Hobbyshop Window for March 13th 2026

Color photo showing cab and nose of EMD hood unit painted blue and black with 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 13th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]

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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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MTH RailKing Galloping Goose railbus

green model railbus

The “Galloping Goose” railbuses were built by the Rio Grande Southern in the 1930s as a cheaper way to haul mail, passengers, and lighter freight. They used automobile or truck engines with freight containers, and ran on narrow-gauge track. The Goose was not only less expensive to operate but also much lighter, so less wear […]

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Progress Rail to convert 96 Norfolk Southern SD70Ms to AC-traction SD70ICCs

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern will continue to modernize its locomotive fleet in a deal announced on Monday with Progress Rail, which will convert 96 of the railroad’s SD70M-2 models to AC-traction SD70ICCs. Deliveries of the Tier 2 locomotives will start in 2027 and run through 2029. “By modernizing existing units, Norfolk Southern is taking a […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 34 | Resin Repair, Berms, and a Farm

In this episode of the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park project railroad construction series, David Popp and Cody Grivno tackle various scenery challenges. First, learn how to pour a second layer of resin to yield a more realistic water feature. Then, discover kitbashing techniques for the Central Ink facility. The hosts also demonstrate how […]

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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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CN introduces two America 250 locomotives

Locomotive with eagle and flag design

HOMEWOOD, Ill. — Canadian National today unveiled two locomotives to launch its celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying the units “represent the dual pillars of the American story: independence and innovation.” Locomotive No. 1776 features a “Screaming Eagle” design. “The ‘Screaming Eagle’ has deep historical roots,” the railway says in a press […]

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Athearn HO 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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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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CPKC becomes first Class I to unveil America 250 locomotive

CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific Kansas City took the wraps off its America 250 locomotive today, becoming the first Class I railroad to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial with a specially painted locomotive. “This locomotive, built and painted in Fort Worth, Texas, honors the remarkable and proud history of America as we prepare to mark the nation’s […]

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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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