News & Products for the week of May 19th 2025

A yellow and gray model locomotive

News & Products for the week of May 19th 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 May 19th, […]

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Steam cab ride on the Mt. Rainier Scenic

Two men in locomotive cab

It’s 7:30 a.m. and our Trains crew has arrived at the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and Museum in Mineral, Wash. for a steam engine cab ride. It’s about a two-hour plus drive from Carnation, Wash. where I run, own and operate my own short line electrified private railway. Today though, I’m a guest crew member […]

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WalthersMainline HO EMD GP9

Color photo of HO scale road switcher painted green and yellow on white background.

WalthersMainline HO EMD GP9 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin DCC plug and factory-installed 28mm round speaker, $159.98; with dual-mode ESU Sound & DCC, $214.98 Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com WalthersMainline HO EMD GP9 features: Constant, directional light-emitting diode headlights Footboard or plow-equipped pilot […]

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New location set for final assembly of PRR T1 No. 5550 (updated)

3D renderings

DENNISON, Ohio — A location has been chosen to bring the new-build Pennsylvania Railroad T1 No. 5550 to life. The T1 Steam Locomotive Trust announced Friday, May 16, during the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society convention in Harrisburg, Pa., final assembly of the 4-4-4-4 will take place in Dennison. The organization has spent more […]

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Three historic railcars to headline Pullman Railroad Days

Wood-paneled bedroom with large bed

CHICAGO — For what has become an annual tradition, three privately-owned railcars will be front and center during Pullman Railroad Days this Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, at Pullman National Historic Park. The historic equipment — two of Pullman heritage and one  from American Car & Foundry Co. — will be on display at the […]

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Riding the railroad

Interested in riding the railroad? One of the best windows on the railroad world are passenger trains, and you have plenty of options. Amtrak, a government corporation that took over nearly all U.S. intercity passenger trains from private railroads in 1971, today operates a 21,000-mile network that includes 500 stations in 46 states served by […]

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Rapido HO scale EMD F40PHM-2

Color photo of streamline diesel locomotive

The Electro-Motive Division F40PHM-2 is the latest HO scale commuter diesel from Rapido Trains. The four-axle unit uses plastic and die-cast metal construction and has numerous factory-applied detail parts and an assortment of lighting functions. Prototype history Electro-Motive Division produced the F40PHM-2 between October 1991 and December 1992. Initial assembly was done in London, Ontario, […]

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Norfolk & Western No. 611 to celebrate 75th birthday

Head-end photo of steam locomotive

ROANOKE, Va. — Norfolk & Western No. 611 will be turning 75 this month, and Roanoke’s Virginia Museum of Transportation is gearing up for a celebration: May 30, 4-8 p.m.; and May 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The J-class 4-8-4 was built in May 1950 by N&W at Roanoke’s East End Shops. “This milestone not only […]

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Western Maryland Scenic’s Georges Creek Division Railroad impacted by flooding (updated)

Washed out track nexzt to flooded creek

WESTERNPORT, Md. — The Georges Creek Division Railroad took a devastating hit by Tuesday’s severe flooding to the western Maryland area. The short line, which ceased operations in 2019, was recently leased to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for passenger and potential freight opportunities [See “Western Maryland Scenic to expand through lease…,” Trains News Wire, […]

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