Atlas Norfolk Southern SD60E in N scale

Color photo showing nose details on N scale locomotive.

The Norfolk Southern SD60E diesel locomotive is making its debut in the Atlas Model Railroad Co. N scale product lineup. Features on the Master Line model include a Scale Speed motor, operating front and rear ditch lights, and body-mounted Accumate couplers. Prototype history Norfolk Southern rebuilt 136 Electro-Motive Division SD60 diesel locomotives of various lineages […]

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How railroads identify buffer service cars

Color photo of HO scale covered hopper painted gray with black graphics.

Q: Although I’m an N scale modeler, I read the review of the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy HO scale buffer car on Trains.com. Reading the description brought up a question. Do railroads designate cars to dedicated buffer service? If so, how are these cars identified as used in buffer service only? — Perry A. Pollino […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for November 2024

red and green holiday model boxcar

Locomotives & rolling stock MTH Electric Trains, 7393 Washington Blvd. Ste. 101, Elkridge, MD 21075, is Norfolk & Western J Class 4-8-4 locomotives as part of the Premier line. The engines will be available in five different cab numbers, feature O-54 operation, Proto-Sound 3.0 and have a quillable whistle 20-3947-1, 20-3948-1, 20-3949-1, 20-3950-1, 20-3951-1, shown). […]

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Atlas N scale SD60E

Screen capture of title screen from product review video.

The Atlas N scale SD60E diesel locomotive is now available in the company’s Master Line. In this video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief history of the prototype diesels, rebuilt by Norfolk Southern at its Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pa.; points out the various freestanding and molded detail parts; and demonstrates […]

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Atlas N scale SD60E

Screen capture of title screen from product review video.

The Atlas N scale SD60E diesel locomotive is now available in the company’s Master Line. In this video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief history of the prototype diesels, rebuilt by Norfolk Southern at its Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pa.; points out the various freestanding and molded detail parts; and demonstrates […]

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Atlas O Fall 2024 Premier catalog

blue model locomotive

Atlas O has released their Fall catalog in late October 2024, which features Premier line locomotives and rolling stock in the Master and Premier lines. All items have an estimated delivery of the third quarter of 2025. New locomotive releases The Atlas Premier GP30 locomotive is new to the line and will be available with […]

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Atlas HO MPI MP36PH-3C diesel locomotive

Color photo showing nose detail on HO scale diesel.

The Motive Power Industries (MPI) MP36PH-3C, a modern four-axle commuter diesel locomotive, is now available from Atlas Model Railroad Co. The HO scale Master Line model, based on True Line Trains tooling, features injection-molded plastic and die-cast metal construction, light-emitting-diode lighting, and metal knuckle couplers. The prototype Our sample is decorated as Metra 403, part […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for October 2024

black hopper car

O gauge locomotives & rolling stock Atlas O, 378 Florence Ave., Hillside NJ 07205, has announced a 55-ton coal hopper car as part of the Premier line. The model features wire grab irons, opening sprung doors, and operates on O-31 curves. It’s available in six paint schemes (3005826 shown). Price: $99.95. Website: shop.atlasrr.com. Atlas O, […]

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Charlie Bailey’s O gauge layout

scene on toy train layout

Charlie Bailey is passionate about toy trains. He collects Standard gauge (modern reissues from Lionel and MTH) and takes pride in the wonderfully detailed and expertly wired O gauge railroad filling much of the lower portion of the home he shares with his wife, Jane. We’re thrilled to be able to tour Charlie Bailey’s 42 […]

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Why do railroads use signals?

A train passes in front of a large mountain in the background

A common question newcomers to model railroading ask is “Why do railroads use signals?” The quick answer is to keep trains moving safely. But the topic of railroad signals deserves more of an explanation. The evolution of railroad signals When trains are running in the same direction on the same line, in opposite directions on […]

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Art Volz’s O-27 gauge layout

A toy train track plan for Art Volz's O-27 gauge layout

Name: Art Volz’s O-27 gauge layoutDimensions: 10 x 20 feet Track and switches: Lionel (diameters range from 27″ to 31″)Motive power: Lionel (postwar, modern)Rolling stock: Lionel (postwar, modern), MenardsControls: Lionel Nos. 1033 and 1034, type-ZW transformersAccessories: Lionel, MTHStructures: Atlas O, Lionel, Menards, MTH, scratchbuilt, Woodland ScenicsVehicles: Ertl, Lucky Die Cast Products, MTH, SpecCast CollectiblesFigures: Bachmann […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for September 2024

model car carrier

Locomotives & rolling stock The Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) is selling a custom-run Lionel LCCA 2024 Omaha Convention Union Pacific Boat Loader (2401230). The car is 10 ½” long and operates on O-27 curves. Price: $95. Limit one car per member. To learn more visit lionelcollectors.org or call the business office at 815-223-0115. […]

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