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 […]

Collectible Brass Model Trains: A Quick Primer

What you’ll read today: Nothing compares to brass trains Early beginnings: the Postwar Era Why brass for model trains? Common importers of brass trains Well-known manufacturers of brass The future of brass model trains For the collector of brass model trains, nothing quite compares to the instant you lift the cover off the old box […]

What’s in a Name? 5 Trivia Facts on the Nickel Plate Road

What does the famed Nickel Plate Road have to do with the B-17 “Flying Fortress”? More than you might think. Throughout history, nicknames have often caught on, replacing the ‘real’ name with a something a bit catchier and more memorable. From planes to trains, nicknames sometimes find favor with enthusiasts – and oftentimes newspaper reporters […]

Why is HO Scale So Popular? History Tells the Story.

Model railroading has long been a cherished hobby for children as well as adults. Its immense popularity is twofold: It lets adults be kids again – and allows kids to dream of being grownup railroaders. From O Gauge to HO Scale: A Brief History The roaring twenties was a dramatic time in history, ushering in […]