Hobbyshop Window for February 6th 2026

Color photo showing engineer's side of HO scale cab unit painted red, gray, black, and white on scenicked base with a sky blue 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 6th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]

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Cody’s Office | February 2026

This February 2026 episode of Cody’s Office features an exciting product lineup, essential modeling tips, and viewer questions. Senior Editor Cody Grivno showcases the HO scale Greenbrier five-trough coil car from Rapido Trains and Athearn’s Genesis series GE Dash 9-44CW locomotive. He also reviews the new Firecrown Media book, Tales of the Rails. Cody demonstrates […]

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Cody’s Office | February 2026

This February 2026 episode of Cody’s Office features an exciting product lineup, essential modeling tips, and viewer questions. Senior Editor Cody Grivno showcases the HO scale Greenbrier five-trough coil car from Rapido Trains and Athearn’s Genesis series GE Dash 9-44CW locomotive. He also reviews the new Firecrown Media book, Tales of the Rails. Cody demonstrates […]

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Which combinations of HO scale couplers work well together?

Color photo of red and gray HO scale EMD hood unit switching maroon boxcars at tan and blue industry with faded black tank car in background.

Q: I’m getting back into model railroading after a 50 year hiatus. I’m having trouble with knuckle couplers that won’t connect. I have new rolling stock from Athearn, Walthers, ScaleTrains, and Accurail. I also have several cars that I converted to Kadee. Couplers from different manufacturers don’t seem to work together. Are there any combinations […]

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Athearn HO FMC 5347 offset double-door boxcar

Color photo showing B end of HO scale double-door boxcar with exterior posts painted yellow with black and white graphics on white background.

Athearn HO FMC 5347 offset double-door boxcar Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $39.99 to $44.99 Era: 1979+ to 2010+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn HO FMC 5347 offset double-door boxcar features: 33” machined metal wheels with RP-25 contours Body-mounted McHenry scale couplers with screw-mounted […]

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Trains.com Insider Exclusive | Interview with Jim Wiggin, Athearn Assoc. Brand Manager

Explore 80 years of model railroading innovation with Athearn’s Jim Wiggin! Ride along with Trains.com hosts Cody Grivno and Lucas Iverson, and you’ll hear Jim outline the company’s evolution from Irv Athearn’s garage to the exacting production of highly detailed Genesis line HO and N scale products. Discover how modern technology like 3D printing and […]

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An interview with Jim Wiggin of Athearn

Multiple products from Athearn

For 80 years, Athearn has been a part of the model railroading industry, producing familiar product ranges like HO scale blue box kits and Genesis ready-to-run models. In preparation for its milestone anniversary in 2026, Associate Brand Manager Jim Wiggin joined Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno and Trains.com Assistant Digital Editor Lucas Iverson to […]

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Athearn HO FMC 5283 double-door boxcar

Color photo showing B end of HO scale double-door boxcar with exterior posts painted green with white and black graphics on white background.

Athearn HO FMC 5283 double-door boxcar Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $29.99 Era: 1974+ to 2000s+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn HO FMC 5283 double-door boxcar features: Body-mounted McHenry scale couplers Freestanding air reservoir, brake cylinder, and control valve Hydra-Cushion underframe with center sill, […]

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Athearn HO Johnstown America BethGon Coalporter

Color photo showing B end of HO scale bathtub gondola painted aluminum and red with red, yellow, black, and white graphics on white background.

Athearn HO Johnstown America BethGon Coalporter Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single car, $49.99; five-pack, $239.99 Era: 2006+ to 2014+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn HO Johnstown America BethGon Coalporter features: 36” machined metal wheels with RP-25 contours Body-mounted McHenry scale lower shelf couplers […]

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Athearn HO FMC 5077 offset double-door boxcar

Color photo showing B end of HO scale double-door boxcar with exterior posts painted dark blue with black and white graphics on white background.

Athearn HO FMC 5077 offset double-door boxcar Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $39.99 to $44.99 Era: 1977+ to 2004+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn HO FMC 5077 offset double-door boxcar features: 33” machined metal wheels with RP-25 contours Body-mounted McHenry scale couplers with screw-mounted […]

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Athearn N FMC offset double-door boxcar

Color photo showing B end of N scale double-door boxcar with exterior posts painted yellow with black graphics on white background.

Athearn N FMC offset double-door boxcar Scale: N (1:160) Price: $29.99 to $34.99 Era: 1977+ to 2000s+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn N FMC offset double-door boxcar features: Body-mounted McHenry couplers Die-cast metal underbody with cast center sill, brake system, and crossmember detail […]

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