Lucas Iverson

Milwaukee

Staff Writer at Trains Magazine

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Articles

Robert Van Camp's Great Scenic Railway Journey

4 days ago | trains.com | Lucas Iverson

Since 1994, Great Scenic Railway Journeys (GSRJ) on PBS has captivated viewers tuning in to “see the world from the scenic railroad.” It has catapulted Show Creator, Producer and now Host Robert Van Camp to 20 Emmys and the Program Excellence award from American Public Television. But for the man behind the camera, you see a storyteller and preservationist with his own great scenic railway journey worth sharing.
An overview of Steamtown USA

6 days ago | trains.com | Lucas Iverson

Steamtown National Historic Site, once known as Steamtown USA, has a captivating history. Its journey from one man’s vision in New England to a National Park Service railroad museum in Pennsylvania is marked by highs and lows, attracting both advocates and critics. The Vision of F. Nelson BlountFrancis Nelson Blount Jr. was the driving force behind Steamtown’s founding and its collection of historic steam locomotives and rolling stock.
The Waukesha County Gandy Dancers: A Model Railroad Club on the Move

1 week ago | trains.com | Lucas Iverson

For many model railroad clubs, the word “move” can trigger stress and uncertainty. When you don’t own the space you reside in, the possibility of having to pack up and relocate is always present. The Waukesha County Gandy Dancers Model Railroad Club (WCGD), located in Waukesha, Wis., knows this feeling all too well. “No power!”Since its formation on Dec. 12, 1984, this HO-scale club has experienced two big moves: one in 2006 and one in 2022.
Previewing Trainfest 2025 with NMRA President Gordon Robinson

1 week ago | trains.com | Lucas Iverson

Trainfest will return to Downtown Milwaukee’s Baird Center Nov. 1-2, 2025. The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), celebrating its 90th anniversary, will take over as this year’s event producer. NMRA President Gordon Robinson previews the upcoming show with Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson, while also discussing plans for the future of the event. Watch the extended video interview previewing Trainfest 2025 on Trains.com Video.
How to install roadbed at a turnout

1 week ago | trains.com | Lucas Iverson

Learning how to install roadbed at a turnout, a place where tracks meet or diverge, is a valuable skill for all model railroaders to have. Installing strips of cork or foam roadbed for straight or curved tracks is a straightforward process. Mark the center line, split the roadbed sections into flexible strips, and glue them to the layout on either side of that line. Turnouts, however, are places where tracks meet or diverge.
Cork vs. Foam Roadbeds

1 week ago | trains.com | Lucas Iverson

For model railroaders choosing a separately applied roadbed for laying track, two popular options dominate: cork and foam. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, as well as impacting factors such as ease of installation, durability, and realism. Let’s dive into the details and help you make an informed decision on cork vs. foam roadbeds. Cork roadbedCork roadbed has a denser material compared to foam, which will require patience and precision when cutting to size.
Young Guns in Preservation: Lauren Osier

2 weeks ago | trains.com | Lucas Iverson

When the opportunity arose for Lauren Osier to begin her rail preservation journey at the 3-foot gauged Midwest Central Railroad in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, it became the journey of a lifetime for the now 25-year-old.
Walthers’ 2025 HO product highlights with Dana Kawala

2 weeks ago | trains.com | Lucas Iverson

Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. offers a vast range of products and services with something for everyone in the hobby, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or seasoned veteran. Product and Brand Manager Dana Kawala recently stopped by Firecrown Media’s Brookfield, Wis., office to discuss more with Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson, as well as to check out Walthers’ 2025 HO product highlights of new arrivals and upcoming items.
Which type of subroadbed is right for me?

2 weeks ago | trains.com | Lucas Iverson |David Popp

“Which type of subroadbed is right for me?” It’s a question that is especially asked by beginners. The subroadbed is the material that you place under your roadbed, track, and often scenery. It serves as the foundation for your model railroad, so choosing the correct material is very important. Before evaluating good subroadbed options, let’s cross off one material that you certainly don’t want to use, and that is particle board.
Kansas City Union Station

2 weeks ago | trains.com | Lucas Iverson

At the turn of the 20th century, the citizens and serving railroads of Kansas City, Mo., yearned to revamp how passengers arrived and disembarked from the growing gateway city along the Mississippi River. The 1878-built Union Depot in the West Bottoms district couldn’t keep up with the thriving rail traffic and local desire to transform the city’s overall appearance from grimy to glamorous. The tipping point occurred in 1903, when a flood severely damaged the terminal.