ScaleTrains HO Rivet Counter Trinity reefer

Title screen of review video with two HO scale freight cars painted white with blue and green graphics.

The ScaleTrains HO Rivet Counter Trinity reefer recently arrived at the Model Railroader offices. Join Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he provides a brief history of the full-size BNSF Ry. cars, points out the various details on the contemporary freight car, and demonstrates how the sound and light functions work. Then see two of the […]

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White paper urges public ownership of U.S. railroads

Green and yellow box-cab diesel pulling freight train

Rail labor groups today released a report calling for public ownership of Class I freight railroads in the U.S., arguing that the current system is broken because it’s beholden to Wall Street. The 98-page report contends that the Class I railroads’ relentless focus on cost-cutting has hurt safety, service, employees, infrastructure investment, and passenger service. […]

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Iowa Interstate founding chairman dies at 102

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Iowa Interstate Railroad today announced that its founding chairman, Dr. Paul H. Banner, died on June 17 at the age of 102. Banner was instrumental in the efforts to save the railroad in 1984 following the liquidation of the Rock Island. “To describe Paul Banner as a visionary would be an […]

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Five train layouts you can visit this summer

Large model train layout with full-scale red caboose in the background

Planning your travel for this summer? Be sure to include some model trains in those plans! These five train layouts throughout the country (and world) are all worth a visit this summer. Colorado Model Railroad Museum Featuring more than 500 HO scale locomotives, 80 scale miles of track, and tens of thousands of handmade trees, […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for July 2024

blue and yellow model trolley

Locomotives & rolling stock E-Z Catch Train Shop has announced a custom-run MTH D&H hopper (20-95691) as part of the Premier line. The car is decorated in pink cancer awareness graphics. Estimated delivery this fall. Price: $74.99. Website: https://e-zcatch.square.site. Pat’s Trains, 142 29th St., Wheeling WV, 26003, is offering a custom-run MTH AC6000 engine in […]

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Trains missing? Capture interesting images nearby

black and white searchlight signal

No trains, now what? You have taken time off from work, the clouds have parted, the sun is out, and you are heading out for a full day of chasing and photographing trains. Refreshments are packed in the cooler, the scanner is humming, and your camera is ready for quick retrieval when that first locomotive […]

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VIA’s Venture fleet expanding to Windsor, Ont., this summer

Man in suit on station platform with train in background

WINDSOR, Ontario — Although no effective date has been announced, VIA Rail Canada CEO Mario Péloquin said last week at a public event that the new Siemens trainsets would begin migrating to Toronto-Windsor trains this summer. The Venture equipment debuted by replacing 1950s-vintage Budd stainless steel HEP-1 and HEP-2 coaches and 1980s Bombardier “Light Rapid […]

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Amtrak awards contract to replace Connecticut River Bridge

Illustration of double-track bridge with lift span in middle

NEW YORK — Amtrak announced on Friday, June 28, that had awarded a construction contract to build a new Connecticut River Bridge on the Northeast Corridor to replace the existing 116-year-old structure. A joint venture of O&G/Tutor Perini received the contract award for the $1.3 billion project, which has received a $827 million Federal Railroad […]

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The American Flyer Freedom Train

red, white, and blue toy train engine

The concept of an American Freedom Train arose after WWII. It was a chance for Americans to reflect on their citizenship at a time when the United States was finding new roles in world affairs. The project was funded by donations and not at government expense. The American Heritage Foundation was created in 1947 to […]

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Scratchbuild cars for the American Freedom Train

red, white, and blue car on trestle

The most recent version of the American Freedom Train (AFT) was assembled to help celebrate the United States’ 1976 Bicentennial. The complete train, which visited all 48 contiguous states over a two year period, had a total of 23 pieces of rolling stock, including passenger cars, showcase cars (with full-scale historical artifacts, like the Lunar […]

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