David and Bryson share the steps they used to install a complete Walthers Switch Machine system on the HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park project layout. To get things started, the pair first explains the features and function of each component. Then it’s straight to the task of installing the parts used to pivot […]
Walthers HO Pullman-Standard 4427 covered hopper Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $34.98 Era: Mid-1960s to 2000s (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com Walthers HO Pullman-Standard 4427 covered hopper features: 36″ metal wheelsets 4-3-4 exterior-post pattern Body-mounted Proto-Max metal couplers Detailed bottom outlet gates […]
Rapido HO Pennsylvania RR H21 hoppers Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single car, $54.95; three-pack, $164.85; and six-pack, $329.70 Era: 1909 to 1970s (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St., Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Features on Rapido HO Pennsylvania RR H21 hoppers: AB or K brake systems as appropriate Body-mounted Rapido […]
Aurora Miniatures HO TrentonWorks well car Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $54.99 Era: 2001 to present Manufacturer: Aurora Miniatures North America Inc., 20 Kilchurn Castle Dr., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1T 2W4; na.auroraminiatures.com Aurora Miniatures HO TrentonWorks well car features: 33” machined metal wheelsets with RP-25 contour (code 110) Air brake system with piping detail As-built 53-foot […]
The Atlas Classic HO Alco RS11 is back in new paint schemes and road numbers. We recently received a sample decorated for Burlington Northern, and our resident BN fan, Senior Editor Cody Grivno, is here with the scoop. Learn about the full-size Alco RS11 and Burlington Northern 4183; get a close-up look at the factory-applied […]
The Atlas Classic HO Alco RS11 is back in new paint schemes and road numbers. We recently received a sample decorated for Burlington Northern, and our resident BN fan, Senior Editor Cody Grivno, is here with the scoop. Learn about the full-size Alco RS11 and Burlington Northern 4183; get a close-up look at the factory-applied […]
A General Motors Diesel Ltd. SD50F is the second HO scale road locomotive released by Aurora Miniatures North America Inc. The six-axle unit, based on a prototype built for Canadian National, features an injection-molded plastic body; a heavy, die-cast zinc alloy chassis; and an assortment of light-emitting-diode lighting features. Prototype history Canadian National ordered two […]
News & Products for the week of June 23rd 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 June 23rd, […]
Painting the initial backdrop installation a single shade of blue was just fine to get things started on the HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park project layout. However, David and Bryson share an easy technique for blending the background sky color with the adjacent wall color, and set the stage for those stunning photos […]
Walthers HO Horizon Fleet passenger cars Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $49.98 Era: 1989 to present Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com Features on Walthers HO Horizon Fleet passenger cars: Coach and cafe club food service cars Factory-installed diaphragms GSI roller-bearing trucks with 36” turned-metal wheels with RP-25 […]
Tony Koester, author of the popular Trains of Thought column in Model Railroader magazine and editor of MR’s annual publication Model Railroad Planning, was one of four recipients of the 2025 National Model Railroad Association Pioneer in Model Railroading award. The citation on his award read, “Author of regular articles in the hobby press and […]
In this episode, David shares a proven technique for adding and shaping a rustic course of ballast along the rails of the Olympia & Sand Creek On30 logging layout. But first he works to complete several scenery details, including realistic fencing, water effects, muddy cow paths, and more along the terrain and trackwork too! View […]
