For many years Hobbyshop Window was a popular department in the pages of Model Railroader magazine. We’re excited to bring it back as an occasional feature on Trains.com. Here’s a recap of some of the items that arrived at our offices for the week ending February 27th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]
Era: 1946 - 1970
DVL Design LLC HO scale neon sign kit review
If you’re looking for a fun, easy-to-build detail for your structures, check out the Ne Series of HO scale neon sign kits, part of the Noble Gas & Tungsten line from DVL Design LLC. As of press time, there are more than 200 sign designs; three etched-metal frame styles — grid, open, and panel; and […]
Troop train operations during World War II
Q: While thinking through the operating scheme for my World War II-era (1944) model railroad, I wondered where troop trains sat in timetable priority. Obviously they were extras, but were they bumped up in priority to first class due to the war effort? — Callum Day A: I reached out to our former On Operation […]
News & Products for the week of February 23rd 2026
News & Products for the week of February 23rd 2026 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 February 23rd […]
John Brennan’s Chicago, Peoria & Western in HO scale
Tour the HO scale (1:87.1) Chicago, Peoria & Western, John Brennan’s masterfully designed model railroad depicting the flatlands of Illinois in September 1940. Housed in a dedicated 35 x 45-foot building, this expansive walk-in empire features a 230-foot mainline modeled after the CB&Q, EJ&E, and Illinois Central. The open-grid benchwork supports meticulously handlaid code 70 […]
Hobbyshop Window for February 20th 2026
For many years Hobbyshop Window was a popular department in the pages of Model Railroader magazine. We’re excited to bring it back as an occasional feature on Trains.com. Here’s a recap of some of the items that arrived at our offices for the week ending February 20th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]
WalthersProto scale test car in HO review
A scale test car was recently released by Wm. K. Walthers Inc. The HO scale model, part of the manufacturer’s Proto range, features die-cast metal construction, prototype-specific details, and Proto-Max metal couplers. Prototype history Scale test cars are used in the calibration of track scales found at on-line customers. The WalthersProto model follows the lines […]
How to model a tar-and-gravel roof
Q: I want to simulate the type of roof that uses rubber, tar, and then stone. I was thinking of painting the roof with a glossy black and then putting cinder ballast on it to simulate the rocks. Has anyone done this type of roof? If so, how did you do it? — Rick, via […]
News & Products for the week of February 16th 2026
News & Products for the week of February 16th 2026 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 February 16th […]
Hobbyshop Window for February 13th 2026
For many years Hobbyshop Window was a popular department in the pages of Model Railroader magazine. We’re excited to bring it back as an occasional feature on Trains.com. Here’s a recap of some of the items that arrived at our offices for the week ending February 13th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]
Atlas N scale GE U33B review
A General Electric U33B is the latest diesel locomotive to join the Master Line from Atlas Model Railroad Co. The newly-tooled model features prototype-specific details, a Scale Speed motor, and body-mounted Accumate couplers. Prototype history General Electric produced the U33B from September 1967 until August 1970. During that time 137 locomotives were built. The four-axle […]
CN 2-8-0 in the rain
In a 1957 view from a crossing watchman’s tower at Burlington, Ont., elderly Canadian National 2-8-0 2647 passes in heavy rain with a Hamilton–Toronto local freight. Philip R. Hastings photo […]
