MTH Premier SD60E diesel locomotive

black and white model locomotive

MTH announced its latest run of Norfolk Southern SD60E diesel locomotives in November 2024 and they arrived in late summer 2025. This version, much like its predecessor, features DCS and Proto-Sound 3.0. After nine years (the last run was in 2016), these models have become challenging to find. For those with an affinity for the […]

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Exploring Scranton’s rich railroad heritage

A cutaway view of the interior of a steam locomotive in a railroad museum

This summer, my wife Kris and I took a three-day railroad-themed mini-vacation to Scranton, Pa. This fascinating place is a wonderful way to experience history. Scranton is a complex, layered city with many fascinating elements of railroading to explore and enjoy, but you need to take the time to seek it out — both at […]

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Sources for modern vehicles

Color photo showing two N scale railroad trucks painted green with black graphics.

Q: I would like to feature modern automobiles on my currently under construction layout. Is there a manufacturer that makes vehicles from the late 1990s to modern day? If not, is there any way to make them? — Jake, via email A: You didn’t specify your modeling scale, Jake, but there are multiple sources for […]

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Atlas Trainman HO EMD GP38-2

Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the new Atlas Trainman HO Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP38-2 diesel locomotive. First, you’ll learn new insights about full-size EMD GP38-2 units, and specifics details about Helm Leasing no. 3805, which was originally built as Texas Mexican Railway no. 866. Then, as possible only through video demonstration, Cody highlights the model’s […]

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Atlas Trainman HO EMD GP38-2

Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the new Atlas Trainman HO Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP38-2 diesel locomotive. First, you’ll learn new insights about full-size EMD GP38-2 units, and specifics details about Helm Leasing no. 3805, which was originally built as Texas Mexican Railway no. 866. Then, as possible only through video demonstration, Cody highlights the model’s […]

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News & Products for the week of September 2nd 2025

Five yellow model passenger cars

News & Products for the week of September 2nd 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 September 2nd, […]

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Incorrectly lined switch led to derailment that seriously injured BNSF conductor: NTSB

Image of derailed hopper cars in rail yard

WASHINGTON — An incorrectly lined switch led to an Aug. 5 collision between a BNSF Railway train and standing railcars at Denver’s Globeville Yard, a collision that seriously injured the train’s conductor, according to a preliminary investigation report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The incident occurred about 12:11 a.m., when BNSF Train H-LINDEN1-02A, which […]

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Atlanta study seeks to determine site for new Amtrak station

Passenger train at station with "Atlanta" sign in foreground

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Regional Commission and the city of Atlanta are funding a study to determine a site for a new Amtrak station in the city. “Relocating and modernizing the Atlanta Amtrak Station could create opportunities to improve customer service, ADA accessibility, and multimodal connections for rail travelers,” the ARC says in an online […]

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SMART-MD ratifies new agreement with Union Pacific

SMART-TD union logo

WASHINGTON — Members of the SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department, or SMART-MD, have unanimously ratified a new contract with Union Pacific, the union announced today (Sept. 2, 2025). The agreement, based on terms of deals with other freight railroads, includes annual wage increases totaling 17.5% (more than 18.75% compounded); paid vacation for new-hire employees […]

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In memoriam: Len Carparelli

man and woman standing next to show booth

Leonard Carparelli has passed away at the age of 75 on August 27, 2025.  It seems fitting to share part of an article Roger Carp wrote for the November/December 2022 issue, where one of Len’s repainted engines was featured on the cover.  We at CTT send our condolences to the Carparelli family. – Rene Len […]

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RMT East Broad Top tank car

silver and black model tank car

The history of the tank car dates back more than 150 years. Coworker Carl Swanson from Trains Magazine wrote an article about their history if you’d like to learn more. This car is a single-domed version, lettered for the East Broad Top Railroad (No. RMT-96899-12). I was surprised to learn that the EBT owned one […]

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