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The Sunset Models Amtrak NextGen Acela (Acela II) was announced at the York Train Fair, hosted by the Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association in late October. The O scale train, based on prototypes that operate in the Northeast Corridor, will be offered in two- and three-rail versions. The Acela II will be available […]
In the early 1800s, flatcars were among the first railcars developed, used to transport oversized or heavy loads. Over time, variations of the flatcar have emerged (depressed-center and center-beam cars, for example), but the humble flatcar is still commonly used today. Menards has released a two-pack of flatcars, one carrying a 1:48 scale 1954 GMC […]
Recently, CTT received a box of rolling stock review samples from Ready Made Toys (RMT). Though, there was something about the ore car that caught my attention. The color of the simulated ore reminded me of the glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint you can purchase in craft stores. Wouldn’t it be neat to have a string of […]
Q: I’ve been trying to find the video Cody Grivno hosted a few years ago where he showed how to make a low-profile forest background using, I think, a furnace filter. I’m not talking about making furnace filter pine trees. This was more like cutting a continuous row of tree tops out of filter material […]
Trains.com sits down with Third & Townsend Models President Jay Escamilla on October 15, 2025, to discuss the recent amalgamation of Sunset Models, 3rd Rail, and Golden Gate Depot brands, and what it means for modelers. Jay details the companies’ commitment to producing the most prototypically accurate O (1:48) and HO (1:87.1) scale models in […]
In September 2025, Sunset Models Inc., along with its subsidiary 3rd Rail Division and Golden Gate Depot, found a new home in the form of Third & Townsend Models. From this recently-established partnership will be the distributor overseeing the companies’ continual and expanding productions of high-end, O and HO scale models in brass, plastic, and […]
The Atlas O Fall 2025 Premier catalog was recently published on the manufacturer’s website. Highlights include: New locomotives GP30 The locomotive includes Proto-Sound 3.0, onboard DCC/DCS decoder, detachable snowplow, O-42 operation, and road-specific ditch lights. Available roadnames: BNSF; NKP; Indiana & Ohio; Norfolk & Western; Raritan Central. Available in 3-rail version only. Price: $729.95. New […]
Hear about the future of MTH Electric Trains directly from company principals Rich Foster and Bradley DeLeon. Even as MTH founder Mike Wolf annouced his retirement, Rich had a plan to keep the company going. Today, custom/specialty products now account for about 30% of the business. MTH has also made commitments to its RailKing One Gauge […]
In 2020, MTH Electric Trains President Mike Wolf announced his May 2021 retirement and the subsequent closure of the company after 40 years in business. It’s now 2025, and MTH remains alive and well, continuing to produce products for the model railroad and toy train industry at a more modest pace in O, Standard, and […]
The Lionel Kid’s Club by Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2026. According to the Kid’s Club Coordinator Patrick Cudzilo, “Our Kid’s Club is focused on keeping today’s youth involved in the model train hobby for years to come. They are the future of the hobby.” Founded in 2011, […]
Lionel Trains is no stranger to modeling preserved steam locomotives we know and love, including those still operating today. The latest offering is Soo Line 2-8-2 No. 1003 (No. 2531120), a local steam star here in southeastern Wisconsin. The locomotive is one of six O-scale, 3-rail United States Railroad Administration (USRA) heavy Mikados that were […]
Join Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson as he reviews the Lionel Legacy O gauge (1:48) USRA 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado Soo Line No. 1003 , featuring video of the model operating on the Milwaukee Lionel RR Club and the 1:1 scale steam locomotive too! This Legacy model boasts detailed construction, stack and whistle steam, and is easily […]
