Live & On Line Model Train Activities

The 20th Century Limited was the flagship train of the New York Central and was advertised as "The Most Famous Train in the World". It was described in The New York Times as having been "known to railroad buffs for 65 years as the world's greatest train", and its style was described as "spectacularly understated". The phrase associated with one getting the "red-carpet treatment" is derived from passengers' walking to the train upon a specially designed crimson carpet embellished with the brandings of the luxurious 20th Century Ltd. Williams produced the FIRST blueprint accurate, museum quality, super-detailed, brass version of the iconic Dreyfuss Hudson well before Lionel released their 'Smithsonian Edition', which was manufactured by the same company overseas in Korea. The Lionel version was serial numbered with a plate affixed to the bottom of the firebox. It came with a special display case, while the Williams set came in a special presentation box only. The matching aluminum passenger set is a combination of cars made by Williams and Weaver, and together complete a train that is more accurate than using just either set by itself. The drumhead on the observation car was custom made from a photograph taken of the actual 20th Century Limited drumhead on display at the Smithsonian Museum by the owner in order to faithfully capture all the detail of the original. O-gauge model trains displayed and operated by the Silver Rail Club in Virginia. Founder: Peter J. Martens.

Please 'LIKE', Share, and Subscribe!! Read the description below and click on the time stamp to 'jump' into your favorite scene! Example: Go track side to see the many details of our K-Line, NYC J1a Hudson before it rolls out of the station after the engineer receives his track orders at (1:35). The New York Central railroad put its steam engines to good use when moving of freight along its 'water level route'. The most iconic locomotive of the time was the Hudson, which utilized a 4-6-4 wheel arrangement. With its larger diameter wheels, and a larger firebox, it was well suited for high speed freight and passenger service. The ‘Empire Builder’, the ‘20th Century Limited’, and Pacemaker were just some of their most famous passenger trains in ‘Central’ service. Interestingly enough, the NYC used the ‘Pacemaker’ name for their fast, efficient freight service as well. Freight moved by this train, had special cars that were painted in a red and gray paint scheme with white, or white over black NYC graphics. In contrast, their brightly colored ‘Early Bird Express Freight’ cars were painted in orange, and stood out quite differently when mixed in with other freight. K-Line's well detailed J1e Hudson pulls off with its heavy freight at (2:25). Going by the switch tower at (3:15), the train passes by another Hudson, a J3a made by Williams, as it pushes back to couple itself to the Pacemaker consist waiting on the hi-rail (3:45). The freight cars, made by Atlas, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, and Weaver, are well detailed, and feature accurate paint schemes. Watch as these trains travel through town (4:32), around sweeping curves (4:50), over waterways (8:43), and past industrial areas (9:45) all rendered in 1/48 O-scale. In this video, I've done my very best to capture all the details of actual trains in operation in a most realistic way. There's a lot to see in the layout itself, which showcases a most iconic time in America during the 1950's. Please take time to 'Like' and subscribe, and share this video with those you know. O-gauge model trains displayed and operated by the Silver Rail Club in Virginia. Founder: Peter J. Martens.

Please watch this video until the end, then 'LIKE', Share, and Subscribe!! Read the description below and click on the time stamp to 'jump' into your favorite scene! Example: Hear the conductor call out: 'All Aboard', and jump right into the steam-filled opening at (0:50). Since 2007, the Silver Rail Club has shared 'the world's greatest hobby' with everyone, everywhere. We 'have trains, will travel', and set up a versatile display for seniors, veterans, their families, and the general public at many shows and sponsored 'rail-events'. I designed and built a home-based layout so that I could operate my trains between events, and have it set-up for friends and fellow model railroaders to use and enjoy when they visit. I also use it as the location/backdrop for the many videos I've uploaded on-line to my Silver Rail Club YouTube channel. There are lots of different trains for everyone to enjoy in this fun and colorful video. It all begins with our N&W 'J'-class 4-8-4 Northern, as it readies for departure (0:50) After it rounds the bend out of sight, you'll then find yourself at the station (1:55) as a SP 'Daylight' approaches in front of you, and a WP freight passes in the distance. At (3:15) you're at the crossing in time to see the N&W no. 603 and its 'coal drag'. at (1:35). You'll see trains from the PRR, SR, NYC and so much more beginning at (4:05). Even the orange & blue colors streak by at (7:45). If you like lots of railroad action, you'll want to see this video right to the end! Please take time to 'Like' and subscribe, and share this video with those you know. O-gauge model trains displayed and operated by the Silver Rail Club in Virginia. Founder: Peter J. Martens.