Historical Chicago terminal railroads: Still going Strong

Back-and-white photo of a switcher operating in rural area

Chicago has always had a plethora of terminal railroads. Many have come and gone, but a handful with historical roots dating to the late 19th Century are still active today, and vital to keeping the freight and passenger traffic consistently moving in and out of the city. These are Historical Chicago terminal railroads that are […]

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ScaleTrains HO EMD SD40-2

Color photo showing nose of HO scale EMD hood unit painted green, black, and white on white backdrop.

ScaleTrains HO EMD SD40-2 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin connector, $214.99; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, two cube-type speakers, and ESU designed PowerPack with two super capacitors, $324.99 Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 4901 Old Tasso Road NE Cleveland, TN 37312; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com ScaleTrains HO EMD SD40-2 features: All-wheel drive and electrical pickup Factory-applied […]

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Lionel Bobblehead Collection Unveiled to Celebrate 125th Anniversary

four lion custom bobbleheads

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a Lionel Trains® Bobblehead Collection to celebrate the American toy train brand’s 125th Anniversary. The bobbleheads are being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, an official licensee of Lionel Trains LLC. The four limited-edition bobbleheads feature Lionel’s long-time mascot, Lenny. Lenny the […]

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News & Products for the week of October 6th 2025

A model diesel electric locomotive

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

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Walthers HO tanker trailers

Color photo showing rear side view of HO scale tanker trailer with plated finish, red-and-white stripes, printed hazmat placard, spare tire, and dual rear axles

Walthers HO tanker trailers 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 Features on Walthers HO tanker trailers: Company names matched to Walthers Cornerstone industries Factory-installed lowered landing gear and toolbox Freestanding ladder on side or back as appropriate Injection-molded plastic construction Modeler-installed raised […]

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Working with 3D-printed parts

Color photo showing HO scale 3D printed truck bed attached to the support structure on white background. A metal sprue cutter is also visible in the image.

Q: I’m excited by all the new 3D-printed figures and details that have become available. Lately, however, I’ve received some figures that are still attached to the support structure. I work in HO scale, and I’m not sure how to safely remove all this material without damaging the details or figures. Do you have any […]

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Holiday Trains: a Journey to Remember This Season

A red passenger car reflects the holiday lights from a brightly decorated depot with a passenger platform paved with brick

Tis the season for trains Checking the list twice for holiday specials Tis the season for winter holiday trains! My advice for holiday planners hoping to have a wonderful winter train ride is to follow Santa’s example: make your list and check it twice. However, if you get a lump of coal, consider that a […]

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News & Products for the week of September 29th 2025

A black model steam locomotive with a coal tender

News & Products for the week of September 29th 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 29th, […]

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WalthersProto HO EMD NW2

Color photo showing cab end of HO scale switcher. Model is painted yellow, gray, and silver with red graphics and shown on a white background.

WalthersProto HO EMD NW2 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct current with factory-installed speaker, $219.98; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $319.98 Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com WalthersProto HO EMD NW2 features: All-new tooling Association of American Railroads Type A sideframes Cab interior with seats and crew […]

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WalthersProto HO scale test car

Color photo of HO scale test car painted green and yellow on white background

WalthersProto HO scale test car Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $49.98 Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com WalthersProto HO scale test car features: 33” metal wheels Covered or exposed wheel bearings Die-cast metal body Factory-installed wire grab irons Multiple photo-etched brass placards as appropriate Road-name-specific reporting marks, stencils, […]

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