The Roundhouse Dispatch shares model railroading stories, product news, community updates, and hobby tips—all in one place. Whether you’re into HO, N, or just starting out, you’ll find inspiration and information to fuel your passion.
Bachmann Trains at Best Buy: An Alternative to Amazon
Bachmann has been a familiar and trusted name in model railroading for generations, known for producing accessible, dependable trains that welcome newcomers into the hobby while still offering value to…
Lionel Trains: A Century of American Model Railroading
For more than a century, Lionel Trains has occupied a singular place in American culture. Few brands—inside or outside of the hobby world—carry the same emotional weight, generational loyalty, and…
The Big Boy Locomotive: America’s Ultimate Steam Giant
Few machines in American industrial history command the same level of awe as the Union Pacific Big Boy. More than just a steam locomotive, the Big Boy represents the absolute…
How Railroads Built the Industrial Midwest: The Saginaw Valley as a Transportation Powerhouse
The industrial rise of the American Midwest is often traced through the great cities—Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Milwaukee—but beneath that familiar narrative lies a network of communities whose fortunes were…
Best O Scale Train Sets for Collectors
For serious collectors, O scale remains the standard for presence, weight, and craftsmanship. The locomotives feel substantial in your hands, the detailing invites close inspection, and the performance has a…
Best N Scale Starter Sets for Small Spaces in 2025
Small spaces don’t have to limit big ideas. That’s one of the reasons N scale model trains have become such a perfect option for bedrooms, apartments, and compact hobby setups….
Best Model Train Sets for Kids (Ages 4–12) in 2025
Finding a great model train set for a child isn’t just about choosing the biggest or most colorful toy—it’s about finding something durable, age-appropriate, and engaging enough to keep them…
Kato Unitrack vs. Atlas Flex Track: Which Is Best for HO & N Scale Layouts?
When it comes to building a smooth-running, great-looking model railroad, the choice of track matters just as much as the locomotives you run. Two of the most popular options—Kato Unitrack…
Model Train Room Cleaning Made Easy with the Lefant M330 Pro
If you’re a model railroader, you already know one universal truth: no matter how perfect your scenery, how smooth your trackwork, or how detailed your rolling stock… dust is always…
Model Train Storage: The Best Tools and Techniques to Protect Your Collection
Storing model trains correctly is one of the most important parts of the hobby, especially as your collection grows in value. Locomotives and rolling stock are precision pieces containing delicate…
Are Model Trains a Good Investment? A Realistic Guide for Collectors
Model railroading is one of the most loved hobbies in the world—rich with nostalgia, craftsmanship, and history. But as prices for high-end locomotives and vintage pieces climb, many collectors wonder:…
Turnout Basics: #4 vs #6 vs #8 — Where Each One Belongs
New to turnouts? The frog number tells you how sharp the diverging route is: a #4 spreads 1 unit for every 4 units forward (sharper); a #8 spreads 1 for…
The Rise of Pullman Cars: How George Pullman Brought Luxury to Rail Travel
For today’s model railroaders, the Pullman sleeper car represents more than a piece of rolling stock—it’s a symbol of innovation, luxury, and storytelling on the rails. Whether you’re recreating a…
The 7 Best Model Train Sets to Buy – 2025
Model railroading has a unique charm: it blends engineering, creativity, and nostalgia in one hobby. But the hardest part for many newcomers—or gift-givers—is choosing the right train set to start…
Yard Goats 101: Why Switchers Steal the Show on Small Layouts
In railroading slang, a “yard goat” is a switcher locomotive—compact, tough, and built to shuffle cars with precision. On small model train layouts, these little workhorses, aka switchers, don’t just…