Graham Farish Bulleid Coaches reveiwed by Nigel Burkin

These new models capture the essence of post-war Southern Railway coaching stock in N gauge. Model Railways Live: Reviews

Structure modeling & selective compression, part 2 | Model Railroad Hobbyist | Earl Smallshaw

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Structure modeling & selective compression, part 3 | Model Railroad Hobbyist | Earl Smallshaw

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Phil Parker builds an Armourfast wall

Phil Parker examines Armourfast's plastic walls and gate. So, when used, what do they look like? Model Railways Live: Articles

An easy coach for the Wisbech and Upwell BRM project layout

A simple coversion of a Bachmann USA 'Thomas the Tank Engine' Henrietta coach to something more suitable. Model Railways Live: Articles

Lionel Puts Vision Line Big Boy in the Spotlight

Trying to pick the "best model train of all time" would be a challenging, if not impossible, task. But Lionel's upcoming Vision Line Big Boy would certainly be in the discussion, because model trains just don't get much better than this. You'll want to see all the amazing details this special new locomotive has to offer. 

Lionel was kind enough to provide an in-depth spotlight on their new train, including a compelling story of its history and some incredible details on the product itself. Read all about this wonderful train below, then head over to the DASH Marketplace to place your PreOrder. 

New Product Spotlight – Vision Line Big Boy

People have been talking about Lionel’s upcoming Vision Line Big Boy since we first previewed it in York last October. The model is filled with exciting features and is sure to be the star attraction of any collection.

In 1941, the Union Pacific went to the American Locomotive Company with a request for a single locomotive capable of pulling 3,600 ton trains between Ogden and Wasatch. This meant it had to be powerful enough to drag the train up the 1.14% grades without helpers and fast enough to maintain schedules on the rest of the section. These would be the largest such locomotives ever built. Alco delivered 20 Big Boys in 1942 and 5 more in 1944.

The Big Boys spent their entire careers in this role and on this specific line – if for no other reason than no turntable or roundhouse track existed anywhere else on the system that could accommodate their 132’ 9 ¼” length! While their territory was limited, their fame was not. Railroad engineers and of course fans traveled to the hills of Wyoming from around the world to see these engineering marvels.

Unfortunately for the Big Boys, the Union Pacific would ultimately find its “jack-of-all-trades” locomotive solution along with the rest of the railroads – in the diesel electric. The last revenue run of a Big Boy came in 1959. While some remained on the roster for an emergency call that never came, by 1962 all but eight had been scrapped.

Of the eight survivors, seven are from the original production run. Those seven locomotives, in their as-delivered configuration, are the prototypes for Lionel’s newest model.

6-11434 #4006
6-11435 #4018
6-11436 #4005
6-11437 #4014
6-11438 #4017
6-11448 #4012
6-11449 #4004

Vision Line Features

Lionel’s Vision Line locomotives have each introduced at least one brand new feature to the line. In addition to the highest quality details and features you’ve come to expect, you’ll get something you’ve never seen before. The Big Boy has several of those features which will set this model apart from the rest.

Smoke Effects

The Vision Big Boy is equipped with a pair of dual smoke units. One of these are located under the Big Boy’s paired smoke stacks. The Big Boy was a “simple articulated” locomotive. Simple articulated locomotives have two sets of powered drive wheels, each of which is fed steam directly from the boiler. The other method is a “compound” or Mallet. On these locomotives, steam from the boiler travels to one set of pistons, then exhausted to the second set before finally being exhausted through the smokebox and stack.

On simple locomotives, each pair of pistons has its own exhaust. Since the two sets of pistons are not in sync, and with different lengths of the exhaust pipes, the “chuffs” from each are also independent. This can be more clearly seen at low speeds since as the locomotive accelerates the “chuffs” become more like a continuous roar.

For the first time, Lionel has recreated this effect with a dual-smoke unit in the stack. The dual chuffs of smoke are in sync with the sounds. You’ll hear eight chuffs per wheel revolution. Just like the prototype, you’ll see the paired exhaust as the engine starts and then benefit from twice the smoke output at mainline speeds.

A second dual smoke unit provides effects for whistle steam and the blow down feature. These are independently controlled from your remote.

Depleting Coal Load

For the first time, Lionel is introducing a depleting coal load which gradually lowers in tune with the labor of the locomotive. The harder you work your engine, the faster you’ll see the coal load drop in the tender. When you refill the tender, you’ll hear the sound of coal dropping into the bunker and see the realistic coal load rise back up.

You can also track your Big Boy’s coal and water consumption, along with automating many other features, with the new LCS sensor track. To help you get started with these features, a LCS SensorTrack and power supply is included with each Vision Big Boy.

Big Boy - Big Sounds

Those who have watched our product video on line for the new locomotive have already picked up on the amazing sound quality of the Vision Big Boy. The model features a pair of speakers in the tender and one in the boiler for true stereo sound.

This arrangement also enables some localized sounds to better capture the symphony of steam. When you refuel your locomotive you’ll hear the sounds of water and coal in the tender. And when you ring the bell you’ll hear it coming from the locomotive. Meanwhile the sounds of the locomotive at work will come balanced from all three speakers for the ultimate in sound quality.

Order Yours Today

Like all of our LEGACY locomotives in 2014, the Vision Big Boy is Made To Order. We will only make as many as you ask for so if you want one, please see your Lionel dealer as soon as possible. MSRP on the Vision Big Boy is $ 2699.99. The locomotives will be available late in 2014.

The only thing I can say is "wow". The Union Pacific Big Boy is one of the most impressive and iconic trains the world has ever known, and Lionel seems to have captured it perfectly with this model. Every single detail has been lovingly recreated in the sculpt and paint of its shell, but the inner workings have been packed with a few special treats as well. The features this train adds to the Vision Line are truly one-of-a-kind. The smoke will billow out in beautiful puffs, the sounds will serenade your ears, and cool touches like the depleting coal load will bring a glimpse of reality to your tracks like never before. 

You can preorder this jaw-dropping train on the DASH Marketplace right now. It's currently only $ 1929.99, which is the lowest price we've seen anywhere. That's $ 770 off the MSRP for this incredible piece of engineering, and it even ships for free! 

PreOrder the Lionel Vision Line Big Boy on the DASH Marketplace

Be sure to order soon, as these trains are made to order and the deadline for orders is coming soon. I can't imagine anyone would regret adding this absolutely stunning train to their collection. 

Structure modeling & selective compression, part 4 | Model Railroad Hobbyist | Earl Smallshaw

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DASH Now Supports Pre-Orders

We just developed a new software solution to fully support pre-orders on the DASH Marketplace. It's never been easier to place an order and keep your pre-orders organized. To kick off this new feature, we already have more than 400 new pre-orders available right now! 

You can start browsing pre-orders on DASH right away to see how easy and convenient it is. We're pretty confident that DASH has quickly become the best place to purchase model train pre-orders online. 

When you place a pre-order on DASH, your order is tracked separately from other items. You will not be required to pay until the item is fulfilled with the seller, and no deposit is required upon ordering. In other words, we built the system to make things as convenient and manageable as possible for you. 

Right now all pre-order items on DASH have great prices way below the MSRP and ship for free! Always check the item details for specifics, but take a few minutes to browse the current selection and splurge on a few of the incredible trains coming out later this year!

Whats neat 2013 retrospective | Model railroad locomotives and cars | Model Railroad Hobbyist | MRH

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The Serpa Bridge - Building the Andorinha railcar.

In this final episode of the series The Serpa Bridge by Michel Subrenat, his friend Jean-Louis Audigué shares how he built the Andorinha railcar which once ran on this line in Portugal. Model Railways Live: Articles

Bachmann new GWR Earl Class inspected by Rob Kinsey

Bachmann released quite a few models last month, one of which was their new Earl Class. Let's take a look at this fine new model. Model Railways Live: Reviews

Hornby BR 12T Fish Van reviewed by John Emerson

This new fish van plugs a long-standing gap in the 4mm scale RTR market. Model Railways Live: Reviews

Whats neat Scott Sanders | Model railroad locomotives and cars | Model Railroad Hobbyist | MRH

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Switching Andover ME on the Allagash | Model railroad Allagash | Model Railroad Hobbyist | MRH

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In Mick Simpson's workshop

In the December issue of BRM, Mick Simpson shared with readers how he re-wheeled a J39 locomotive. For this purpose, he was required to make a collett. In this article, he shares with us how it was done. Model Railways Live: Articles

Murphy Models Class 071 detailing and consists

Colm Flanagan looks at some additional locos in Murphy Models Class 071  range and provides some suitable rolling stock inspiration Model Railways Live: Articles

Building a Markenburg kit in an hour

Howard Smith assembles a Dutch card kit from manufacturer Markenburg.  Model Railways Live: Articles

BR Steam in Scotland reviewed by Dennis Lovett

Another useful book containing plenty of visual material for the modeller contemplating a Scottish prototype. Model Railways Live: Reviews

Whats neat Blade Masters | Model railroad locomotives and cars | Model Railroad Hobbyist | MRH

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Bachmann Shunters Truck reviewed by John Emerson

Great Western modellers can now choose early or late versions of the shunter’s ‘Gig’. Model Railways Live: Reviews

DCC Booster 10 amp short demo | Model railroad locomotives and cars | Model Railroad Hobbyist | MRH

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Ramsay's 8th Edition - Now on sale!

Ramsay's British Model Trains Catalogue is the only comprehensive listing of all the most popular brands, from N gauge to 0 gauge, produced for the British market over the past 100 years. Model Railways Live: News

Whats neat Rio Grande Southern | Model railroad locomotives and cars | Model Railroad Hobbyist | MRH

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Bachmann COVHOP reviewed by John Emerson

These distinctive bulk powder carriers will add character to your layout. Model Railways Live: Reviews

FREE Pendon Interactive Magazine

The Pendon Museum now has a free interactive magazine which showcases the very best of the museum - the vale scene. Model Railways Live: News

Whats neat Jeff Meyer | Model railroad locomotives and cars | Model Railroad Hobbyist | MRH

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Expert demonstrations at London Festival of Railway Modelling

Expert demonstrations now announced at London Festival of Railway Modelling Model Railways Live: News

The London Festival of Railway Modelling

The new additions to the line-up are revealed! Model Railways Live: News

The London Festival of Railway Modelling

The confirmed layouts to appear at the show... Model Railways Live: News

Profile of the MRA ballast wagon and use of the Dapol model

An introduction to these modern infrastructure wagons and a guide to their weathering and operation by Nigel Burkin Model Railways Live: Articles

Bear Creek & South Jackson 10th Anniversary | Model railroad layout | Model Railroad Hobbyist | MRH

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Rob Kinsey reviews the Hornby LMS/BR CCT Van

Rob Kinsey reviews another arrival from Hornby in the shape of the Covered Carriage Trucks, better known as CCTs. Model Railways Live: Reviews

Graham Farish Mk.1 Sleeper reviewed by Nigel Burkin

Graham Farish adds to its Mark 1 coaching stock range with a refined and well detailed sleeper coach. Model Railways Live: Reviews

Painting the Sentinel by Phil Parker

Phil Parker paints his Sentinel kit which featured in the March 2014 issue of BRM. Model Railways Live: Articles

Big at the Boxcar Office: The Train Show

Saying a layout is the "greatest ever" is one mighty claim, but some layouts are so good they at least deserve to enter that discussion. Today's layout video captures one such masterpiece, earning it a spot at the "box office". 

This long and detailed look at John Muccianti's 30-year effort building his HO layout is a wonderful look into a man's dedication to trains. Much like The Truman Show took a deeper look into reality television and the life of a man living in a world created for him, this layout video also gives us a look into a man and his perfect artificial world. 

The Train Show

Not every single detail in this enormous layout has been perfectly executed, but it's just so expansive and alive that it comes together beautifully as a whole. The cityscapes and skylines are huge, the countrysides are stunning and detailed, and there's always something to see in every square inch of space. You can tell that it's been lovingly planned and shaped over the decades. It's apparent that John is still working to improve and refine his layout every day too!   

If you have a layout video of your own to show off, please post it on your Collection Showcase page. Not every layout can be as big as this one, but we love them all large and small. You're also welcome to share a link to your favorite video from around the web in the comments below. We love finding great new railroading videos, and you never quite know what will show up right here in the next edition of Big at the Boxcar Office!

Collectors club 9J 0-6-0

The Bachmann collector clubs’ latest locomotive commission is a GCR 9J (J11 in LNER days) n°316 (ref: 31-318K). Model Railways Live: News

Railwells 2014 exhibition including Scalefour Southwest

Railwells 2014 is once again being held in Wells Town Hall, Wells, Somerset. Model Railways Live: News

Spotlight on Lionel Junction Starter Sets

Lionel is always providing beautiful models for collectors, but they also manage to keep the toy train side of their business exciting and relevant. Today we have a new spotlight that focuses on the toy side of things.

It can be difficult to find the right starter set for family members or grandchildren in your life, especially at an affordable price. The newest product spotlight from Lionel might make that dilemma a little easier, because they have four new sets that are perfect toys for the little ones. Read the full details and see the images below. 

New Product Spotlight – Lionel Junction Starter Sets

Looking for an affordable way to get a child started with electric trains? Look no further than Lionel’s four new Lionel Junction starter sets! Featuring the LionChief Remote control and sounds, we’ve designed these fun sets to stir the imagination and invite interactive play.

Little Steam

From dinosaur adventures to pet rescues, kids will love developing their own worlds and stories around these trains. These sets are designed for easy assembly and operation so your young engineers can get right to the fun. And while you get everything you need to get started, these sets are designed to grow as your children look for new adventures.

LionChief Remote

The LionChief Remote is easy to use and filled with fun features.
All four of these sets feature the LionChief Remote control system. There is no complicated wiring – just plug the wall pack into the track and your home outlet. The hand-held remote control includes speed and direction in one knob with three buttons for the whistle, bell and fun sounds customized to each train.

Each set, like all of our other LionChief Remote sets, has its own radio frequency. This means you can run multiple trains on the same track without any extra wiring! You can also run your set engines on other layouts that use conventional or command control – making these the perfect starter set for families with existing layouts as well. All these engines need is 18 volts of AC or DC power and their remote control.

Easy Assembly

A circle of FasTrack is provided to get you started. This track snaps together quickly and easily and will stay locked together. Safe for operation on a platform or on the floor – even carpet – you don’t need a large dedicated space for the train. When you’re finished, simply pull the sections apart until next time. FasTrack can be put together and taken apart hundreds of times without failure.

Additional straights, curves, switches, crossings and accessory tracks are all available separately to expand your set.

With the track together, just plug in the power supply and you’re ready to go! The cars of these sets are equipped with two-wheel trucks and fixed couplers so they’ll be easy for small hands to put on the rails and couple yet sturdy enough for trouble-free play.

Designed to Grow

An add-on tank car is available for each set.
Sets can be combined with each other and with add-on track sections to create larger and more elaborate track plans.

You can also expand the trains with additional cars. An add-on tank car is available to match each of these sets. These will work with all other O Gauge trains as well.

Diesel Sets

Our two diesel-powered sets, 6-81031 Dinosaur Diesel and 6-81288 Pet Shop Express, include all of the following:

-Vulcan diesel switcher with

• LionChief Remote control
• Powerful maintenance-free motor
• Diesel engine sounds and user-activated horn, bell and special dinosaur / animal sounds
• Separately applied bell and ladder details
• Working headlight
• Fixed couplers
• Traction tire
• Sturdy plastic construction

-Boxcar
-Gondola with removable loads (dinosaur eggs and figures / animal figures)
-Bobber Caboose

• All cars feature metal wheels and fixed couplers

-Circle (approx. 40″ outside diameter) of FasTrack
-Wall Pack plug-in power supply
-Remote Control (requires three AAA batteries – not included)

Steam Sets

Our two steam-powered sets, 6-81286 Lionel Junction and 6-81287 Union Pacific, include all of the following:

-“Kickapoo” steam locomotive with

• LionChief Remote control
• Powerful maintenance-free motor
• Steam engine sounds and user-activated whistle, bell and special announcements
• Separately applied bell and whistle details
• Fixed couplers
• Traction Tire
• Stamped metal frame
• Sturdy plastic construction

-Boxcar
-Gondola
-Bobber Caboose

• All cars feature metal wheels and fixed couplers

-Circle (approx. 40″ outside diameter) of FasTrack
-Wall Pack plug-in power supply
-Remote Control (requires three AAA batteries – not included)

Each set has a retail price of $ 174.95. There has never been a better time to get started with Lionel Trains! See your favorite dealer to place orders today.

Anytime trains are designed for the kids in our lives, I think it's a wonderful thing. It's hard to get some kids excited about the history of the real life rails, but showing them the colorful, creative, and splendid worlds of imaginary trains can foster a love for the rails that will blossom later in life. If you want the children in your life to love trains, almost any of these starter sets will help to accomplish the task. 

They're all splendid, but I think the Dinosaur Diesel Set and the Pet Shop Express will grab the most attention for younger generations. The Union Pacific Set and Little Steam Set might look more appealing to us old timers, but they should be reserved for slightly older kids who can begin to appreciate a standard train.

You can keep an eye out for these great sets on the DASH Marketplace. 

Bachmann Polybulk reviewed by Nigel Burkin

The complex shape and intricate detail of the TSL ‘Polybulk’ wagons has not deterred Bachmann from attempting a model in OO gauge and a very fine job has been made of it. Model Railways Live: Reviews

The London Festival of British Railway Modelling

Only ONE WEEK left to book your ticket for the London Festival of British Railway Modelling.
So, why should you book? Model Railways Live: News

The London Festival of British Railway Modelling

We take a look at what will be hapening in the BRM Village ... Model Railways Live: News