December 2025

The December 2025 issue of Model Railroader

Featured

In this Issue

DIY DCC on a budget

Build a simple Arduino-based DCC system

Modeling the New River Subdivision

This 19 x 24-foot HO scale Chesapeake & Ohio layout is set in 1957

Modeling North Bennington, Vermont

This HO scale Layout Design Element is based on a location along the Rutland Ry.

The NMRA turns 90

The National Model Railroad Association’s early adoption of standards helped the hobby to grow

Easy turnout control panels

Push buttons and indicator lights make it easy to line turnouts and check routes

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. 24
Model a Bulldog Mack truck in O scale

PROTOTYPE TO MODEL, pg. 60
The end is in sight

ON OPERATION, pg. 61
Markers

TRACKSIDE PHOTOS, pg. 62

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS AND CARTOON  pg. 73

TRAINS OF THOUGHT, pg. 74
Who needs a train?