ScaleTrains HO EMD GP39E review

Color photo showing cab and short hood of HO scale diesel painted green, white, and black on white background.

As a Burlington Northern fan, I was fired up when ScaleTrains announced it was producing the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP39E in HO scale. The model, part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line, depicts the four-axle road unit in its as-delivered appearance with Quantum Q2000 crossing strobes on the front deck. The full-size version of our […]

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The Green Mountain Division of the Boston & Maine in HO scale

The track plan for the Green Mountain Division of the Boston & Maine model railroad layout

Facts and features Name: Green Mountain Division of the Boston & MaineScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 12′-8″ x 20′-0″ plus 12′-0″ x 30′-0″ additionPrototype: Boston & Maine, Central Vermont, and RutlandLocale: VermontEra: 1950 to 1958Style: Around the wallsMainline run: 120 feet (original), 70 feet (extension)Minimum radius: 28″Minimum turnout: Hand built to fit, most no. 6 with no.4 […]

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Rapido HO EMD SD9 and SD7

Color photo showing nose of HO scale diesel locomotive painted red and gray with white, yellow, and black graphics on white background.

Rapido HO EMD SD9 and SD7 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model, $239.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $349.95 Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Rapido HO EMD SD9 and SD7 features: Detailed cab interior Factory-installed grab irons and handrails MoPower capacitor Multi-piece radiator fans Multiple stepwell styles and […]

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The HO scale Chesapeake & Ohio New River Subdivision layout

The track plan for a large model railroad layout

Facts and features Name: Chesapeake & Ohio New River Subdivision Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 19 x 24 feet Prototype: C&O New River Gorge and coal mine area Locale: Thurmond, W.Va. Era: 1957 Style: walk-in Mainline run: 102 feet Minimum radius: 30″ (24″ in Waynes-burg Mine wye) Minimum turnout: No. 6 Maximum grade: 1∕8″ per foot […]

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ScaleTrains HO scale BN GP39E

The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division GP39E HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is featured in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the unit, which is part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line. The reviewed model is decorated as Burlington Northern GP39E No. 2762. This unit has a rich history, […]

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Atlas HO scale EMD SD35

Color photo showing nose of HO scale six-axle hood unit painted bright green and white with black graphics on white background.

Atlas HO scale EMD SD35 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with factory-installed speaker, $189.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $294.95 Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; shop.atlasrr.com Atlas HO scale EMD SD35 features: Body-mounted Accumate couplers Detailed cab interior with crew figures Die-cast metal underframe Five-pole skewed […]

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Rapido HO Milwaukee Road-rebuilt SD10

Color photo showing nose of HO scale SD10 diesel locomotive painted orange and black on white background.

Rapido HO Milwaukee Road-rebuilt SD10 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model, $239.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $349.95 Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Rapido HO Milwaukee Road-rebuilt SD10 features: Detailed cab interior Factory-installed grab irons and handrails Four-stack exhaust Horst paper air filters MoPower capacitor Multi-piece radiator fans […]

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November 2025

The November 2025 cover of Model Railroader

Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Anniversaries and milestones NEWS AND REVIEWS, pg. 10 Hobby industry news ASK MR, pg. 18 Milwaukee, Racine & Troy western terminus STEP BY STEP, pg. 24 Swinging into autumn with handbuilt oak trees ON OPERATION, pg. […]

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Cody’s Office | November 2025

This month’s episode of Cody’s Office is packed with three new products, a helpful modeling tip, and answers to your viewer mail questions. Cody showcases some great new products, including the HO scale Proto series scale test car from Walthers, the N scale Santa Fe mechanical refrigerator car from Rapido Trains, and the HO scale Electro-Motive […]

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News & Products for the week of November 3rd 2025

A black model steam locomotive

News & Products for the week of November 3rd 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 November 3rd, […]

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Atlas Classic HO scale EMD GP7

Color photo showing rear of long hood on HO scale GP7 painted Cascade Green and black with white stripes. Road number 1554 is visible on side of hood and in number boards.

Atlas Classic HO scale EMD GP7 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model, $184.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $294.95 Era: 1949 to 1980s (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; shop.atlasrr.com Atlas Classic HO scale EMD GP7 features: 800- or 1,600-gallon fuel tank as […]

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