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“Dead Rail” or “Power on Board” — no matter what you call it, the concept is the same: a model locomotive that carries its own power source. This eliminates the need for alternating or direct current track power, along with multiple headaches such as short circuiting, dead frogs, and dirty rails. Rechargeable batteries have become […]
Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Using our modeling to inspire memories NEWS AND REVIEWS, pg. 10 Hobby industry news ASK MR, pg. 18 What’s in a paint scheme? RAILWAY POST OFFICE, pg. 22 Letters from our readers STEP BY STEP, pg. […]
Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the Atlas Classic HO scale Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP7 diesel locomotive. You’ll first learn about the prototype GP7, which was produced from 1949 to 1954, and specifics about Burlington Northern no. 1554, originally Great Northern no. 654. Cody highlights key features like factory-installed MU hoses, body-mounted plastic couplers , and wire grab irons. The review […]
During the latter half of the 1920s the single expansion articulated locomotive had evolved into a very capable machine. It could lug a heavy train over mountain grades, and in flat terrain it could run at the same speed as a 2-8-2. But railroad locomotive superintendents grappled with an unanswered question. Could a simple articulated […]
Freight Car Class: Lesson 4, Airbrushing Techniques | Unlock the versatility of your airbrush to transform stock models into realistic, weathered railroad replicas! This segment of the freight car series shows you how to use an airbrush for effects like faded paint, dust, grime, and rust. Learn how to work your double-action airbrush, how to thin paint […]
News & Products for the week of December 8th 2025 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of December 8th, 2025. […]
Milwaukee and model railroading share deep, historic ties. Model Railroader Magazine, Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., and the National Model Railroad Association all had their humble beginnings in the beer city. This rich heritage has fostered a healthy and diverse group of model railroad clubs throughout Southeast Wisconsin that are still active today. Finding these clubs […]
Rapido HO EMD E8 diesel locomotive Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct current — E8A, $249.95; E8mA/E8mB set, $469.95. With ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder — E8A, $369.95; E8mA/E8mB set, $689.95. Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Rapido HO EMD E8 diesel locomotive features: 36” fan, 48” fan, or non-dynamic brake […]
This end of year episode of Cody’s Office is packed with new products, a helpful modeling tip, and answers to viewer mail questions. Senior Editor Cody Grivno begins by showcasing the latest from Bachmann Trains–a Trinity 5161 cubic foot capacity, three bay covered hopper in HO scale, which retails for $59. Next, he spotlights the […]
ScaleTrains HO EMD SD38-2 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin connector, $199.99; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, two cube-type speakers, and an ESU-designed “PowerPack” with two super capacitors, $324.99. Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 4901 Old Tasso Road NE, Cleveland, TN 37312; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com ScaleTrains HO EMD SD38-2 features: All-wheel drive and electrical pickup Detailed […]
Atlas N scale General Electric U33B Scale: N (1:160) Price: Direct-current model with factory-installed speaker, $159.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $274.95 Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; shop.atlasrr.com Atlas N scale General Electric U33B features: AAR-B or Blomberg trucks, as appropriate All-new tooling Body-mounted Accumate plastic couplers […]
Looking for something cool to add to your N scale freight car fleet? Then you’ll want to check out the Santa Fe Refrigerator Department (SFRD) class RR-56, RR-60, and RR-61 mechanical reefers from Rapido Trains. The models feature plastic construction, factory-applied details, and body-mounted couplers. Prototype history The 2,995-cubic-foot capacity class RR-56 cars (SFRD 2000-2019, […]
