Looking for a bigger challenge? Try O scale! The 2025 O Scale Trains Annual is a celebration of fine 1:48 scale modeling. This expanded 116-page edition features in depth kitbashing and scratchbuilding stories, tours of beautiful layouts, tips on creating realistic scenery and weathering effects, new product announcements and reviews, and so much more.

Product Showcase

Accurate O Scale Models from 3-Rail Diesels

JOHN SETHIAN — Ready-to-run 3-rail diesels from Lionel and MTH can be easily converted into realistic 2-rail models with simple modifications and additional details.

Easy Fall Fence Row

MATT WOODS — By using a three-layer approach, consisting of readily available commercial products, you can create a realistic fall scene quickly and easily.

Simple Boxcar Weathering

GEORGE DUTKA — No train stays clean forever, and even a little light weathering can improve the  look of our models. This method will help you create realistic effects without breaking the bank.

A Visit to Bay State Model Railroad Museum

JAY MORRIS — In its current location since 1979, this expansive club layout features extensive railroad and electric traction operations in both urban and suburban settings.

Building a Shay From Brass

MICHAEL GEORGE — Entirely scratchbuilt from brass sheet, the prototype for this three-truck Shay geared steam locomotive served various owners across North Carolina and Tennessee.

Realistic Peeling Paint

BILL YANCEY, MMR — A simple technique using Vallejo Chipping Medium to create realistic peeling paint effects for your models of old and weathered wooden structures.

Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad 30’ Boxcar Plans

CHRIS LANE — Prototype history and detailed scale drawings for a series of sturdy 30’ boxcars built by American Car & Foundry in 1898. Many of the cars were sold to other narrow gauge lines after 1915.

Scratchbuild Modern Tank Cars

BILL YANCEY, MMR — Modern tank cars can be found in general service across the country, and these models are easy to build from ABS tubing and styrene parts.

Solid Rock Traction & Electric

ARLO CAMPBELL— Set somewhere along Maine’s rocky coast between Portland and Bar Harbor, this freelanced modular traction layout is packed with detail and operation.

Scratchbuilt Tugboat for Harbor Scenes

BERNARD KEMPINSKI, MMR — This method for building a waterline model of an early steam-powered tugboat can be applied to similar models to add interest to your harbor scenes.

The Future of O Scale: Design in CAD, Print in 3D

DAVID VAUGHN — The evolution of computer-aided drafting and the availability of inexpensive 3D-printing offers opportunities to produce unique 1:48 models not candidates for mass production.

Jim EuDaly’s Chesapeake & Ohio

OTTO M. VONDRAK — Built for operation, Jim EuDaly’s amazing Chesapeake & Ohio layout captures some of his favorite scenes along the New River and Alleghany subdivisions in the late 1940s.

Building BB Junction

JEFF NEEDHAM — Recreating the busy junction where Chicago Great Western crossed Missouri Pacific in Leavenworth, Kansas, including the CGW swing bridge over the Missouri River.

Dominion Brick & Clay

DANIEL VON KANEL — This On30 narrow gauge micro layout was designed to be transportable for local exhibitions, and packs in a tremendous amount of detail into a small area.

Product Reviews

Clubs Directory

Purchase Your Copy Today!