Should you sell your model trains on eBay? Here are the pros & cons.

Key takeaways: Pros & cons to selling your model trains on eBay Other platforms to sell your model train collection, like Etsy Train shows can be a more personal, local option So you’ve decided to sell your model trains. Maybe you want to sell an entire model train collection, or perhaps just a single HO […]

Niagara Hobby & Craft Mart in Cheektowaga, NY: Remembering a Western New York Cultural Icon

Remember the giant red caboose? If you’re not a Western New Yorker, you’re probably wondering what we’re talking about… But if you lived in or around the Buffalo, NY area (or even came for a visit!) in the last several decades, you likely remember an area icon: Niagara Hobby & Craft Mart. A favorite destination […]

10 Interesting Facts on the Virginian Railway 2-10-10-2 Steam Locomotive

What locomotive had an uncommon wheel arrangement of two leading wheels, two sets of ten driving wheels, along with a pair of trailing wheels? If you’re a railroad buff who appreciates unusual, rare locomotives, you know the answer: The 2-10-10-2 steam locomotive There were only two classes of these interesting locomotives ever built: ATSF’s 3000 […]

Norfolk & Western #2300 Jawn Henry: A Legend in Steam Locomotives

When Nightwatch Trains acquired a rare collection of brass HO scale locomotives, you can imagine the excitement of unpacking one of the top picks in the entire group: an Alco Models “Jawn Henry” steam turbine locomotive, built in 1982 by Kumata. Only 175 were ever made, an outstanding example of a long-gone piece of American […]

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 […]