InterMountain HO scale GP16 diesel locomotive

Color photo of screen capture from Product Review video.

The much-anticipated InterMountain HO scale GP16 diesel locomotive recently arrived at our new Brookfield headquarters. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he provides a brief prototype history of the Seaboard Coast Line-rebuilt engines and United States Army No. 4630, points out the various detail parts, and demonstrates the sound and light features on […]

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Lionel’s 75th Anniversary Commemorative Train Set

A long toy train with various different freight cars

Lionel’s 75th Anniversary Commemorative Train Set arrived in stores in 1975. Fundimensions, a division of General Mills that was overseeing production and merchandising of Lionel trains, then created an outstanding and very colorful diesel freight set consisting of nine pieces to honor the grand heritage of Lionel. Lionel is, of course, about to celebrate its […]

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Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels

Screen capture from video showing two HO scale diesels painted yellow and gray.

The Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels are the subject of our latest Product Review video. Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief prototype history of the freight haulers, points out the various factory-applied details on the units, and demonstrates some of the sound and lights functions on the ESU LokSound […]

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Rapido Trains HO scale GP9RM

Color photo showing nose of HO scale diesel locomotive.

A Canadian National GP9RM is now available in HO scale from Rapido Trains. The four-axle, chopped-nose diesel locomotive features a heavy die-cast metal frame, traction motor details on the gearbox, and prototype-specific details. Prototype history From 1981 to 1994, CN rebuilt its fleet of General Motors Diesel Ltd. GP9 locomotives for various duties at its […]

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Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels

Screen capture from video showing two HO scale diesels painted yellow and gray.

The Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels are the subject of our latest Product Review video. Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief prototype history of the freight haulers, points out the various factory-applied details on the units, and demonstrates some of the sound and lights functions on the ESU LokSound […]

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How do mechanical passenger car washers work?

Black-and-white image of streamlined passenger car by trackside mechanical washer.

Q: How do mechanical passenger car washers work? — Steve Moore A: Keeping passenger cars clean is a never-ending battle as they’re subjected to the same dirt, dust, and grime as locomotives and freight cars. While spot cleaning, such as windows, is handled en route, extensive cleaning is handled at coach yards and larger terminals. […]

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ScaleTrains S wide-cupola caboose

Color photo of green and yellow caboose on white background.

An International Car Co. (ICC) wide-cupola caboose is the latest model to join the ScaleTrains S-Helper Service product range. The S scale model features an injection-molded plastic body and features wire handrails and grab irons, factory-installed and painted crew figures, and illuminated light-emitting-diode marker lights. Prototype history The sample we received is decorated as Reading […]

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Menards Liam’s Frozen Custard Stand

lighted structure

One of the great things about having a model railroad is that you can populate it with things that evoke happy memories. Menards has tapped into this with buildings that touch both the nuts and bolts of railroading (manufacturing firms, oil wells, and power plants), and the lighter side as well with hobby shops, cow […]

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Moloco HO Northern Pacific boxcar

Color photo of HO scale boxcar painted brown and silver.

A Northern Pacific HO scale 50-foot XM double-door boxcar is the latest release from Moloco Trains. The ready-to-run model features car-number-specific details, Stanray R3-4 ends, and 8-rung ladders on the sides and ends. A railroad-built car The Moloco model is based on full-size cars built at NP’s Brainerd, Minn., shops between 1956 and 1959. During […]

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Broadway Limited HO scale EMD GP35

Screen capture from Product Review video showing HO scale diesel painted orange and green.

A sample from the latest run of Broadway Limited HO scale EMD GP35 diesel locomotives paid a visit to our Winston-Salem Southbound layout. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the four-axle road locomotive and Burlington Northern No. 2510, points out the details on the plastic and die-cast […]

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Broadway Limited HO scale EMD GP35

Screen capture from Product Review video showing HO scale diesel painted orange and green.

A sample from the latest run of Broadway Limited HO scale EMD GP35 diesel locomotives paid a visit to our Winston-Salem Southbound layout. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the four-axle road locomotive and Burlington Northern No. 2510, points out the details on the plastic and die-cast […]

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