Electro-Motive Division’s NW5

Photo of HO scale locomotive model in black, white, and gold paint

Electro-Motive Division’s NW5 history Electro-Motive Division’s NW5: Steam was still king when Electro-Motive Division (EMD) produced the NW5 diesel locomotive. However, railroads were taking note of the economy of performance offered by the various yard diesels entering the marketplace. This led railroads to approach EMD about the possibility of constructing low-cost diesels that could be […]

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Colonial house kit from Walthers Cornerstone

Model of colonial-style house

Colonial house kit Scale: HO (1:87:1) Price: $39.98 Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com Colonial house features: Injection-molded plastic construction Attached one-car garage with interior wall framing Covered front porch Ornate trim Separate windows and shutters Molded in four colors Measures: 6-3/4” x 5” x 4-3/4” Release date: Winter 2023 […]

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Where to find railroad maps online

A portion of a hand-drawn map from 1910 showing buildings, streets, and railroad lines

Model railroaders have long relied on historic maps for information about track arrangements, trackside industries, and building footprints. With the continual growth of the internet, finding these railroad maps online is becoming easier all the time. Here are some helpful sources for finding both current and historic railroad maps online. Sanborn Fire Insurance maps Sanborn […]

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What would the HO size be of a football or soccer field?

Ask Trains logo

Looking for help with your model railroad? Cody answers this question in this video of Ask Trains. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and Trains.com […]

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General American G85 85-foot flatcar from Walthers

Drawing of green flatcar with white background

Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $34.98 Era: 1961 to late 2000s Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218, 414-527-0770, walthers.com General American 85-foot G85 flatcar features: Different size nameplates to match prototype General American (GATC) hitches in raised and lowered positions or container pedestals as appropriate Die-cast metal center sill Detailed […]

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Walthers auto parts boxcar

Screen capture of HO scale boxcar on wood workbench.

An HO scale 60-foot double-door auto parts boxcar is back in the Walthers product lineup. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he reviews the Mainline series car, based on a Pullman-Standard (PS) prototype. The Walthers auto parts boxcar has updated tooling featuring new car sides; 10- and 6-foot doors; a separate, factory-applied brake […]

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53-foot intermodal container with refrigeration unit from Walthers

White intermodal container with "Tiger Cool Express" logo on side

53-foot reefer container Scale: HO (1:87:1) Price: $17.98 Era: Modern Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com 53-foot reefer container features: Injection-molded plastic construction Refrigeration unit Compatible with WalthersProto or Mainline well cars (sold separately) Release date: Winter 2023 Paint schemes: Axsun (white, black, and yellow), Canadian National (white, green, and black […]

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Atlas O bulkhead flatcar

Screen shot of O scale freight car on wood workshop bench

The Atlas O 68-foot bulkhead flatcar is back in new paint schemes and road numbers. Model Railroader magazine Senior Editor Cody Grivno hosts our latest product review video, taking an in-depth look at the Trainman series model. Features on the bulkhead flatcar include side stake pockets, simulated tie loops, a fish-belly center sill, pull plates, […]

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Westerfield Models LLC re-releases Norfolk & Western 46-foot battleship gondola

Model of six-axle dark gray gondola

Norfolk & Western 46-foot battleship gondola Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $47 plus shipping Era: 1914-1930 Manufacturer: Westerfield Models LLC, 1964 Lacey Ct., Gardnerville, NV 89410; 303-658-9343; westerfieldmodels.com Norfolk & Western class GKa/GKb 46-foot battleship gondola features: Unpainted one-piece cast urethane body with integral frame Cast urethane detail parts Yarmouth etched bronze eyebolts Decals covering all versions […]

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Walthers 40-foot Ortner 100-ton aggregate hopper

Model of yellow hopper with white background

40-foot Ortner 100-ton aggregate hopper Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $44.98 Era: 1970s to present (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com 40-foot Ortner 100-ton aggregate hopper features: Air-equipped door details as appropriate Factory-installed wire grab irons and end railings Removable load Detailed brake […]

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