The Ultimate Guide is back with the all-new 2023 edition! Featuring 20 articles from 11 expert modelers, this highly anticipated issue is a treasure trove of information. You’ll find hundreds of tips any modeler can use along with expert techniques for modeling and advice for layout construction from experienced modelers.
Tips for everyone!
Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide 2023
One man’s railway empire • Musician Jools Holland’s layout showcases life in London
10 tips for a work-weary locomotive • Use an airbrush and a handful of colors to get a grimy weathered finish in an afternoon
Resin kit assembly tips • These suggestions will take some of the mystery out of building resin freight car kits
Q&A with MICHAEL GROSS • Get to know the model railroader behind the famous actor
Build a wood water tower kit • This easy O scale model is a great way to learn how to build craftsman structure kits.
HOW NOT TO BUILD A WOOD KIT • Here are some pitfalls to avoid
MODELING RADIO ON YOUR MODEL RAILROAD • Two-way radios add a new dimension of authenticity to the Onondaga Cutoff
READY-TO-USE HO SCALE NORTH AMERICAN NO. 6 TURNOUTS • A guide to commonly available turnouts you can use straight from the package
5 ideas for 5 square feet • Sketching With Steve: You can pack a lot of operating and modeling fun into a short shelf layout
14 states and five steaks • Three trains, five nights, and 5,601 miles on Amtrak
Moving the New Haven under wire • Relocating and expanding an HO scale layout
51 tips to better rooftop details • How to raise the level of detail on the part of a structure you see the most – the roof!
Diesel detailing from photos • A trackside find led to this HO scale project
Building a highway my way • Using hardware store materials and a homemade backdrop to build realistic roads
Making your own road warriors • Use paint, pastels, and homemade decals to model a weathered fleet of rolling stock
LIGHTS, PEOPLE, ACTION! • A few simple updates to populate your passenger fleet
Rocks that won’t break the bank • 4 budget-friendly techniques for modeling realistic rock faces
Making one-of-a-kind models from kits • Learn a wealth of tips for structure modeling from our Depot Dash Kitbash Challenge
ASK TRAINS.COM • Your questions answered
A close shave • How to get the lawn you really want on your layout