The Hills Line with James McNab | Prototype Placemakers, Episode 18

Explore the transformation of the Hills Line Substation module as real-life elements are incorporated, turning it into a recognizable and authentic prototype location. Join James McNab on this episode as he adds signature elements, including a farm storage Quonset hut, a cornfield, and a chain-link fence. Learn about the meticulous process of detailing structures, weathering, […]

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Guide to HO metal wheelsets

Group photo of metal wheelsets from different manufacturers.

For many years, HO scale modelers debated whether to use plastic or metal wheelsets on freight cars. That discussion has quieted down over the past two decades, largely because most new models come with metal wheelsets. However, as evidenced by the number of offerings available today, there’s still a strong demand for aftermarket metal wheelsets. […]

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News & Products for the week of December 18th 2023

A model locomotive on model rail track

News & Products for the week of December 18th 2023   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 December 18th […]

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Broadway Limited Imports HO EMD GP35

Title screen from Broadway Limited Imports HO scale EMD GP35 Product Review video.

The Broadway Limited Imports HO EMD GP35 visits our Wisconsin & Southern staff layout in this Product Review video. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he talks about the features on our Paragon4-equipped Chicago, Burlington & Quincy sample. Learn more about the sound and light functions on the four-axle road locomotive, see it […]

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Broadway Limited Imports HO EMD GP35

Title screen from Broadway Limited Imports HO scale EMD GP35 Product Review video.

The Broadway Limited Imports HO EMD GP35 visits our Wisconsin & Southern staff layout in this Product Review video. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he talks about the features on our Paragon4-equipped Chicago, Burlington & Quincy sample. Learn more about the sound and light functions on the four-axle road locomotive, see it […]

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DCCconcepts Aegis system

Screen capture of a man standing in front of a model railroad introducing a product review video.

Model Railroader Contributing Editor Larry Puckett hosts our latest Product Review video to talk about the features on the DCCconcepts Aegis system, an upgrade for NCE’s Digital Command Control PowerCab. You can read his review of the system on page 16 of the January 2024 issue of MR. The Aegis system maintains all the functions […]

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News & Products for the week of December 11th 2023

A set of five model boxcars in various paint schemes

News & Products for the week of December 11th 2023   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 December 11th […]

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The HO scale Missouri Pacific Joppa Subdivision layout

A model railroad trackplan displaying three different layers

Facts & features Name: Missouri Pacific Joppa SubdivisionScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 27′-3″ x 31′-6″Prototype: Missouri PacificLocale: southern IllinoisMainline run: 131 feet (visible), 222 feet (including helix and branch to start of Freeman mine)Minimum radius: 30″Minimum turnout: No. 6Maximum grade: 2.5%     Download this trackplan! Buy the January 2023 issue of Model Railroader! […]

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The Freemont Mills layout in HO scale

A model railroad trackplan

Facts & features Name: Freemont MillsScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 3′-51⁄2″ x 7′-103⁄4″Prototype: freelancedLocale: Eastern U.S.Era: 1970Style: Free-Mo moduleMainline run: 94″Minimum radius: 60″Minimum turnout: No. 6Maximum grade: noneBenchwork: open gridHeight: 50″Roadbed: corkTrack: Walthers code 83Backdrop: noneControl: Train Control Systems LT-50     Download this trackplan! Buy the January 2023 issue of Model Railroader! […]

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The HO scale Reading Co. layout

A model railroad layout

Facts & features Name: Reading Co. Scale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 13′-6″ x 22′-0″ plus 2′-6″ x 5′-3″ West Philadelphia additionPrototype: Reading Co.Locale: eastern PennsylvaniaEra: 1930s to 1940sStyle: walk-inMainline run: 80 feetMinimum radius: 36″ (main)Minimum turnout: No. 6 (main), No. 4 (yards and industries)Maximum grade: 2%Benchwork: modified L-girderHeight: 50″ to 58″Roadbed: cork on plywood (main), Homasote on […]

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The Wolf Creek Central RR in HO scale

A model railroad trackplan

Facts & features Name: Wolf Creek Central RRScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 8′-1″ x 13′-1″ Prototype: freelancedLocale: southeast North CarolinaEra: 1990sStyle: peninsulaMainline run: 81 feetMinimum radius: 24″Minimum turnout: no. 4Maximum grade: 2.7%Benchwork: L-girderHeight: 48″Roadbed: HomasoteTrack: code 70, 83, and 100 flextrackScenery: Woodland Scenics ground foamBackdrop: Painted tempered hardboardControl: Digitrax DB150 DCC   Download a PDF of this […]

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News & Products for the week of December 4th 2023

Two model freight cars in a red paint scheme

News & Products for the week of December 4th 2023   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 December 4th […]

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