Gerry Leone is back at Smithtown on his HO scale Bona Vista layout for Part Two of his river expansion project! Watch as he converts two single-track plate girder bridges—including a forgotten scratchbuilt gem from his Master Model Railroader certification efforts—into one massive double-track span. You’ll learn clever tricks for dissolving clogged glue, scoring styrene […]
Explore 80 years of model railroading innovation with Athearn’s Jim Wiggin! Ride along with Trains.com hosts Cody Grivno and Lucas Iverson, and you’ll hear Jim outline the company’s evolution from Irv Athearn’s garage to the exacting production of highly detailed Genesis line HO and N scale products. Discover how modern technology like 3D printing and […]
For 80 years, Athearn has been a part of the model railroading industry, producing familiar product ranges like HO scale blue box kits and Genesis ready-to-run models. In preparation for its milestone anniversary in 2026, Associate Brand Manager Jim Wiggin joined Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno and Trains.com Assistant Digital Editor Lucas Iverson to […]
Lionel Trains has released its 2026 catalog. The 172-page catalog includes new items from the VisionLine, Legacy, LionChief, Harry Potter, and Battery O lines. Highlights include a number of semiquincentennial locomotives and rolling stock, including a 4-4-0 brass hybrid steam locomotive (No. 2631620), a Legacy T1 American Freedom Train in two versions (Nos. 2631430 and […]
Many of us dream of a model railroad empire on a massive scale. While the time, space and resources required usually dictate whether or not that dream becomes a reality, it never hurts to be inspired. Whether you’re daring to dream or have what you need to dare yourself, explore these monster track plan recommendations! […]
Athearn HO FMC 5283 double-door boxcar Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $29.99 Era: 1974+ to 2000s+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn HO FMC 5283 double-door boxcar features: Body-mounted McHenry scale couplers Freestanding air reservoir, brake cylinder, and control valve Hydra-Cushion underframe with center sill, […]
Athearn HO Johnstown America BethGon Coalporter Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single car, $49.99; five-pack, $239.99 Era: 2006+ to 2014+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn HO Johnstown America BethGon Coalporter features: 36” machined metal wheels with RP-25 contours Body-mounted McHenry scale lower shelf couplers […]
The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division SD38-2 HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is featured in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the unit, which is part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line. The reviewed model is decorated as GATX no. 1245. This 2,000-horsepower unit has a rich history, originally built […]
The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division SD38-2 HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is featured in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the unit, which is part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line. The reviewed model is decorated as GATX no. 1245. This 2,000-horsepower unit has a rich history, originally built […]
News & Products for the week of January 12th 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 January 12th, 2026. […]
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. […]
Athearn HO FMC 5077 offset double-door boxcar Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $39.99 to $44.99 Era: 1977+ to 2004+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn HO FMC 5077 offset double-door boxcar features: 33” machined metal wheels with RP-25 contours Body-mounted McHenry scale couplers with screw-mounted […]
