Atlas O Winter 2026 Premier catalog released

Atlas catalog cover

The Atlas O Winter 2026 Premier catalog was recently published on the manufacturer’s website. Highlights include new paint schemes for: Locomotives 2-8-0 Features: Proto-Sound 3.0, real coal load, die-cast metal boiler, O-36 operation Roadnames: Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range; East Tennesee and Western North Carolina, Lake Superior and Ishpeming; Nickel Plate; Wabash; U.S. Army; Canadian […]

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Walt Hiteshew’s Marx O Gauge Layout

Explore the vibrant lithography and nostalgic charm with our latest layout tour, as featured in the Spring 2026 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine! Join life-long collector Walt Hiteshew, as he operates his 8½ x 17½-foot O gauge display, filled with Marx tinplate treasures winding around hand-sculpted mountains, across a custom-built viaduct, and bustling through village streets […]

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LED Upgrade: MTH Premier full-length dome

Dome car lit up in the dark

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” At least, that was my thought process when I received this MTH Premier Norfolk & Western 18-inch, full-length dome car. Though a beautiful model from 2004, it came with older, 18V lamp bulbs. Initial track power testing immediately revealed several issues: Lights only turning on in the lower […]

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News & Products for the week of January 20th 2026

A red and blue model locomotive

News & Products for the week of January 20th 2026 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 January 20th, 2026. […]

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Atlas O Premier SD70MAC

side view of model locomotive

The headliner of the spring 2023 Atlas catalog was the SD70MAC, a classic six-axle diesel electric locomotive.  The SD70MAC was produced by General Motor’s Electro-Motive Division (EMD) in the 1990s. The SD70MAC was part of the transition from DC to AC traction motors. These AC powered locomotives would prove to be more efficient while in […]

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Lionel releases 2026 catalog

cover of Lionel catalog

Lionel Trains has released its 2026 catalog. The 172-page catalog includes new items from the VisionLine, Legacy, LionChief, Harry Potter, and Battery O lines. Highlights include a number of semiquincentennial locomotives and rolling stock, including a 4-4-0 brass hybrid steam locomotive (No. 2631620), a Legacy T1 American Freedom Train in two versions (Nos. 2631430 and […]

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Must-build monster track plan recommendations

A model railroad track plan

Many of us dream of a model railroad empire on a massive scale. While the time, space and resources required usually dictate whether or not that dream becomes a reality, it never hurts to be inspired. Whether you’re daring to dream or have what you need to dare yourself, explore these monster track plan recommendations! […]

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News & Products for the week of January 12th 2026

A gray streamlined model locomotive

News & Products for the week of January 12th 2026 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 January 12th, 2026. […]

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New publication from Classic Toy Trains

large model bridge on train layout

It’s my pleasure to tell you, our devoted readers of Classic Toy Trains, about our brand-new colorful and informative 100-page special-interest publication: Great Layouts You Can Visit! Packed with photos and filled with stories and details, it offers toy train enthusiasts of every age, background, and level of interest and experience something enjoyable and useful. […]

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Atlas O 1973 Ford F-100 truck

Color photo of O scale pickup truck painted yellow with red, black, and white graphics and silver wheels on white background.

Scale: O (1:48) Price: $29.95 Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; shop.atlasrr.com   Atlas O 1973 Ford F-100 truck features: 1:48-proportion model Chrome plated grill and rear bumper Clear headlight lenses and window glazing Detailed interior with dashboard, bench seat, and steering wheel Molded exhaust system and spare tire […]

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Bar Mills Modelworks Insta-Fence kit

model fence with signs

Like Robert Frost once wrote, good fences may make for good neighbors. I’ve learned that good fences also make for great models. With a little thought, fences can define and separate scenes and add considerable detail to your layout.  While there is a wide variety of interesting fencing available today, the old board fence is […]

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