ScaleTrains HO scale EMD SD7 diesel locomotive

The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division SD7 HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is highlighted in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno explores the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line, focusing here on the highly detailed Great Northern No. 572. Built in April 1953, the prototype 1,500hp locomotive originally sported the iconic Empire […]

Read More…

ScaleTrains HO scale EMD SD7 diesel locomotive

The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division SD7 HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is highlighted in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno explores the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line, focusing here on the highly detailed Great Northern No. 572. Built in April 1953, the prototype 1,500hp locomotive originally sported the iconic Empire […]

Read More…

Midday Modeler – January 29th, 2026

Midday Modeler – January 29th, 2026 |The Midday Modeler livestream event kicks off 2026 with several members of the Trains.com crew keeping busy in and around the workshop! Enjoy the replay here, and you’ll see David sharing several new books that recently arrived at shop.trains.com — along with a sneak peek at a brand-new book in the […]

Read More…

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 […]

Read More…

ScaleTrains HO scale EMD SD38-2 diesel locomotive

The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division SD38-2 HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is featured in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the unit, which is part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line. The reviewed model is decorated as GATX no. 1245. This 2,000-horsepower unit has a rich history, originally built […]

Read More…

ScaleTrains HO scale EMD SD38-2 diesel locomotive

The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division SD38-2 HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is featured in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the unit, which is part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line. The reviewed model is decorated as GATX no. 1245. This 2,000-horsepower unit has a rich history, originally built […]

Read More…

Model Railroader’s favorite products of 2025

Profile of O scale diesel locomotive model

2025 marked another great year for new releases in model railroading. Whatever your scale or discipline in the hobby, odds are good that there was a new release that caught your eye and had you reaching for your wallet. As we look forward to 2026, Eric White, Cody Grivno, Lucas Iverson, and David Popp take […]

Read More…

Can DC and DCC locomotives run on the same layout?

Color photo showing two HO scale locomotive shells, one dark blue and one light blue, with mechanisms in foreground on white background.

Q: I have several On30 locomotives with Digital Command Control (DCC), but was recently gifted a passenger set that has a direct-current (DC) locomotive. If some DCC locomotives are sitting on the track, can I use a DC transformer to operate the DC engine on the same track without damaging the DCC locomotives? What would […]

Read More…

News & Products for the week of December 22nd 2025

Color photo showing part of HO scale caboose painted red and black with white graphics on scenicked base with a blue backdrop.

News & Products for the week of December 22nd 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 22nd, 2025. […]

Read More…

News & Products for the week of December 15th 2025

Color photo showing group of HO scale three-bay covered hoppers with exterior posts in various paint schemes on white background.

News & Products for the week of December 15th 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 15th, 2025. HO […]

Read More…

News & Products for the week of December 8th 2025

Color photo showing nose of HO passenger locomotive painted black, dark blue, yellow, and gray on scenicked base with a sky background with clouds.

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. […]

Read More…

ScaleTrains HO EMD SD38-2

Color photo showing nose of HO scale EMD six-axle hood unit painted dark brown and white with blue and white graphics on white background.

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 […]

Read More…