Looking for something cool to add to your N scale freight car fleet? Then you’ll want to check out the Santa Fe Refrigerator Department (SFRD) class RR-56, RR-60, and RR-61 mechanical reefers from Rapido Trains. The models feature plastic construction, factory-applied details, and body-mounted couplers. Prototype history The 2,995-cubic-foot capacity class RR-56 cars (SFRD 2000-2019, […]
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 […]
An American Car & Foundry 40-foot wood refrigerator car is the fourth model to join the ScaleTrains S-Helper Service lineup. The reefer, based on a prototype from the 1920s, features plastic construction; factory-installed and painted wire grab irons; and sprung, die-cast metal trucks. Prototype history The review sample we received is decorated as Santa Fe […]
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 […]
A Trinity Industries 5,161-cubic-foot capacity three-bay covered hopper is now part of Bachmann’s growing lineup of modern HO scale freight cars. The injection-molded plastic model features screw-mounted roller-bearing trucks, metal wheelsets, and body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II couplers. Prototype history The 5161 covered hopper has been part of the Trinity Industries (now TrinityRail) catalog since […]
Let’s be frank, not all of us have the luxury of immense space for a massive model railroad empire. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the hobby, even in the most cramped room. By turning the pages of past issues and books by the Model Railroader staff, here are five recommendations for compact track […]
Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno takes a closer look at the WalthersProto HO scale EMD GP7. Cody first explores the prototype history of the GP7, noting that Electro-Motive Division produced over 2,700 units between October 1949 and May 1954. The review sample is decorated as Chicago, Burlington & Quincy No. 204, built in September 1951. The model […]
As a Burlington Northern fan, I was fired up when ScaleTrains announced it was producing the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP39E in HO scale. The model, part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line, depicts the four-axle road unit in its as-delivered appearance with Quantum Q2000 crossing strobes on the front deck. The full-size version of our […]
The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division GP39E 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 Burlington Northern GP39E No. 2762. This unit has a rich history, […]
Model Railroader magazine’s Editor Eric White catches up with National Model Railroad Association President Gordy Robinson at the NMRA-sponsored Trainfest 2025 event, held November 1st & 2nd, 2025, in downtown Milwaukee, Wis. Gordy outlines the new vision and strategy for the organization, aiming for 35,000 members, reducing membership costs, and improving the member experience. He […]
An Electro-Motive Division NW2 has joined the ranks of the WalthersProto line. The newly tooled HO scale model, based on Phase I through IV prototypes, uses plastic and die-cast metal construction and features railroad-specific details, a factory-installed 11mm x 15mm cube-type speaker in both direct current and Digital Command Control versions, and body-mounted Proto-Max metal […]
A Norfolk Southern AC44C6M diesel locomotive is one of the latest additions to the ScaleTrains Rivet Counter line. The HO scale model, based on General Electric Dash 9-40C and Dash 9-44CW rebuilds, features an injection-molded plastic body, die-cast metal chassis, and body-mounted metal Type E semi-scale couplers. Prototype history Norfolk Southern No. 4000 was built […]
