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COWCATCHER MAGAZINE
Cowcatcher Complete Sets
From the 2023 set, the May/June issue features Mike Armstrong’s Rock Island HO model railroad. The issue also takes an inside look at how Ross Custom Switches has become a premier O-gauge track builder.BUY THIS ISSUE ONLY
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Prior to 2011, the magazine was known as Cowcatcher Round Up.
2004 Cowcatcher Round Up
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2005 Cowcatcher Round Up $14.95
2006 Cowcatcher Round Up
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2007 Cowcatcher Round Up $14.95
2008 Cowcatcher Round Up $14.95
2009 Cowcatcher Round Up $14.95
2010 Cowcatcher Round Up $14.95
2011 Cowcatcher Magazine $24.95
2012 Cowcatcher Magazine $24.95
2013 Cowcatcher Magazine $24.95
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2015 Cowcatcher Magazine $24.95
2016 Cowcatcher Magazine
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Current Issue: May/June 2025
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Tuned In
Spring is when large-scale model railroaders with their green thumbs plant and prune colorful foliage grown nearly to scale. In some areas, maintaining outdoor layouts is quite challenging because of changing weather. Nancy Norris, an author who builds garden railroads professionally, says some plant varieties have become more difficult to grow in certain Hardiness Zones. In some cases it means garden railroaders having to put more emphasis on growing native plants rather than relying on varieties more susceptible to extreme conditions. She recommends new gardeners consult with their local nurseries for the best choices for an outdoor layout. Norris also has a few recommendations of her own.
Tariffs Cause Concern
Sweeping tariffs imposed on goods imported into the United States are stirring model railroad manufacturers. As a result, model railroading and other hobbies will cost more. In February the U.S. applied a 10 percent tariff on goods imported from China, and the tax has since escalated. Suppliers – including Athearn, InterMountain Railway Co., Broadway Limited, Rapido Trains and ScaleTrains – have been putting dealers and customers on notice that prices will increase tariffs are implemented.
Managing Freight Cars
The first rule of railroading is “expect movement on any track at any time in any direction.” This may seem like an overabundance of caution, but railroading is a dangerous sport. Always expect a train when you’re around the tracks. The second rule of railroading is that there is an exception to every rule. The North American freight car fleet in 2023 consisted of 2.03 million rail cars, according to Railinc’s Umler Equipment Index. Rail car fleet management — how empty cars get dispatched to move to their next loading point — is an ever-moving process and often requires fleet car managers to be nimble.
Plus
A vintage Lionel store display is always a crowd pleaser, Atlas' N-scale True-Track is the right solution for a new test track on the Whitehurst & Pine Ridge Railroad, The Green Diamond was Illinois Central's gem on the St. Louis-to-Chicago route and more!
