February 2026

The February 2026 cover of Model Railroader, which features a yellow diesel locomotive model on a model railroad layout

Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 What’s your modeling era? NEWS AND REVIEWS, pg. 10 Hobby industry news ASK MR, pg. 18 Can DC and DCC locomotives run on the same layout? RAILWAY POST OFFICE, pg. 24 Letters from our readers STEP […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for February 2026

red and white model boxcar

Locomotives & rolling stock The Train Loft, 4007-B Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27104, has announced a custom-run MTH 36’ Woodside Reefer as part of the Premier line. The car will be available in two numbers and features O-31 operation (20-94784 shown). Expected delivery in February 2026. Price: $84.95. Website: trainloft.com Mr. Muffin’s Trains, 165 […]

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Trains Photo Contest 2026: The Unexpected

Trains Photo Contest 2026: The unexpected. Blur of train at night in a storm with lightning.

The 2026 contest theme is: The Unexpected Trains Magazine and the National Railway Historical Society are teaming up again to present the 2026 photo contest. This year’s theme: The Unexpected. A railroad photography adventure is much like a day fishing — you never know what you’re going to catch. You were expecting a pair of […]

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New publication from Classic Toy Trains

large model bridge on train layout

It’s my pleasure to tell you, our devoted readers of Classic Toy Trains, about our brand-new colorful and informative 100-page special-interest publication: Great Layouts You Can Visit! Packed with photos and filled with stories and details, it offers toy train enthusiasts of every age, background, and level of interest and experience something enjoyable and useful. […]

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January 2026

The January 2026 cover of Model Railroader magazine

Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 New year, new projects NEWS AND REVIEWS, pg. 10 Hobby industry news ASK MR, pg. 18 Veedersburg, Ind., signals STEP BY STEP, pg. 24 Make your own photo backdrops TRACKSIDE PHOTOS, pg. 70 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS […]

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Fall 2025

The Fall 2025 cover of Classic Toy Trains magazine, which features a black steam toy locomotive

Also in this issue: EDITOR’S DESK, pg. 4 The benefits of club membership YOUR LETTERS, pg. 6 YOUR PHOTOS, pg. 8 NEWS & REVIEWS, pg. 12 Trainz acquires Lionel parts; LCCA founder turns 90; new Atlas items, Menards freight cars, and more QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, pg. 18 Cleaning postwar rolling stock, converting MTH diesel to […]

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December 2025

The December 2025 cover of Model Railroader which features a model steam train passing a yellow depot structure on a snow covered model railroad layout

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. […]

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Trains.com Insider Exclusive Interviews | Lionel Trains LLC

Trains.com Insider Exclusive Interviews | Lionel Trains LLC — Go inside the legendary Lionel Trains LLC headquarters in Concord, North Carolina, with Classic Toy Trains editor Rene Schweitzer, as she explores intriguing places and the key people bringing your favorite products to life. Take a quick look around, and then check out these exclusive, full-length […]

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