Most modelers can pinpoint the photos, people, events, books, or stories that inspired them to build their model railroads.

GRAND MEADOW — Wheels chug into motion. Steam pumps through model cylinders. A “piercing” bell switches tracks to “whistle talk.” It’s Wednesday morning train time with the Rail Runners Model Railroad ...

Concealed in the basement of a downtown Wauconda coffee shop is something that would amaze any child, or adult for that matter — a complete landscaped small-gauge train layout, with familiar sites and ...