News & Products for the week of February 17th 2025

A blue model boxcar from the front end of the model

News & Products for the week of February 17th 2025   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of February 17th, […]

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GE’s ES44C4 and ET44C4 locomotives

Four locomotives lead a doublestack train around a curve on a doule-track rail line

The roots of GE’s ES44C4 and ET44C4 locomotives reach back to the transition period in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when North American railroads were slowly converting from DC traction to AC traction six-axle road units and  locomotive builders sought ways to completely eliminate six-axle DC locomotives from their order books. The answer came […]

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Railroad paint schemes

Color photo of two HO scale diesels in green and black paint.

Hobbyists are drawn to specific railroads for a variety of reasons. Perhaps it was the line that served their hometown. Or maybe a relative worked on the railroad. Another reason — with less sentimental attachment — is that they like the paint scheme. The colors applied to diesel locomotives and freight cars are far from […]

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A closer look at well cars

Color photo of weathered yellow well car with cherry blossom magenta and blue containers.

Q: I’ve noticed 53-foot intermodal containers on top of what I believe are 40-foot containers. What I’m not sure about is whether the smaller container is in a 40-foot well car or a 53-foot car? — David Bellamy A: The 40-foot intermodal container in the bottom position can be in a 40- or 53-foot well […]

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10 must-visit historic railroad towns

Passenger train with Chicago skyline in background

Visiting a railroad town can take you on a journey through not only the town itself, but also its railroading’s past, present, and even future. Whether you’re just passing through or have an opportunity to stay for an extended getaway, consider these 10 must-visit historic railroad towns that’ll range from the OG of railroad towns […]

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News & Products for the week of February 10th 2025

An image of two gray model locomotives with red, white, and blue striping

News & Products for the week of February 10th 2025   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of February 10th, […]

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Railway 200: Celebrating railroading’s bicentennial

Steam locomotive with a short passenger train rolling through the English countryside

In 2025, the United Kingdom is celebrating Railway 200, marking the bi-centenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which opened for service on Sept. 27, 1825. More than just an historical commemoration, Railway 200 is a great public awareness campaign encompassing dozens of separately organized events across the UK and beyond aiming to entertain, educate […]

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Aurora Miniatures N Greenbrier 7550 boxcar

Side view of N scale boxcar painted yellow and black on white background

The Greenbrier 7,550-cubic-foot capacity double-plug-door boxcar is the first N scale freight car from Aurora Miniatures North America Inc. The injection-molded plastic model features many separate, factory-applied parts; metal wheelsets; and body-mounted plastic AuroraJanney plastic knuckle couplers. Prototype history The Aurora Miniatures N Greenbrier 7550 boxcar is based on the 2016 to present version of […]

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Tips for modeling station signs

Color photo of gray metal building with doors, windows, and brick chimney.

Q: I’m working on adding lineside details to my freelance model railroad. I’d like to add station signs to help my operators identify various locations on the layout. Though I’m not modeling a specific prototype, I want the signs to look realistic. Where can I find information on prototype station signs? — Bobby T. A: […]

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News & Products for the week of February 3rd 2025

A blue, red and white model locomotive on model rail track

News & Products for the week of February 3rd 2025   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of February 3rd, […]

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Decade-plus of technological advancements in model locomotives

Color photo of N scale diesel locomotive mechanism.

Locomotives, regardless of scale, have always been at the forefront of technological advancements in model railroading. Over the past decade, this trend has accelerated: bringing in innovative features and enhancements that redefine the hobby. Whether they’re seen as trailblazers for the future or as models featuring nothing but “all the bells and whistles,” let’s explore […]

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