The evolution of the MR&T herald

Color image of four HO scale freight cars in brown, black, and yellow paint on white background.

Q: In the November Ask Trains video, you were standing in front of a display case filled with Milwaukee, Racine & Troy freight cars. Some featured the familiar square MR&T herald. Other models looked to be from an earlier era. What can you tell me about those cars? — Bert G. A: Alan Cerney, an […]

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Britt Allcroft, ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ TV producer, dies at 81

Britt Allcroft, best known for her television adaptation of Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s Railway Series characters, which introduced a new audience to characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine, has passed away at age 81. Born Hilary Allcroft in West Sussex, England, Allcroft was a successful television producer prior to her involvement with the Thomas the […]

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News & Products for the week of January 6th 2025

A red model rolling stock snowplow

News & Products for the week of January 6th 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 January 6th, […]

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Model Railroader’s favorite products of 2024

A red locomotive model with blue sky background

2024 saw some great model railroad product releases. As we begin a new year, Eric White, Cody Grivno, Mitch Horner, and I take a look back at some Model Railroader’s favorite products of 2024.   ScaleTrains HO scale Milwaukee, Racine & Troy steel cupola caboose As you may have heard, Model Railroader’s HO scale staff […]

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Four basic subterrain scenery methods

Hands wearing blue plastic gloves placing white plaster sheets over model train scenery made from pink insulation board, brown crumpled paper, and blue masking tape.

Modelers have tried many different scenery methods. While each person has their own favorite techniques and preferences, there are several good, time-tested starting points for building scenery. The four most common include the cardboard strip method, the stacked foamboard system, the tape and stuffing option, and the time-honored wire screen and plaster technique. While all […]

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Bachmann HO GE 44-ton diesel

Screen capture showing GE 44-ton switcher in blue and yellow paint on scenicked layout with product description in lower left corner.

The Bachmann HO GE 44-ton diesel locomotive is the subject of our latest product review video. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the switcher and Baltimore & Ohio No. 8301; points out the various detail parts on the model; and demonstrates the sound and light functions on […]

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Bachmann HO GE 44-ton diesel

Screen capture showing GE 44-ton switcher in blue and yellow paint on scenicked layout with product description in lower left corner.

The Bachmann HO GE 44-ton diesel locomotive is the subject of our latest product review video. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the switcher and Baltimore & Ohio No. 8301; points out the various detail parts on the model; and demonstrates the sound and light functions on […]

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Menards HO Cripple Creek Seed & Feed

Color image of weathered gray HO scale building with scenicked base on white background.

Price: $24.99 Manufacturer Menards 5106 Menard Dr. Eau Claire, WI 54703 menards.com/trains Era: 1930s to present Comments: Cripple Creek Seed & Feed joins the ever-growing lineup of HO scale structures from Menards. The factory-assembled model, which measures 4-⅜” wide x 3-¼” deep x 2-7/16” high, uses medium density fiberboard (MDF) construction and has a scenicked […]

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Model trains for the 19th century

Color photo of steam locomotive and train passing over wood trestle and truss bridge.

Q: Many of Model Railroader’s articles, reviews, and advertisements focus on products representing the “modern” era, say the 1940s to the present. That’s OK, and much of your audience obviously enjoys modeling contemporary railroading. However, I’m interested in modeling the railroad industry as it was in the 19th century. Can you suggest the names of […]

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Exclusive Layout Extra | Farewell to the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy

Farewell to the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy | As hosted by Senior Editor Cody Grivno, this salute to Model Railroader magazine’s renowned MR&T (a.k.a “Myrt”) 28 x 54-foot model railroad (Mark II) in HO (1:87) scale, captured historic insights from several influential modelers with firsthand experience working on the treasured layout. Enjoy exclusive clips of the […]

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News & Products for the week of December 30th 2024

A black and red model locomotive

News & Products for the week of December 30th 2024   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 December 30th […]

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