How To Build a Model Railroad Accurately modeling the 1940s for model railroaders

Accurately modeling the 1940s for model railroaders

By Steven Otte, Senior Associate Editor | November 11, 2025

The birth of the Big Boy, the dawn of diesel, and the peak of passenger rail

Large black steam locomotive pulling freight train.

To unlock additional article views, enter your email address.


By signing up for email, you will receive newsletters, special offers, and occasional third-party promotions from Trains.com and its family of brands.

 


Want unlimited access to Trains.com?

Learn More Start Your Free Trial

You’ll get complete access to all content on Trains.com from our family of brands, PLUS thousands of issues in the archives, video series and workshops, live webcams and more!

 


 

Magazine subscribers enjoy access to online subscriber benefits.

Learn more about magazine subscriber access

Already a magazine subscriber? Sign In