Sammy

The GE 70-ton switcher holds a special place in model railroading history. These compact diesel locomotives were workhorses for industrial railroads, short lines, and military operations throughout the mid-20th century. Today, HO scale modelers seeking authentic switching operations have limited but quality options to choose from. I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing the available … Read more

If you are looking for the best HO scale critter industrial locomotives to add realistic switching operations to your layout, you have come to the right place. These diminutive workhorses capture the charm of industrial railroading, perfect for moving cars around factories, mines, and waterfront facilities. After researching dozens of models and testing their performance, … Read more

If you run HO scale trains, you know that dirty track is the number one cause of poor conductivity, intermittent stalling, and derailments. I have spent years testing various track maintenance approaches on my own layout, and I keep coming back to dedicated track inspection and maintenance railcars as one of the most practical tools … Read more

When I first started building HO scale layouts, I quickly realized that static scenes only get you so far. Adding working elements like crane models transforms a flat diorama into something that actually tells a story. A well-placed railroad crane brings maintenance-of-way operations to life, gives freight yards realistic functionality, and creates those satisfying moments … Read more

Building realistic terrain for your model railroad layout doesn’t have to be complicated. After testing terrain building materials for over 15 years, I’ve found that Sculptamold offers the perfect balance of workability, durability, and lightweight results that won’t collapse your layout benchwork. The best Sculptamold for layout terrain depends on your project scale and experience … Read more

If you run a model railroad layout, you know that work trains are the unsung heroes of operations. These maintenance of way (MoW) equipment sets handle everything from track repairs to cargo handling, adding realism and functionality to your HO scale setup. I have spent years testing different work train rolling stock, and I want … Read more

Creating realistic water features for model railroads and dioramas transforms a flat layout into a living scene. After testing dozens of products over the past three years, I’ve found that the right water product makes all the difference between a blue puddle and a convincing creek or pond. This guide covers the best realistic water … Read more

Winter operations add a whole new dimension to model train layouts. When snow covers the tracks, your railroad needs the right equipment to keep things running smoothly. An HO scale snow plow is essential for any hobbyist building winter scenes or maintaining an authentic maintenance-of-way fleet. If you are looking for the best HO scale … Read more

Mountain railroading in winter presents one of the most dramatic and challenging scenarios model railroaders can recreate. The sight of a rotary snowplow battling through deep drifts on a snow-covered mountain pass captures the essence of railroad operations like nothing else. For modelers building mountain layouts, HO scale rotary snowplow models bring this spectacle to … Read more

Creating a realistic model railroad layout requires attention to every detail, from the track work to the smallest scenic elements. Bushes and shrubs might seem like minor additions, but they’re what transform a plain layout into a living, breathing scene. After testing dozens of scenic products over the past year, I’ve found that JTT scenic … Read more