Kato SD40-2 Diesel Locomotives with DCC and Sound Special

Follow this link for one of the most spectacular offers of quality product at super low prices you will find anywhere. Enjoy! Click this link to the Kato SD40-2 specials.

Branchline and MDC Roundhouse Kit Specials

We've added more kits and improved the listings to include a compact format, pictures on demand and a handy order form. Here's the link: Branchline MDC Kit Specials.

Atlas Ready to Run HO Rolling Stock Specials

Need to fill out your roster? Starting up a new railroad? Here are brand new Atlas rolling stock cars, ready to run, at highly discounted pricing (nearly 50% OFF). Heavy in hoppers and gons (and ONE tank car). For box cars, see the above Branchline specials. Just follow this link to see and order: Atlas HO RTR Specials.

Need CA? We've got that, too, at a special price, here.

 

Welcome: This is a web site dedicated mainly to HO model railroading and model railroaders everywhere, at every age and skill level. The atmosphere I hope to convey here is that of a train store started by a guy who never imagined he would do such a thing, but was encouraged by his modeling friends from far and wide to take a stab at it.

There is no visitor who is not a friend, and purchasing is not a condition of acceptance or friendship. What we have in common is a shared avocation, something on which we focus our interest, time, energy and talent. Everyone here is worthy of time and attention and trust. There are no nasty "sales clerks" who give you the impression that you are unsuited to this hobby interest. Consequently you may feel free to ask about anything.  You'll find tips and techniques for building your layout on a tight budget, from scenery to upgrading and restoring rolling stock to understanding the basics of DCC.  There is also a newsletter with truly useful and interesting information. Even a bit of history, here.

And if you are looking to buy, you've come to the right place - we have a mix of new product from major and minor manufacturers as well as substantial inventories of pre-owned model railroading items. We also feature modelers and builders of exceptional ability. So . . . make yourself at home. Take some time to browse through the site and become familiar with the organization of this site.

How did you find this web site? Only three possibilities I can think of:

  1. You followed a link from somewhere else

  2. Someone gave you this website address (maybe I did)

  3. Just plain bad luck.

If 1 or 2, above, select a link from the lists below to get where you know you want to go. But if you came here by chance, feel free to click around just to get an idea of what this web site is all about. Who knows? You might end up starting or returning to a fascinating hobby!

Questions, issues, corrections, advice, problems? Just looking for an argument? Email me: jsgeare@yahoo.com.
 

The Information Resources

Here are information links, useful to rail modelers of every skill level:

  • Just who is this JSGeare and what does he do? How I got started in the hobby, how I became a seller, and what you may expect of me. The answers are all at the following link, including some pictures of my own layout. Click this Story of Makin' Tracks! link.

  • Articles Formerly occupying space on this page, they became so numerous as to deserve a special place of their own. The information you pay for elsewhere we give away for nuttin'. We cover model railroad terminology, track installation, types and selection of couplers, the basics of DCC, ballasting track, modeling short cuts, converting "toy" cars to good models, making convincing scenery out of trash, calculating a helix, and more. All, written in plain language, published as Google Documents so you may copy, print or download. Want to know "how to?" or "how did it get to be this way?" Follow this 'Splain it to me link. These articles are being updated continuously. Feel free to add your own experience and tips - just shoot me an email.

  • NEWSLETTER: Published 4 times a year, give or take. Real news and info. Not just a "Here's what I have for sale" thing. Click here for newsletters.

  • Clubs: New page added for clubs. See who's there, and tell me if you would like to be added. You don't have to BUY anything -just tell me you want to come on board. Follow this clubs page link.

  • World's BEST Model Railroading Magazine: 3 initials, but perhaps NOT the ones you think. No, I refer instead to MRH (Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine) which is today's unchallenged leader in providing quality information and stunning portrayals of modeler layouts. ALL of it for FREE, all delivered by simple download. Go to the site and sign up. Supported entirely by advertisers, this publication is exactly what rail modelers need right NOW.  And ALL past editions are online, all free for the taking. Here's the link: Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine.

The Virtual Hobby Shop
An "on-line" hobby shop will probably never be like the real thing. But we can come a bit closer. In a real hobby shop, an actual train store, customers don't just point to things and buy. They interact with the owner and with each other, spend time talking; often just look around for awhile and get ideas. And the owners freely dispenses information about products and services provided by others. That's what we are trying to do here. Yes, if you need something quick, we can do that. But suppose you just want to explore? Suppose you want to find some previously owned product? Suppose you want to find  a specialist? Suppose . . . well, you get the idea. So, start by clicking the links below and come back often.
  • Direct from the Source New products and Supplies: We carry both well known and little known vendors and manufacturers. Locomotives, rolling stock, structures, scratch building parts, adhesives, tools, books, DCC, signals, and more from leading companies you recognize, or will soon get to know. Use this section to look up what you need, then send us a query for pricing and availability (you'll like what you see). Or just ask a question. All on one page! Click this new product sourcing link.
     
  • I need it NOW! HO Rail modeling staples and essentials we keep in stocks ALL the time (or try to, anyway): track, joiners, Tortoise motors, CA glues - and more! Fast ordering, best prices anywhere! Follow this Quick Pick Link.
     
  • Private Sellers - Check for good new and used private stock from individuals, including ME.  Want to list yours here? Send us descriptions and pictures, or links to places which host your Internet sales. We'll take it from there. Best part: it's FREE! Just send me an email. Click to see current private sale listings.
     
  • Scratch, custom built, or unique hand-produced original products and customizations: Find hand built product of exceptional quality and value, like the bridges of David Stockwell. If you're such a person, or know someone who is, we'd be happy to add you or the builder you refer to us (at no charge, of course). Click to see current listings at our custom products link.
     
  • New or Unusual: Every now and then, someone introduces a product which is truly different or innovative. This page reports what we find and gives you links to learn more. Let us know what you discover, too. Follow this New or Unusual link.