Railbox models in HO scale

Color photo of HO scale boxcar painted yellow on white background.

In October, Editor Eric White, Associate Editor Bryson Sleppy, and I attended the Railroad Prototype Modelers Conference at the Northern Illinois University campus in Naperville, Ill. We enjoyed a day of visiting with contributors, looking at layouts and models, and talking with manufacturers in the vendor room. In addition, we split up and attended as […]

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N scale EMD SD40T-2 from ScaleTrains

Color photo of N scale diesel locomotive on scenic base.

An Electro-Motive Division SD40T-2 is making its debut in the ScaleTrains N scale diesel locomotive lineup. The all-new Rivet Counter line model features plastic and die-cast metal construction, a five-pole skew-wound motor with dual flywheels, and all-wheel drive and electrical pickup. Prototype history Southern Pacific approached EMD looking for a locomotive that would address overheating […]

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News & Products for the week of December 2nd 2024

News & Products for the week of December 2nd 2024   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 2nd […]

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News & Products for the week of November 18th 2024

A black and green model locomotive

News & Products for the week of November 18th 2024   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 18th […]

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News & Products for the week of November 11th 2024

A black model caboose

News & Products for the week of November 11th 2024   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 11th […]

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ScaleTrains N scale EMD SD40T-2

Title screen from product review video showing N scale diesel painted yellow and gray.

The ScaleTrains N scale EMD SD40T-2 diesel locomotive recently visited our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy State Line Route. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he provides a short history of the tunnel motor locomotive and Union Pacific 8803; highlights the many prototype-specific details on the Rivet Counter line model; and demonstrates the sound […]

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How railroads identify buffer service cars

Color photo of HO scale covered hopper painted gray with black graphics.

Q: Although I’m an N scale modeler, I read the review of the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy HO scale buffer car on Trains.com. Reading the description brought up a question. Do railroads designate cars to dedicated buffer service? If so, how are these cars identified as used in buffer service only? — Perry A. Pollino […]

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ScaleTrains N scale EMD SD40T-2

Title screen from product review video showing N scale diesel painted yellow and gray.

The ScaleTrains N scale EMD SD40T-2 diesel locomotive recently visited our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy State Line Route. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he provides a short history of the tunnel motor locomotive and Union Pacific 8803; highlights the many prototype-specific details on the Rivet Counter line model; and demonstrates the sound […]

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ScaleTrains, Virtual Railfan support Hurricane Helene relief efforts

ScaleTrains logo

Model railroad manufacturer ScaleTrains and railroad live streaming website Virtual Railfan have announced their support for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Their offices, located at 4901 Old Tasso Rd., Cleveland, Tenn., are serving as a drop-off location for food, hygiene, and supply contributions. ScaleTrains and Virtual Railfan have also pledged financial support for hurricane relief efforts. […]

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News & Products for the week of September 30th 2024

A white and green model passenger car against a gray background

News & Products for the week of September 30th 2024   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 September 30th […]

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ScaleTrains S wide-cupola caboose

Color photo of green and yellow caboose on white background.

An International Car Co. (ICC) wide-cupola caboose is the latest model to join the ScaleTrains S-Helper Service product range. The S scale model features an injection-molded plastic body and features wire handrails and grab irons, factory-installed and painted crew figures, and illuminated light-emitting-diode marker lights. Prototype history The sample we received is decorated as Reading […]

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