News & Products for the week of February 10th 2025

An image of two gray model locomotives with red, white, and blue striping

News & Products for the week of February 10th 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 February 10th, […]

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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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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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MR&T HO scale caboose kit

Side view of HO caboose painted brown and black.

A Milwaukee, Racine & Troy offset-cupola caboose kit is now available at Shop.Trains.com. The model, produced by ScaleTrains and part of the manufacturer’s Kit Classics line, has an injection-molded plastic body with a separate cupola and underbody. Kit features Steel cabooses like this were a staple on our freelance HO scale railroad for many years. […]

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Model Train History: From Tinplates to Detailed Collectibles

A model train crosses over a river on a bridge

Model trains have long captivated the imagination of hobbyists, collectors, and enthusiasts of all ages. From their origins as simple tinplate toys to today’s intricate, highly-detailed machinery, model trains trace a fascinating evolution that mirrors advancements in technology and changes in cultural trends. Let’s explore how this beloved hobby developed over the decades. Tinplate Trains […]

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Railbox models in HO scale

Color photo of HO scale boxcar painted yellow on white background.

In October, Editor Eric White, Associate Editor Bryson Sleppy, and I attended the Railroad Prototype Modelers Conference at the Northern Illinois University campus in Naperville, Ill. We enjoyed a day of visiting with contributors, looking at layouts and models, and talking with manufacturers in the vendor room. In addition, we split up and attended as […]

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N scale EMD SD40T-2 from ScaleTrains

Color photo of N scale diesel locomotive on scenic base.

An Electro-Motive Division SD40T-2 is making its debut in the ScaleTrains N scale diesel locomotive lineup. The all-new Rivet Counter line model features plastic and die-cast metal construction, a five-pole skew-wound motor with dual flywheels, and all-wheel drive and electrical pickup. Prototype history Southern Pacific approached EMD looking for a locomotive that would address overheating […]

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News & Products for the week of December 2nd 2024

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

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Built by Others: Dustin Whitten’s Norfolk & Western South Branch

A model railroad layout with lush green sceneery and an industrial line in the center of the image running from top left to bottom right

Built by Others is an article series showcasing layouts constructed by modelers using plans and projects from the pages of Model Railroader and its associated products. The Virginian project layout first appeared in the pages of Model Railroader in January of 2012. Dustin Whitten’s Norfolk & Western South Branch layout took inspiration from this project […]

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News & Products for the week of November 18th 2024

A black and green model locomotive

News & Products for the week of November 18th 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 November 18th […]

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News & Products for the week of November 11th 2024

A black model caboose

News & Products for the week of November 11th 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 November 11th […]

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