How to model a tar-and-gravel roof

Color photo of tan and brown brick warehouse buildings with gravel roof on scenicked model railroad layout with a cinder block building in the background.

Q:  I want to simulate the type of roof that uses rubber, tar, and then stone. I was thinking of painting the roof with a glossy black and then putting cinder ballast on it to simulate the rocks. Has anyone done this type of roof? If so, how did you do it? — Rick, via […]

Read More…

Athearn Genesis HO GE Dash 9-44CW diesel locomotive

In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn Genesis HO scale GE Dash 9-44CW diesel locomotive. Cody begins with the prototype history of the Dash 9 series, noting that General Electric produced more than 3,600 units between 1993 and 2004. These six-axle units were rated between 4,000 and 4,400 […]

Read More…

Athearn Genesis HO GE Dash 9-44CW diesel locomotive

In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn Genesis HO scale GE Dash 9-44CW diesel locomotive. Cody begins with the prototype history of the Dash 9 series, noting that General Electric produced more than 3,600 units between 1993 and 2004. These six-axle units were rated between 4,000 and 4,400 […]

Read More…

$1.3 million Mott grant to rebuild Crossroads Village steam locomotive

Black steam locomotive pulling yellow excursion passenger cars.

GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. — The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has granted the Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission $1.3 million for restoration work on its narrow-gauge 2-8-2 No. 464, according to an M Live report. The locomotive, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Denver & Rio Grande in 1903, is one of two surviving […]

Read More…

News & Products for the week of February 16th 2026

A model locomotive in a patriotic paint scheme with silhouette figures saluting the American flag

News & Products for the week of February 16th 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 February 16th […]

Read More…

Reading & Northern No. 2102 winter ramble

Black steam locomotive on a curve in a snowy landscape. Reading & Northern No. 2102 winter rambles.

READING, Pa. — A clear, crisp Pennsylvania winter day greeted passengers and enthusiasts for the Reading & Northern’s winter Iron Horse Ramble. The excursion traveled the Reading Division main line between Reading Outer Station and Jim Thorpe, Pa., on Saturday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. This was the second time the former Reading T-1 4-8-4 No. 2102 […]

Read More…

Hobbyshop Window for February 13th 2026

Color photo of showing nose of a modern N scale diesel locomotive painted orange, black, and silver on white backdrop.

For many years Hobbyshop Window was a popular department in the pages of Model Railroader magazine. We’re excited to bring it back as an occasional feature on Trains.com. Here’s a recap of some of the items that arrived at our offices for the week ending February 13th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]

Read More…

B&O museum introduces restored ‘Washington’

Blue and gray round-end observation car at the rear of a passenger train.

BALTIMORE — The Washington — a 1949 Pullman-Standard observation-tavern car — has been cosmetically restored inside and out by the B&O Railroad Museum. This is the museum’s first interior restoration project. The car will be unveiled on Saturday, Feb. 21. “The No. 3316 is a showpiece both in terms of the incredible Art Deco interior […]

Read More…

Court grants Skunk Train right of eminent domain

Red steam-powered passenger train rounds curve in the forest.

MENDOCINO, Calif. — A California appeals court has reversed the decision of a lower court and has granted the Skunk Train tourist railroad the right of eminent domain — the authority to condemn and acquire private property, according to reports in the Mendocino Voice. The legal battle began in 2020 when Skunk Train owner Mendocino […]

Read More…

Western Railway Museum to restore Kennecott electric locomotive

Electric locomotive in museum restoration shop.

SUISUN CITY, Calif. — The Western Railway Museum is currently evaluating Kennecott Copper No. 407, a rare GE 125-ton center cab electric locomotive, to ascertain if it can be returned to operation. “Based on our initial inspection and the work completed over the last two weekends, 407 is shaping up to be a very solid […]

Read More…

Greenville, Pa., works to save Erie depot

Color postcard of a brick railroad depot. Greenville, Pa., works to save depot.

GREENVILLE, Pa. — Greenville officials aim to save the town’s former Erie Railroad brick depot, which last saw passenger service in 1970. The depot property is now owned by Norfolk Southern, which may raze the building. Greenville Mayor Jean Carr-Fisher would like to see it saved, if possible. Carr-Fisher on Feb. 4 presented a plan […]

Read More…