Dave Baule’s S gauge layout

A track plan for a large toy train layout

Dave Baule’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 11 x 25 feet Track and switches: American S Gauge (diameters range from 38 to 76 inches) Motive power: American Models, Gilbert American Flyer, S-Helper Service Rolling stock: American Models, American S Gauge, Downs, Gilbert American Flyer, Lionel American Flyer, S-Helper Service Controls: Gilbert American Flyer Nos. 16B and […]

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Menards electrical towers

three pack of model transmission towers

If your industrial park or big city needs a power boost, Menards has you covered with a three pack of electrical towers. While doing research, I learned that the industry term for this item is a transmission tower, at least in the United States. The towers are usually made from steel, and support overhead power […]

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News & Products for the week of December 15th 2025

Color photo showing group of HO scale three-bay covered hoppers with exterior posts in various paint schemes on white background.

News & Products for the week of December 15th 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 December 15th, 2025. HO […]

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News & Products for the week of December 8th 2025

Color photo showing nose of HO passenger locomotive painted black, dark blue, yellow, and gray on scenicked base with a sky background with clouds.

News & Products for the week of December 8th 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 December 8th, 2025. […]

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ScaleTrains S wood refrigerator car review

Color photo showing portion of an S scale refrigerator car painted yellow-orange, mineral red, and black with black and white graphics.

An American Car & Foundry 40-foot wood refrigerator car is the fourth model to join the ScaleTrains S-Helper Service lineup. The reefer, based on a prototype from the 1920s, features plastic construction; factory-installed and painted wire grab irons; and sprung, die-cast metal trucks. Prototype history The review sample we received is decorated as Santa Fe […]

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Atlas Model Railroad Company Acquires Micro-Trains Line Co.

The logo for Micro-Trains by Atlas

Atlas Model Railroad Co. has announced the acquisition of “substantially all assets” of Micro-Trains Line Co., a manufacturer of N and Z scale model trains and couplers based in Talent, Ore. This acquisition, announced on Nov. 19, 2025, marks a significant development in the U.S. hobby industry. As part of the agreement, Atlas assumes ownership […]

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Five model railroad painting hacks

Color photo showing HO scale 1950s farm tractor painted red with driver figure wearing bib overalls and the bristles of a paintbrush touching the left rear tire.

Painting is one of my favorite aspects of the hobby, though I guess that shouldn’t come as a big surprise. My father and grandfather were auto body repairmen, so painting (albeit on vehicles, not model trains) has been a part of my life from an early age. I started airbrushing model trains in my early […]

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Trains.com Insider Exclusive | NMRA President Gordy Robinson at Trainfest 2025

Model Railroader magazine’s Editor Eric White catches up with National Model Railroad Association President Gordy Robinson at the NMRA-sponsored Trainfest 2025 event, held November 1st & 2nd, 2025, in downtown Milwaukee, Wis. Gordy outlines the new vision and strategy for the organization, aiming for 35,000 members, reducing membership costs, and improving the member experience. He […]

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Tune up your toy train equipment

hand holding oil next to model train

Christmas is just around the corner so it’s time to make sure seasonal train displays are ready to deliver holiday fun – toy train style! Let’s start with locomotives and rolling stock.   Inspection, oil, and grease Before trying to run anything, I recommend doing a preliminary inspection. Now is the time to replace broken […]

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ScaleTrains S gauge wood reefer

Color photo showing B end details of S gauge wood refrigerator car painted yellow-orange, mineral brown, and black on white background.

The fourth model to join the ScaleTrains S-Helper Service lineup is a 41-foot wood refrigerator car. The model, based on an American Car & Foundry prototype from the 1920s, features plastic construction; factory-installed and painted wire grab irons; and sprung, die-cast metal trucks. Prototype history The review sample we received is decorated as Santa Fe […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for November 2025

black model diesel locomotive

Locomotives & rolling stock MTH Electric Trains, 7393 Washington Blvd. Ste. 101, Elkridge, MD 21075, is selling an O scale Offset Steel Caboose as part of the Premier line. The caboose will be available in seven roadnames with two car numbers each, and features O-31 operation (20-91871 shown). Expected delivery in April 2026. Price: $94.95. […]

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