The “Galloping Goose” railbuses were built by the Rio Grande Southern in the 1930s as a cheaper way to haul mail, passengers, and lighter freight. They used automobile or truck engines with freight containers, and ran on narrow-gauge track. The Goose was not only less expensive to operate but also much lighter, so less wear […]
Ever since the return of MTH’s Premier Norfolk & Western J-class 4-8-4s in 2025, it was obvious that the 70’ streamlined passenger cars wouldn’t be far behind. The product announcement was made in November 2024, with the cars arriving in late 2025. They were offered in four-, two-, and single-car sets. This review focuses on […]
Locomotives & rolling stock MTH Electric Trains, 7393 Washington Blvd. Ste. 101, Elkridge, MD 21075, is offering O Scale SD40T-2 Diesel Locomotive as part of the Premier line. The engines will be available in seven roadnames, feature prototypical cab numbers, and have O-42 operation (20-22123 shown). Expected delivery in May 2026. Price: Website: mthtrains.com Mr. […]
The world of O-gauge, 3-rail track comes in three main choices: tubular, roadbed, and realistic. The next challenge is selecting the right brand from the many manufacturers — some still in business, others long gone — that will fit your wants and desires. Atlas Model Railroad Company, Inc. Address: 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205 […]
Though I’ve been in the hobby for more than 70 years, I’m still amazed at the number of new products being released. Gone are the days when the Lionel or American Flyer “wish books” would fill our dreams of new engines, cars, or accessories. Now we have the internet, hobby shops, and train shows to […]
Locomotives & rolling stock The Train Loft, 4007-B Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27104, has announced a custom-run MTH 36’ Woodside Reefer as part of the Premier line. The car will be available in two numbers and features O-31 operation (20-94784 shown). Expected delivery in February 2026. Price: $84.95. Website: trainloft.com Mr. Muffin’s Trains, 165 […]
Though its history is tied to track, the product line for Atlas Model Railroad Co. has grown and diversified from Z to O scale. General Manager Matt Moceikis and Sale Manager Ross Medine joined Model Railroader and Classic Toy Trains editors Eric White and Rene Schweitzer to discuss what’s in store for the future of […]
Midday Modeler – January 29th, 2026 |The Midday Modeler livestream event kicks off 2026 with several members of the Trains.com crew keeping busy in and around the workshop! Enjoy the replay here, and you’ll see David sharing several new books that recently arrived at shop.trains.com — along with a sneak peek at a brand-new book in the […]
Command control systems allow more ways than ever to operate your toy train today, and if you’re new (or you’ve been away from the hobby), choosing a system might seem overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’re here to help! Let’s review the choices, along with their pros and cons. Conventional “Conventional” operation means you use a transformer […]
Explore the vibrant lithography and nostalgic charm with our latest layout tour, as featured in the Spring 2026 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine! Join life-long collector Walt Hiteshew, as he operates his 8½ x 17½-foot O gauge display, filled with Marx tinplate treasures winding around hand-sculpted mountains, across a custom-built viaduct, and bustling through village streets […]
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” At least, that was my thought process when I received this MTH Premier Norfolk & Western 18-inch, full-length dome car. Though a beautiful model from 2004, it came with older, 18V lamp bulbs. Initial track power testing immediately revealed several issues: Lights only turning on in the lower […]
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, […]
