Trains

Model Trains

General Model Train Stuff

• Trains at Bandana - Large O-scale exhibit modeling Twin Cities railroading. Be sure to see their "Night Trains" exhibit each winter and many other special days.
• NMRA - The National Model Railroaders Association has lots of great information about model trains on their web site.

Model Train Dealers & Information

• Caboose Hobbies - If you are ever in Denver, Colo, I guess this is the place to shop. You can also shop online.
• Internet Trains - On-line model train superstore.
• Model Railroader Magazine - A magazine dedicated to Model Railroading. Many interesting articles, including: How to, prototype information, and product information.
• Walthers - The definitive source for Model Railroad equipment. You can find out about everything for model railroading, but they emphasize purchasing from your local dealers. I recommend purchasing the Walther's catalog for your scale at your local hobby shop. It is a great reference of what is available with pictures everywhere. Of course, since it's over $20, you might not need a new one every year.

Model Train Manufacturers

• Accurail
• Altas
• Athearn - Builder of affordable engines and rolling stock.
• Bachman Trains
• Kato USA
• Lionel - Not much for the HO modeler, but a great web site.
• Model Rectifier - Train controls as well as engines.
• Roundhouse Products - More affordable engines and rolling stock.
• Woodland Scenics - Everything for scenery.

Real Trains

• Minnesota Transportation Museum - Steam trains, train excursions, & museums.  We recommend rides on the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railroad a
• Minnesota Streetcar Museum - Streetcar rides, including the Como-Harriet Street Car and the Excelsior Street Car.
• Minnesota Zepher - Sure, it's a slow, wobbly ride, but it sure is fun to be in those beautiful old dining cars. During the summer they offer a couple of Family Days, where the ride is shorter (45 min.) and the "dinner" comes from a box. Great for small children!
• Lake Superior Railroad Museum - Located on Michigan street in Duluth, MN. Many engines, rolling stock, and interesting pieces, including a huge 2-8-8-4 Mallet locomotive. And another opportunity for a trolly ride!
• North Shore Scenic Railroad - Take a train ride along the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior. One option is a 6 1/2 hour trip to Two Harbors and back on a Budd rail-diesel car. Trains depart from the Lake Superior Railroad Museum (a.k.a. the old Duluth depot.)
• Conrail Cyclopedia - Photos and details about train equipment: Locomotives, rolling stock, cabooses, and more.
• DRGW.net - A site rededicated to providing history and news on the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, as well as providing space and access to several other interesting railroad-related websites.
• Norfolk Southern CNO&TP - The Internet's largest-and fastest growing-photo collection of Norfolk Southern locomotives.
• Trains.com - Publisher of Trains, Model Railroader, and other magazines.
• SteamLocomotive.com - A great collection of steam locomotive information and photos. Well organized by locomotive type.