For many years Hobbyshop Window was a popular department in the pages of Model Railroader magazine. We’re excited to bring it back as a frequent feature on Trains.com. Here’s a recap of some of the items that arrived at our offices for the week ending March 6th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]
Type of Train: Diesel Locomotives
CN introduces two America 250 locomotives
HOMEWOOD, Ill. — Canadian National today unveiled two locomotives to launch its celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying the units “represent the dual pillars of the American story: independence and innovation.” Locomotive No. 1776 features a “Screaming Eagle” design. “The ‘Screaming Eagle’ has deep historical roots,” the railway says in a press […]
Athearn HO EMD SD40-2 diesel locomotive
In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn HO scale Electro-Motive Division SD40-2. Cody begins with the prototype history, noting that EMD produced more than 3,900 units between January 1972 and February 1986. These six-axle units were rated at 3,000 horsepower and featured a 16-cylinder 645E3C diesel engine. The […]
Athearn HO scale EMD SD40-2 diesel locomotive
In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn HO scale Electro-Motive Division SD40-2. Cody begins with the prototype history, noting that EMD produced more than 3,900 units between January 1972 and February 1986. These six-axle units were rated at 3,000 horsepower and featured a 16-cylinder 645E3C diesel engine. The […]
CPKC becomes first Class I to unveil America 250 locomotive
CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific Kansas City took the wraps off its America 250 locomotive today, becoming the first Class I railroad to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial with a specially painted locomotive. “This locomotive, built and painted in Fort Worth, Texas, honors the remarkable and proud history of America as we prepare to mark the nation’s […]
Modeling the Buckingham Branch in HO scale
Q: I model the Shenandoah Valley in HO scale and I have some questions. Where can I find HO scale Buckingham Branch locomotives (preferably GP38-2s) and rolling stock? If there are none available, what paint and decals should I use to custom decorate a GP38-2? — Caleb Miller A: The Buckingham Branch (BB) is a […]
News photos: MBTA debuts New York Central heritage unit
BOSTON — The third of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s three heritage locomotives, this one honoring the New York Central, has entered service today (Monday, March 2). The three locomotives, honoring predecessors to today’s MBTA commuter rail service, are the last three F40PH-3C units in a group of 37 to be overhauled. The heritage units […]
East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 33 | Making Trees
In this episode of the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park project railroad construction series, David Popp demonstrates how to transform natural Super Trees into convincing scale vegetation. You’ll master the essential preparation process: cleaning delicate branches, grafting parts to fill sparse areas, and using a matte medium solution to prevent long-term degradation. We’ll also […]
Classic Toy Trains new products for March 2026
Locomotives & rolling stock MTH Electric Trains, 7393 Washington Blvd. Ste. 101, Elkridge, MD 21075, is offering O Scale SD40T-2 Diesel Locomotive as part of the Premier line. The engines will be available in seven roadnames, feature prototypical cab numbers, and have O-42 operation (20-22123 shown). Expected delivery in May 2026. Price: Website: mthtrains.com Mr. […]
Wabtec and Progress Rail settle antitrust case
Wabtec and Progress Rail said today that they have reached a settlement in the antitrust case that Progress Rail brought against Wabtec in 2023. In the suit, Progress Rail argued that its larger rival engaged in anticompetitive behavior and should have to divest its acquisition of GE Transportation. The 2019 GE acquisition, Progress Rail said […]
Athearn Genesis HO GE Dash 9-44CW review
The latest product sample from Athearn Trains sent me on a nostalgia trip. Inside was Burlington Northern Santa Fe Dash 9-44CW 960. The HO scale model, from the manufacturer’s Genesis series, was decorated in the railroad’s Heritage I paint scheme. I immediately flashed back to the second half of 1996 when these units were making […]
MBTA seeks new battery-electric, diesel locomotives for commuter service
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has issued a Request for Proposals for battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives as part of its efforts to modernize its equipment fleet and upgrade regional rail service. The RFP, released today (Feb. 25) and available here, is part of a procurement coordinated with the Maryland Transit Administration. […]
