Athearn Genesis HO EMD FP45 review

Color photo showing engineer's side of cab on HO scale diesel with cowl body painted orange and black on scenicked base with a sky blue background.

Athearn has released a new run of Electro-Motive Division FP45 diesel locomotives in its HO scale Genesis line. The six-axle unit features injection-molded plastic and die-cast metal construction, prototype-specific details, and McHenry plastic scale couplers. Prototype history Electro-Motive Division produced the FP45 in 1967 and 1968. During that time, 14 units were built, nine for […]

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Bachmann HO Amtrak Acela II set

Color photo showing two modern streamlined locomotives and three passenger cars in red, white, and blue paint on white background.

Bachmann HO Amtrak Acela II set Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Set, $799; separate-sale Business Class cars, $139 each Manufacturer: Bachmann Industries Inc., 1400 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19124; 215-533-1600; shop.bachmanntrains.com Bachmann HO Amtrak Acela II set features: One powered direct-current locomotive with working, directional light-emitting-diode headlights and marker lights; operating ditch lights and number […]

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Rapido Trains HO SD10 diesel locomotive

Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the Rapido Trains HO scale Milwaukee Road rebuilt SD10 diesel locomotive. Originally built as an EMD SD7, this 1,800-horsepower road switcher features see-through etched-metal steps, a detailed cab interior, and a signature Horst paper air filter. Equipped with an ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, the model offers functions […]

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Rapido Trains HO SD10 diesel locomotive

Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the Rapido Trains HO scale Milwaukee Road rebuilt SD10 diesel locomotive. Originally built as an EMD SD7, this 1,800-horsepower road switcher features see-through etched-metal steps, a detailed cab interior, and a signature Horst paper air filter. Equipped with an ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, the model offers functions […]

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Atlas HO REA steel express reefer

Color photo showing B end of HO scale REA steel express reefer painted weathered green with fresh dark green patches and white graphics on white background.

Atlas HO REA steel express reefer Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $46.95 Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; shop.atlasrr.com Atlas HO REA steel express reefer features: 3/3 Improved Dreadnaught ends Arched roof Body-mounted Accumate couplers Metal wheels Separate, factory-applied ladders and grab irons Steam, air, and signal hoses Uncoupling levers […]

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The Five Days Around Christmas | Day 1 – Cleaning your trains

As part of a Trains.com seasonal mini-series, this episode of “The Five Days of Christmas” highlights David Popp’s efforts to dust off a classic LGB train set—proving that even a 40-year-old engine can run like brand new! Join David as he dives into the essential maintenance, from reviving dull, oxidized track with specialized abrasive blocks to […]

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News & Products for the week of December 22nd 2025

Color photo showing part of HO scale caboose painted red and black with white graphics on scenicked base with a blue backdrop.

News & Products for the week of December 22nd 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 22nd, 2025. […]

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MR Classroom | Freight Car Class: Lesson 5, Special Weathering Effects

Freight Car Class: Lesson 5, Special Weathering Effects | Go beyond basic airbrushing to create freight cars with unique character and standout detail! This lesson teaches advanced techniques for replicating paint chips, deep rust, and realistic scratches using a mix of acrylics, enamels, and oils. Learn to highlight molded details, simulate bare metal, and master […]

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Broadway Limited HO EMD F7 and F9 diesels

Color photo showing nose of HO scale EMD four-axle cab unit painted black, white, and gold with gold, black, and white graphics on white background.

Broadway Limited HO EMD F7 and F9 diesels Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Without sound — A unit, $229.99; B unit, $209.99; and A-B set with non-powered B unit, $329.99. With dual-mode Paragon4 sound decoder — A unit, $329.99; B unit, $309.99; and A-B set with non-powered B unit, $429.99 Era: 1980s to present (varies based […]

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The Sun Parlour Lines layout in HO scale

A track plans for the Sun Parlour Lines model railroad layout

Facts and features Name: Sun Parlour Lines Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 12 x 41 feet Prototype: Chesapeake & Ohio and New York Central Locale: southern Ontario Era: September 1955 Style: around the walls Mainline run: 150 feet Minimum radius: 28″ (main line), 22″ (hidden loop) Minimum turnout: No. 6 (main line) Maximum grade: 2.5% Benchwork: […]

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The East Troy Industrial Park layout in HO scale

A model railroad track plan

Facts and features Name: East Troy Industrial Park Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 14‘-2“ x 19‘-0” Prototype: freelanced industrial switching Era: present day Local: southeastern Wisconsin Style: around the walls Mainline run: 33 feet Minimum radius: 28“ (main), 18“ (spurs) Minimum turnout: No. 5 (main) Maximum grade: 1.5% at interchange Benchwork: L-girder Height: 42” Roadbed: cork […]

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