Bachmann HO Airslide covered hopper review

Color photo of showing portion of HO scale covered hopper painted two-tone blue with yellow, blue, black, and white graphics on white background.

A newly-tooled model has joined the Bachmann HO scale freight car lineup. The General American 4,180-cubic-foot capacity Airslide covered hopper, offered in four paint schemes, features injection-molded plastic construction, 36″ metal wheelsets, and body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II plastic couplers. Prototype history General American produced the 4180 Airslide from 1963 to 1980. The cars were […]

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Which combinations of HO scale couplers work well together?

Color photo of red and gray HO scale EMD hood unit switching maroon boxcars at tan and blue industry with faded black tank car in background.

Q: I’m getting back into model railroading after a 50 year hiatus. I’m having trouble with knuckle couplers that won’t connect. I have new rolling stock from Athearn, Walthers, ScaleTrains, and Accurail. I also have several cars that I converted to Kadee. Couplers from different manufacturers don’t seem to work together. Are there any combinations […]

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Bachmann HO Amtrak Acela II set

Color photo showing two modern streamlined locomotives and three passenger cars in red, white, and blue paint on white background.

Bachmann HO Amtrak Acela II set Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Set, $799; separate-sale Business Class cars, $139 each Manufacturer: Bachmann Industries Inc., 1400 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19124; 215-533-1600; shop.bachmanntrains.com Bachmann HO Amtrak Acela II set features: One powered direct-current locomotive with working, directional light-emitting-diode headlights and marker lights; operating ditch lights and number […]

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An interview with Bachmann Industries

Multiple products from Bachmann

With its Bicentennial year just around the corner, Bachmann Industries is still kicking as the world’s largest distributor in the model railroad industry and hobby. Marketing and Licensing Manager Matt Stern and Product Development Manager Tyler Haney joined Model Railroader Editor Eric White and Trains.com Assistant Digital Editor Lucas Iverson to discuss more about the […]

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Cody’s Office | December 2025

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 […]

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Cody’s Office | December 2025

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 […]

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Bachmann HO Trinity 5161 covered hopper review

Color photo showing left side and B end of modern covered hopper painted mineral red with white, yellow, and black graphics on white background

A Trinity Industries 5,161-cubic-foot capacity three-bay covered hopper is now part of Bachmann’s growing lineup of modern HO scale freight cars. The injection-molded plastic model features screw-mounted roller-bearing trucks, metal wheelsets, and body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II couplers. Prototype history The 5161 covered hopper has been part of the Trinity Industries (now TrinityRail) catalog since […]

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News & Products for the week of November 3rd 2025

A black model steam locomotive

News & Products for the week of November 3rd 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 November 3rd, […]

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News & Products for the week of October 27th 2025

A red, white and blue model caboose painted in an American bicentennial scheme

News & Products for the week of October 27th 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 October 27th, […]

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News & Products for the week of October 20th 2025

A navy blue and yellow model locomotive

News & Products for the week of October 20th 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 October 20th, […]

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Must-have products for a Burlington Northern layout

Color photo showing front of HO scale diesel painted yellow and black with red, white, and black graphics on scenic base with sky backdrop.

The Burlington Northern RR began operations in March 1970, the product of a merger between the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Great Northern; Northern Pacific; and Spokane, Portland & Seattle. It was also the railroad I grew up with in Crookston, Minn., my hometown in northwest Minnesota. For many years, I’ve been researching the early years […]

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