In the February 2024 issue of Model Railroader, we reviewed the direct-current version of the Siemens ALC-42 Charger diesel locomotive from Kato USA Inc. Recently, we received a sample of the modern passenger unit equipped with a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 TSU-KN2 sound decoder. Prototype history With an aging fleet of General Electric P40 and P42 diesel […]
The engineer of a Gulf, Mobile & Ohio RS1 eyes the photographer as his locomotive clatters across the Rock Island diamonds at Joliet, Ill., in 1951. The Alco and a caboose are bound for GM&O’s South Joliet yard. Wallace W. Abbey photo […]
Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the Rapido Trains HO scale (1:87.1) General Electric C36-7 diesel locomotive. Built between 1978 and 1985, this powerful six-axle unit is rated up to 3,750 horsepower. Our Missouri Pacific No. 9034 sample features a detailed cab interior, metal knuckle couplers, and a positionable drop steps. Equipped with an […]
Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the Rapido Trains HO scale (1:87.1) General Electric C36-7 diesel locomotive. Built between 1978 and 1985, this powerful six-axle unit is rated up to 3,750 horsepower. Our Missouri Pacific No. 9034 sample features a detailed cab interior, metal knuckle couplers, and a positionable drop steps. Equipped with an […]
Genesee & Wyoming has unveiled the latest in a series of locomotives honoring America’s 250th anniversary — and the first in a modified paint scheme reflecting changes after two units were originally painted with a lighter blue as the primary color. The Buffalo & Pittsburgh locomotive, C44-9W No. 4434, features a Liberty Bell design. It […]
News & Products for the week of November 24th 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 November 24th, […]
WICHITA, Kan. — Discovery of hidden damage on former Santa Fe FP45 No. 93 has prompted the locomotive’s owner, the Great Plains Transportation Museum, to launch an effort to raise an additional $50,000 for repairs needed before the locomotive’s cosmetic restoration can be completed. The locomotive, donated to the museum in June 1999 by BNSF […]
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Commercial Railway has joined the growing number of railroads with locomotives commemorating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence in 2026, introducing B36-7 No. 76 in red, white, and blue paint on Thursday (Nov. 25). The locomotive was built by General Electric in 1985 for Seaboard System. Before coming to Minnesota […]
Pennsylvania Railroad E8 No. 5795 leads train 32, the New York–bound St. Louisan, out of one of the twin tunnels at Spruce Creek, Pa., in the mid-1950s. Don Wood photo […]
Western Maryland 76, one of two GE 44-tonners the road had, both built in 1943, does some switching at WM’s Hillen Street terminal in Baltimore in July 1948. H. A. McBride photo […]
Also in this issue: 90+ must-see destination layouts! A handy location map! And more! […]
ScaleTrains HO EMD SD7 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin connector, $214.99; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, two cube-type speakers, and an ESU-designed “PowerPack” with two super capacitors, $324.99. Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 4901 Old Tasso Road NE, Cleveland, TN 37312; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com ScaleTrains HO EMD SD7 features: All-wheel drive and electrical pickup Detailed […]
