Model railroaders are model builders, and sometimes we build models for layouts that aren’t there anymore, and the old models lose their spot. We like our models, but we don’t have a use for them in any of our new projects, so they go into boxes and get stored under our layouts, slowly disintegrating. I […]
Q: I want to know if anyone has a good red that matches closely with the one used on Nickel Plate Road 1000-series wood cabooses. I’m buying a 3D-printed kit and don’t think the colors I have found match that well. Curious if anyone could help me out? — Jack_Kemp_IV, via the MR Forums A: […]
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 […]
News & Products for the week of March 9th 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 March 9th […]
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 […]
Facts and features Name: Northwestern Pacific RR Tiburon Rail Yard Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 13′-0″ x 26′-6″ Prototype: Northwestern Pacific RR Locale: Tiburon, Calif. Era: October 1909 Style: island Mainline run: none Minimum radius: none Minimum turnout: No. 8 Maximum grade: none Benchwork: 1 x 6 and 1 x 8 wood joists on steel angle […]
Looking to add a model of one of the newest freight cars on the rails to your HO layout? Then you’ll want to check out the Greenbrier 5-trough transverse coil gondola from Rapido Trains. The model, based on a prototype introduced in 2021, features plastic and die-cast metal construction, 36″ metal wheelsets, and metal semi-scale […]
Facts and features Name: Chicago, Peoria & Western Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 30 x 44 feet Prototype: CB&Q, EJ&E, and IC Locale: Chicago to Galesburg, Ill. Era: 1940s Style: walk-in Mainline run: approximately 230 feet Minimum radius: 30″ Minimum turnout: No. 8 (main), No. 6 (industries and yards) Grade: less than 1% Benchwork: open grid […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
In this March 2026 episode of Cody’s Office, Senior Editor Cody Grivno explores a fresh lineup of products, including the Broadway Limited Imports HO scale (1:87) theater car and Athearn’s N scale (1:160) 52-foot mill gondola. Cody also highlights the new 2026 Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide from Firecrown Media. In our modeling tip segment, […]
