February 2026 All Aboard: Modeling America’s Iconic Passenger Trains

All Aboard: Modeling America’s Iconic Passenger Trains
In this feature, Trackside explores some of America’s well-known passenger trains. You’ll learn some of the history of how passenger service grew and changed over the years and you’ll enjoy the variety of layouts and railroads in the photos. The video includes a conversation with retired railroad civil engineer Mike McGinley regarding his experiences with passenger service. It also includes railfanning video on a few different layouts.

Oly-Ops Operations Group: It’s the Trains!
This article by Ryan Bates includes an interview with Greg Wright. It details the operations and growth of Oly-Ops operations group in Olympia, Washington. You’ll learn about the group and possibly be inspired to even start an ops group in your own region.

Hand-Carved Retaining Wall
We show you how to scratch-build an aged stone and concrete retaining wall which will add interest to your layout. This project can be completed in any scale; the example is in HO.

Amtrak on the La Grande Subdivision in N Scale

Sunset Limited on the Bitterroot Lines in HO Scale