January 2025
The January 2025 issue of Model Railroader
![](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MRR-jan-25-cover-0125.jpg ?>)
Featured
In this Issue
![](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MRR-jan-25-01-0125.jpg)
Get realistic results with these easy-to-follow techniques
![](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MRR-jan-25-02-0125.jpg)
This HO scale layout celebrates railroading in northeast Ohio from the 1950s to the present
![](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MRR-jan-25-03-0125.jpg)
Part 1: Introduction to our 2025 project, a T-Trak layout
Cut a scene into existing benchwork
Energy-efficient lighting that costs less and might last forever
![](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MRR-dec02-1224.jpg)
How Rod Stewart’s Three Rivers RR empire was relocated from California to England
![](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MRR-jan-25-05-0125.jpg)
This three-story structure was built using Strathmore and stripwood
Also in this issue:
ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6
The latest features on our website
FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8
Welcome to the hobby!
NEWS AND REVIEWS, pg. 10
Hobby industry news
ASK MR, pg. 18
Identifying buffer cars
STEP BY STEP, pg. 24
How to model an industry-specific vehicle
ON OPERATION, pg. 68
Super-sized operating sessions
TRACKSIDE PHOTOS, pg. 70
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS, CARTOON, AND STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP pg. 81
TRAINS OF THOUGHT, pg. 82
Build a diorama