Features:

Pulpwood and Iron Ore: C&NW Ashland District • by Dave Rickaby — Childhood memories of Chicago & North Western green-and-gold freight and passenger trains inspired this detailed HO scale model railroad.

NATX Liquid Phosphate Tank Car • by James Kincaid — These unusual tank cars spent their short service life hauling liquid phosphate used in production of phosphorus-based fertilizers.

Remotor a PFM Shay • by Jeff Johnston — Upgrading an old Pacific Fast Mail brass Shay with a new motor and drivetrain results in reliable, smooth operation at slow speeds.

Easy-to-Model Tank Head Loads • by M.R. Snell — Using simple styrene shapes and cast detail parts, you can create this unusual and eye-catching load for your modern gondolas.

Satisfying Operations on a Smaller Layout • by Brooks Stover — Small layouts can still be challenging to operate, especially if you plan out your train operations alongside your track plan.

Departments:

Boomer Trail

Company Photographer

Craftsman Timetable

Craftsman Workshop

Dealer Directory • Recommended hobby dealers

Diverging Points • by Jason Shron

Editor's Notebook • by Otto M. Vondrak

Index of Advertisers

Painting & Weathering

Perspective • by Joel Goldberg

Rail Books • Book news and reviews

Receiving Yard

Safety Valve

Test Track • by Harry K. Wong — Kato's New York Central 1948 20th Century Limited product review

Test Track • by Harry K. Wong — Rapido Trains' General Electric DASH8-40CM Locomotive product review

Test Track • by Harry K. Wong — Woodland Scenics Modern Era Vehicles product review