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 13th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest hobby news by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates.
Hobbyshop Window for March 13th 2026
HO scale Electro-Motive Division GP38-2 diesel locomotive. This Athearn Genesis model is decorated for Conrail (1979+), Canadian Pacific (1987+ and 2000s+), CSX (1987+ [Primed for Grime] and 1989+), Norfolk Southern (high short hood, mid-1980s to early 1990s), Seaboard System (1984+), and Union Pacific (late 1980s+ and 2016+). Features on the HO scale hood unit, offered in two to four road numbers per scheme, include prototype-specific details, illuminated number boxes and class lights (where appropriate), a detailed cab interior, Celcon handrails, wire grab irons, and all-wheel drive and electrical pickup. Direct-current models with a 21-pin NEM connector are priced at $219.99. Versions with a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decorated retail for $319.99. Add $10 to Primed for Grime models. Athearn Trains, 800-338-4639, athearn.com
HO scale National Steel Car 5,150-cubic-foot capacity three-bay covered hopper. Road names on the latest run of this WalthersMainline car include Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern; Archer Daniels Midland; BNSF Ry.; Canadian National; Richardson (TRGX reporting marks); and Union Pacific (Omaha Road marks). The HO scale car is offered in three road numbers per scheme and is also available painted gray with data only and undecorated. The three-bay covered hopper, priced at $44.98, has a plastic body with raised panel weld seams; thin profile running boards, stirrup steps, and end ladders and platforms; trough-style roof hatches with handle details; roller-bearing trucks with 36” metal wheelsets; and Proto-Max metal couplers. Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 414-527-0770, walthers.com
HO scale Trinity 3,281-cubic-foot capacity two-bay covered hopper. This modern-era freight car is decorated for Arkansas-Oklahoma RR; CIT Group (CBFX reporting marks); Cementos Mexicanos; Keg River; Norfolk Southern; and Omaha, Lincoln & Beatrice in four road numbers per scheme. Details on the WalthersMainline HO scale covered hopper include separate, factory-applied brake gear, running board, discharge gates, inlet hatches, and end ladder cages; 36” metal wheelsets; and body-mounted Proto-Max metal couplers. The Trinity 3281 covered hopper sells for $39.98. Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 414-527-0770, walthers.com
O scale Ronald Reagan boyhood home. Midwest home-improvement chain Menards has added this structure to its lineup of factory-assembled buildings. The O scale model, priced at $100, is based on the prototype in Dixon, Ill., and features figures of Ronald and Nancy Reagan; red, white, and blue bunting; a lighted porch with two chairs and hanging plants; a scenicked base with sign; and an illuminated interior. The lighting features require a 4.5V power supply, sold separately. The house measures 8-⅛” x 10” x 7-⅝”. Menards, menards.com/trains
N scale F40PH-2 diesel locomotive. Rapido Trains offers VIA Rail’s four-axle passenger diesel in rebuilt and as-delivered versions. The N scale rebuilt F40PH-2 (above) is decorated in the Renaissance scheme, Love the Way wrap, and $10 bill scheme. As-delivered models are painted in the original, Canada, Operation Lifesaver, Telus, Kool-Aid, and Home Hardware schemes. The locomotive, offered in one to three road numbers per scheme, features a prototype-specific body and details; working headlights, ditch lights, and number boxes; factory-installed grab irons and handrails; and underbody details including separate piping. The N scale F40PH-2 has a suggested minimum radius of 11”. Direct-current models are priced at $159.95. Versions with an ESU LokSound sound decoder and MoPower capacitor retail for $269.95. Rapido Trains, 905-474-3314, rapidotrains.com
Hobbyshop Window is a frequent feature on Trains.com for model railroad operators and builders to see the latest arrivals from the industry’s leading companies. If you’re a manufacturer and would like to have your items featured in Hobbyshop Window, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cody.grivno@firecrown.com.
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