Category Archives: Railroad History

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 […]

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 […]

Before Pacific Fast Mail, the Real Logging Locomotives that Made History

Logging has always been demanding – and dangerous – work. Many have long forgotten what laborious work those that lived well over 140 years ago exerted in getting timber to the market. Before the use of logging trains, loggers relied on horses, oxen, wagons, and rivers to haul and transport logs. It worked – but […]

The Real Reason Model Trains Are So Popular

Model Railroading: A Hobby Filled With Fond Memories Fond memories are why many of us enjoy the hobbies we have. And collecting model trains – perhaps one of the world’s most popular hobbies – has an appeal that has crossed generations. Call it being sentimental. Or just reminiscing about the good old days. Oh, I […]

Broadway Limited Dreyfuss Hudson Steam Locomotive: An HO Scale Masterpiece

Summary: Welcome to the HO Train Showcase Series by Nightwatch Trains, where we’ll highlight a favorite HO Scale locomotive and provide a history on the real-life model. Key Takeaways: Henry Dreyfuss, an industrial design extraordinaire Fast Facts: Hudson steam locomotives Broadway Limited Dreyfuss Hudson masterpieces Are there any Hudson steam locomotives left anymore? John Deere. Hoover. […]

King of the HO Scale Railroad: Broadway Limited Big Boy #4014 Steam Locomotive {HO Train Showcase Series}

Summary: Welcome to the HO Train Showcase Series by Nightwatch Trains, where we’ll highlight a favorite HO Scale locomotive and provide a history on the real-life model. Key takeaways: Remember when…the first UP 4014 Big Boy rolls out Fast Facts on the Railroad Titan, #4014 Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 Specs The Coveted Broadway Limited […]

Titan of the HO Scale Railroad: Broadway Limited Q2 PRR 4-4-6-4 Steam Locomotive {HO Train Showcase Series}

Summary: Welcome to the HO Train Showcase Series by Nightwatch Trains, where we’ll highlight a favorite HO Scale locomotive and provide a history on the real-life model. Key takeaways: From Q1 to Q2 Class Duplex Locomotives Q Class Trivia – See if You Can Answer These 5 Questions Q2 Steam Locomotive Specs The Coveted Broadway […]