With its Bicentennial year just around the corner, Bachmann Industries is still kicking as the world’s largest distributor in the model railroad industry and hobby. Marketing and Licensing Manager Matt Stern and Product Development Manager Tyler Haney joined Model Railroader Editor Eric White and Trains.com Assistant Digital Editor Lucas Iverson to discuss more about the […]
News & Products for the week of December 15th 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 15th, 2025. HO […]
Host Gerry Leone continues to innovate on his HO scale Bona Vista layout, tackling a major scenic problem—concealing the hole in the upper-deck backdrop where trains emerge from a helix. See how Gerry modifies a Walthers Brick Freight House kit to create the perfect illusion. Plus, you’ll see how he adds realistic mortar lines to […]
“Dead Rail” or “Power on Board” — no matter what you call it, the concept is the same: a model locomotive that carries its own power source. This eliminates the need for alternating or direct current track power, along with multiple headaches such as short circuiting, dead frogs, and dirty rails. Rechargeable batteries have become […]
Wisconsin & Michigan Model Railroad Club Display | Catch up with Host Gerry Leone, as he chats with Dave Rickaby, President of the Wisconsin & Michigan Model Railroad Club, at Trainfest 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Dave shares details about their Midwest-based, Iron Range-themed HO scale modular layout. Founded in 1986, the club’s modules are built to […]
Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the Atlas Classic HO scale Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP7 diesel locomotive. You’ll first learn about the prototype GP7, which was produced from 1949 to 1954, and specifics about Burlington Northern no. 1554, originally Great Northern no. 654. Cody highlights key features like factory-installed MU hoses, body-mounted plastic couplers , and wire grab irons. The review […]
Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the Atlas Classic HO scale Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP7 diesel locomotive. You’ll first learn about the prototype GP7, which was produced from 1949 to 1954, and specifics about Burlington Northern no. 1554, originally Great Northern no. 654. Cody highlights key features like factory-installed MU hoses, body-mounted plastic couplers , and wire grab irons. The review […]
Freight Car Class: Lesson 4, Airbrushing Techniques | Unlock the versatility of your airbrush to transform stock models into realistic, weathered railroad replicas! This segment of the freight car series shows you how to use an airbrush for effects like faded paint, dust, grime, and rust. Learn how to work your double-action airbrush, how to thin paint […]
News & Products for the week of December 8th 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 8th, 2025. […]
Milwaukee and model railroading share deep, historic ties. Model Railroader Magazine, Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., and the National Model Railroad Association all had their humble beginnings in the beer city. This rich heritage has fostered a healthy and diverse group of model railroad clubs throughout Southeast Wisconsin that are still active today. Finding these clubs […]
Rapido HO EMD E8 diesel locomotive Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct current — E8A, $249.95; E8mA/E8mB set, $469.95. With ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder — E8A, $369.95; E8mA/E8mB set, $689.95. Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Rapido HO EMD E8 diesel locomotive features: 36” fan, 48” fan, or non-dynamic brake […]
This end of year episode of Cody’s Office is packed with new products, a helpful modeling tip, and answers to viewer mail questions. Senior Editor Cody Grivno begins by showcasing the latest from Bachmann Trains–a Trinity 5161 cubic foot capacity, three bay covered hopper in HO scale, which retails for $59. Next, he spotlights the […]
