East Broad Top Railroad announces Descendants Reunion, June 13–14

Low-angle view of steam locomotive

ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. — The East Broad Top Railroad has announced a Descendants Reunion Weekend for June 13-14, 2026. The families of former railroad workers, coal company employees, and others connected with the narrow-gauge railroad are invited to return and celebrate their shared heritage. Rockhill Furnace and Robertsdale, Pa. — communities with deep connections to […]

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Atlas N scale EMD GP38-2 review

Color photo showing short hood and cab of N scale EMD hood unit painted blue and white with black and white graphics on scenicked base with a sky blue background.

An Electro-Motive Division GP38-2 has been added to the Master Line from Atlas Model Railroad Co. The N scale model, based on a Phase II prototype, uses former Walthers (and before that Life-Like) tooling that Atlas acquired back in 2018. Prototype history Electro-Motive Division produced the GP38-2 from January 1972 until July 1986. More than […]

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How to preserve a favorite model

an HO scale model of a red and green tugboat is tied to a steel dock in front of a brick warehouse building

Model railroaders are model builders, and sometimes we build models for layouts that aren’t there anymore, and the old models lose their spot. We like our models, but we don’t have a use for them in any of our new projects, so they go into boxes and get stored under our layouts, slowly disintegrating. I […]

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News & Products for the week of March 9th 2026

A navy blue and gold model locomotive

News & Products for the week of March 9th 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 March 9th […]

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Rare-milage excursion announced for Buckingham Branch Railroad

Gray and red diesel locomotive pulling a silver and red passenger car. Rare-milage excursion announced for Buckingham Branch Railroad.

LOUISA, Va. — The Washington, D.C., Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society has announced a rare-milage excursion over 50 miles of the Buckingham Branch Railway — former Chesapeake & Ohio territory — on Sunday, April 26, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Doswell Special will begin in Louisa and travel the railroad between […]

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Restoring the last Ocean Shore Railroad coach

People inside of restored train car.

PACIFICA, Cal. — Following more than 20 years of work, the restoration of Ocean Shore Railroad No. 1409 is finally coming together. At a recent fundraising event, the Pacifica Historical Society, which is responsible for restoring the historic 120-year-old coach, told local residents and stakeholders that work has “come a long way.” No. 1409 is […]

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Hobbyshop Window for March 6th 2026

Color photo showing B end of HO scale two-bay covered hopper with exterior posts painted brown with black and white graphics on white background.

For many years Hobbyshop Window was a popular department in the pages of Model Railroader magazine. We’re excited to bring it back as a frequent feature on Trains.com. Here’s a recap of some of the items that arrived at our offices for the week ending March 6th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]

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Rapido Trains HO Greenbrier coil gondola review

Color photo showing modern coil car with hood placed next to car on white background. The model is painted blue with yellow and white graphics and dark gray bunk liners.

Looking to add a model of one of the newest freight cars on the rails to your HO layout? Then you’ll want to check out the Greenbrier 5-trough transverse coil gondola from Rapido Trains. The model, based on a prototype introduced in 2021, features plastic and die-cast metal construction, 36″ metal wheelsets, and metal semi-scale […]

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Athearn HO scale EMD SD40-2 diesel locomotive

In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn HO scale Electro-Motive Division SD40-2. Cody begins with the prototype history, noting that EMD produced more than 3,900 units between January 1972 and February 1986. These six-axle units were rated at 3,000 horsepower and featured a 16-cylinder 645E3C diesel engine. The […]

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Solomon to lead Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania photo session

Man holding camera with yellow train in background. Soloman to lead Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania photo session.

STRASBURG, Pa. — Railroad photographer, author, and Trains columnist Brian Solomon will lead a photo session at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, March 10. The program — Railroad Photography: The Steam Locomotive — runs from 9 to 11 a.m. Using the museum’s unique collection of historic steam locomotives, built between the 1830s and […]

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C&O Historical Society George Washington Train Show announced

Man handing out paper hats next to small ride-on train. C&O Historical Society George Washington Train Show announced.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. — The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society will host its annual George Washington Train Show on March 21-22. The show takes place in two venues: the C&O Railway Heritage Center (701 Main St.) and the Clifton Forge Armory (724 Commercial Ave.). A $5 admission grants access to both venues. The show is […]

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Modeling the Buckingham Branch in HO scale

Color illustration showing short hood and cab of HO scale EMD hood unit painted gray, red, black, and white with red, white, and yellow graphics on white background.

Q: I model the Shenandoah Valley in HO scale and I have some questions. Where can I find HO scale Buckingham Branch locomotives (preferably GP38-2s) and rolling stock? If there are none available, what paint and decals should I use to custom decorate a GP38-2? — Caleb Miller A: The Buckingham Branch (BB) is a […]

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