Follow David Popp, as he works to add essential scenery to the HO scale (1:87) East Troy Industrial Park project! Learn how to protect detailed strip wood with masking tape before pouring a custom passenger platform. And then explore helpful tips and tricks for applying Woodland Scenics Smooth-It, tinted with slate gray pigment to mimic asphalt. […]
News & Products for the week of February 16th 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 February 16th […]
Our host Gerry Leone continues working on his HO scale Bona Vista layout, transforming the upper deck with a brand-new water feature. See how he uses Shaper Sheets to protect against resin leaks, harvests real limestone for perfectly matched river rocks, and even overcomes a bit of a misstep using clear coat spray. Plus, you […]
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 13th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]
Q: I’ve recently tried to purchase wood stains for a project and have been unsuccessful finding commercial products that were previously available. I also have three concentrations of India ink washes, made with 70% denatured alcohol, but that limits the final color. I was considering diluting Minwax oil-based wood stain with mineral spirits to the […]
Trains.com Insider Interview | Jason Shron, the ever-enthusiastic founder and CEO of Rapido Trains Inc., returns to chat with David Popp about the shifting landscape of the model railroad industry. Jason provides a candid look at how tariffs are impacting preorders and production planning, and why the company is currently “swallowing” a portion of those […]
The last time David Popp and Jason Shron, owner and CEO of Rapido Trains Inc., chatted back in May 2025, the hot topic was the impact of the tariffs implemented by the United States on the model railroad industry. Roughly eight months later, Jason provides an update, plus fun details on recent happenings with Rapido […]
News & Products for the week of February 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 February 9th […]
Facts and features Name: ZigZag Valley RR (ZZVR) Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 23′-6″ x 44′-5″ Prototype: BNSF Ry. and Mt. Hood RR Locale: Pacific Northwest Era: June 1998 Style: around-the-walls Mainline run: 460 feet Minimum radius: 24″ Minimum turnout: No. 6 main line, No. 5 yards Maximum grade: 2% Benchwork: a combination of studwall, L-girder, […]
Rivers and industries take center stage on the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park layout! This episode, David Popp dives into scenery by pouring a murky resin river for an authentic, deep-water appearance. You’ll also learn the math (I was told there would be no math) behind calculating resin volume for irregular shapes. Finally, we […]
The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division SD7 HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is highlighted in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno explores the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line, focusing here on the highly detailed Great Northern No. 572. Built in April 1953, the prototype 1,500hp locomotive originally sported the iconic Empire […]
The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division SD7 HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is highlighted in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno explores the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line, focusing here on the highly detailed Great Northern No. 572. Built in April 1953, the prototype 1,500hp locomotive originally sported the iconic Empire […]
