East Troy Industrial Park Sidetrack | Building a glass plant, Part 6

In this Sidetrack Series departure from the HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park Project Railroad, you’ll learn how to scratchbuild custom brass platforms for industrial glass plant stacks. Model Railroader magazine Editor Eric White demonstrates how to construct a simple, cost-effective assembly jig using pine and masking tape to ensure perfectly aligned soldered joints. […]

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Model Railroader’s favorite products of 2025

Profile of O scale diesel locomotive model

2025 marked another great year for new releases in model railroading. Whatever your scale or discipline in the hobby, odds are good that there was a new release that caught your eye and had you reaching for your wallet. As we look forward to 2026, Eric White, Cody Grivno, Lucas Iverson, and David Popp take […]

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Semiquincentennial anniversary locomotives in O gauge

red, white, and blue locomotive

The United States celebrates its semiquincentennial anniversary (250 years) in July 2026! Manufacturers have started announcing motive power for this notable event. The following is a list of what’s been announced; I will update this article as I receive more announcements. If you know of a locomotive not on this list, including S gauge engines, […]

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The Roundhouse | Railfanning and Track Planning

In this episode of The Roundhouse, Classic Trains editor Brian Schmidt sits down with David Popp to discuss his unique path into the railroad hobby. David shares how he started as a model railroader but developed a passion for railfanning after discovering 1:1 scale trains routing near his childhood home. This dual interest led him to incorporate prototype […]

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News & Products for the week of November 24th 2025

A navy blue model locomotive with yellow lettering and a yellow stripe

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, […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 29 | Structures, Riverbeds & Static Grass

Welcome back to the East Troy Industrial Park Project – This episode is a scenic smorgasbord! Starting with the final touches on the weathered HO scale (1:87.1) bridge, you’ll learn the technique for affixing Monroe Models pastel weathering. Then, see how to populate the farm scene with cast-off details, like rusty barrels and a truck, […]

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News & Products for the week of November 17th 2025

White model passenger rail equipment with a blue stripe and tan interiors

News & Products for the week of November 17th 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 17th, […]

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East Troy Industrial Park Sidetrack | Depot Developments

Join Cody Grivno for the latest Sidetrack Series departure, as he dives into the detail work on his HO scale (1:87.1) depot structure roof and chimney! See how he uses paints to create realistic shingle highlights and weathering streaks. Then learn a handy trick for filling the gap between plastic parts. Cody also shares the […]

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News & Products for the week of November 10th 2025

An orange and black model locomotive

News & Products for the week of November 10th 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 10th, […]

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News & Products for the week of November 3rd 2025

A black model steam locomotive

News & Products for the week of November 3rd 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 3rd, […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 28 | Weathering effects for railroad bridges

Time to distress some steel! Follow along as David demonstrate two essential bridge weathering techniques on the HO scale (1:87.1) ETIP project layout, from heavy all-over rust using Monroe Models washes to creating the effect of faded, blistered paint with Vallejo Paints. Get the pro tips on permanent installation and finish details along the authentic […]

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