Though I’ve been in the hobby for more than 70 years, I’m still amazed at the number of new products being released. Gone are the days when the Lionel or American Flyer “wish books” would fill our dreams of new engines, cars, or accessories. Now we have the internet, hobby shops, and train shows to showcase new items throughout the year.
While perusing the Railroad Hobby Show in Springfield (Amherst), Massachusetts this January I found a few interesting products you might want to know about. I’ve compiled a list of the most notable items below.
Atlas Model Railroad Co.
Their newest steam locomotive entry is a sharp looking versatile 2-8-0 Consolidation. Available in eight road names and just as many color variations, it now includes a real coal load. From here the list seems never ending and includes the Premier SD70M-2 (eight roadnames), F40PH (nine road names), and two specially decorated SD70ACe units in Norfolk Southern livery. Beyond that, the sky is the limit for Atlas this year and you should view their catalog to view the line of freight, passenger, caboose, troop cars, signals, and buildings.
Like many in the industry, Atlas has added other items to their lineup over the years. First is their extensive line of what they call the “Century Track System” for the 3-rail modeler. For those who like the appearance of scale items, this track system is a good way to go with everything from flex track to preformed curves, crossings, and switches to include high speed, double slip and curved turnouts. Layout plans are included and diagrams on how best to use this system for layout planning. Building kits in a variety of structures, turntable, accessories and signal system fill out the line from Atlas.
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Atlas announces two patriotic SD40-2s
Atlas releases 2026 Premier catalog
Semiquincentennial locomotives in O gauge
Lionel Trains
Lionel’s 2026 catalog includes more than 600 products with dozens of items related to the United States’ 250th anniversary plus regular lines of products. From steam and diesel engines to freight and passenger cars to novelties, the list seems endless. Interesting to note are some items are available not only in O gauge, but also in American Flyer (S gauge) and HO scales.
Their Legacy Line includes new versions of the EMD GP40-2 in nine roadnames and non-powered diesels they call “Breakdown” units that simulate emergencies with dual smoke units, Super Bass sounds, and special lighting effects. You ask for more? How about the C44-9W in an “Honor the Troops” version, plus five western roadnames that include a striking C&NW yellow and green lighting strip unit. Passenger diesels are included and to this end, Lionel has the popular EMD E7 in six roadnames added to the line, complemented with a full run of passenger cars.
Steam engine entries range from the American 4-4-0 as a single purchase or with sets of open-end passenger cars. Larger steamers would include the 250th anniversary American Freedom train livery in a Reading T1 version with matching cars. For the articulated fans, the Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-6 Allegheny (0-72 operation) is now in seven roadnames, the Reading T1 with as built, and a full Reading Crusader train (sans the Freedom Train detailing), plus a full set of hopper cars forming a complete coal train.
Perhaps the biggest news is the Union Pacific Big Boy in the LionChief line. This famed locomotive is decorated in four different models. This line includes the EMD GP7 with smoke in the Chicago and North Western, BNSF, NYC, and Southern Pacific and full sets with both steam and diesel locomotives on the head end.
When it comes to freight cars, there are so many in the catalog that it’s impossible to list them all. I especially like the ethanol cars, available separately or in sets. As far as general freight cars in various roadnames, Lionel has that covered with boxcar, hopper, tank, and others to fill out your consist. The new PS-2CD covered hoppers are impressive. Additionally, cars decorated with cartoon characters, John Deere, Ford, Chevrolet, novelty items from movies and of course, products from both the Polar Express and Christmas lines.
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Semiquincentennial locomotives in O gauge
MTH Electric Trains
It seems the hobby simply cannot get enough of the Alco RS3 and new tooling at the show from MTH proves that point. In a variety of road names including the distinctive “Hammerhead” model, there should be plenty of options to satisfy the serious modeler. Diesels are always on the top of the list today and MTH will reintroduce one of my favorites, the SD40T-2 in seven road names.
For the electric motor fans, the E44 is back. Steam enthusiasts are not forgotten with the handsome NYC Mohawk, USRA Pacific, and Great Northern S-2 topping the list, all with the usual features to make them better. Additionally, you will see additional frieght, open air passenger cars, and 45th anniversary flatcars with attached box trucks. Of course, the RailKing line is included in new entries, as is the variety of RealTraX and updated electronic controls.
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Scenic Express
Scenic Express had a large presence on the show floor and it’s no wonder given the depth of their product lines. Their new SuperLeaf line is impressive and is sure to add much needed details on both trees or ground cover. Recent items include Wild Mats for textured foreground detail, Multi-Turfs, Brier Weed Thicket, and more. Their product line is intensive, I suggest reviewing everything online. According to a rep I talked to during the show, they have discontinued a printed catalog.
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Woodland Scenics
Woodland Scenic’s new interlocking tower drew me to their booth. It’s a two story, single roof tower and includes a lot of great details. For night operation, the tower includes the Just Plug Lighting system. I liked it so much I ordered one for my O scale layout.
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Final thoughts
No doubt, the Amherst show is one of the largest events in the country. No article could cover the entire show and its contents, but I’ve highlighted some of the most interesting things I discovered during my time at the show. It looks like a great year for new products!
