metal Wheelsets

This article will explain: Benefits of replacement wheels for your rolling stock Drawbacks of plastic wheels When you’re on a budget… Intermountain wheelsets, the A+ choice The New Standard – RP25 Wheel Walthers metal wheel sets, an economical option Bowser metal wheels, an old favorite Wheel diameter basic guidelines How to replace model train wheels […]

Did the One & Only PRR 6-8-6 S2 Steam Turbine Locomotive Live Up to the Hype?

Take a trip down memory lane as we explore the history of the infamous 6-8-6 S2 steam turbine locomotive…and its modern-day HO scale counterparts. Imagine my excitement as I was unpacking a vintage brass locomotive recently when I found an old Baldwin Locomotive brochure promoting their infamous 6-8-6 S2 steam turbine locomotive, built for the […]

Broadway Limited #5344 NYC Commodore Vanderbilt Hudson Locomotives Are Here!

Broadway Limited Imports rolled out an HO scale version of the legendary New York Central 4-6-4 Commodore Vanderbilt Hudson! Choose from the BLI 2840 or the BLI 2841. In honor of this exciting release, here are 7 interesting facts about the real-life New York Central 4-6-4 “Hudson” locomotive and its unique history: But first: What […]

Brass Showcase: Westside Model Co. AT&SF Santa Fe 2-10-10-2 3000 Class Locomotive

Welcome to the Rare Brass Showcase: Spotlight on a favorite from the Nightwatch Trains private HO Scale brass train collection: Westside Model Company Brass HO Scale AT&SF Santa Fe 2-10-10-2 3000 Class Locomotive This striking steam loco is for sale! Click here to see the listing. Crafted by Katsumi Mokeiten Co. in Tokyo, Japan, the […]

Digitrax EVOX Evolution Express Advanced 5A/8A Starter Set: Everything You Want to Know

What we’ll cover today: Take your model railroad layout to the MAX with Digitrax EVOX What’s included in the EVOX Advanced 5A/8A Starter Set Quickstart guide: Digitrax DT602 Digitrax Evolution Express Benefits & Specs EVOX Evolution Express Starter Set reviews “Take it to the Max” with the Digitrax Evolution Express! That’s what Digitrax says about […]

Digitrax DCS52 Zephyr Express Review: An A+ Entry Level DCC Solution

Here’s what we’ll cover today: Why is the Digitrax DCS52 Zephyr Express a favorite? What do you get with the DCS52 Zephyr Express Set? Basic Digitrax DCS52 Specs Key benefits of the Digitrax DCS52 DCS52 Reviews: What people are saying One of the most popular Digitrax products we sell is the DCS52 Zephyr Express All […]

Rare Brass Trains: Grand Trunk Western 4-8-4 U-4-b Steam Locomotive

Welcome to the RARE BRASS SHOWCASE… Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a favorite from the Nightwatch Trains private HO Scale brass train collection: The Grand Trunk Western Railroad 4-8-4 U-4-b Northern type HO scale brass locomotive This rare gem is for sale! Click here to see the listing. One of just 75 factory painted […]