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WalthersMainline HO EMD GP9 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin DCC plug and factory-installed 28mm round speaker, $159.98; with dual-mode ESU Sound & DCC, $214.98 Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com WalthersMainline HO EMD GP9 features: Constant, directional light-emitting diode headlights Footboard or plow-equipped pilot […]
The Electro-Motive Division F40PHM-2 is the latest HO scale commuter diesel from Rapido Trains. The four-axle unit uses plastic and die-cast metal construction and has numerous factory-applied detail parts and an assortment of lighting functions. Prototype history Electro-Motive Division produced the F40PHM-2 between October 1991 and December 1992. Initial assembly was done in London, Ontario, […]
Now it’s time for scenery on David Popp’s Olympia & Sand Creek On30 display layout to take shape! In this episode, the efforts begins by adding a few more details, before David works to cover new ground with static grass and a variety of turf and brush materials. View the complete Olympia series exclusively on […]
Rapido HO tie-service flatcar Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single car, $64.95; six-pack, $389.70 Era: 1990s to present Manufacturer: Rapido Trains Inc., 500 Alden Rd., Unit 21, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 5H5; 905-474-3314, rapidotrains.com Rapido HO tie-service flatcar features: Based on ex-TTX cars purchased by Burlington Northern and converted to crosstie cars Body-mounted metal couplers Two […]
Once we had the L-girders built, it was time to turn our attention to adding the legs and support bracing for the layout. We constructed the legs as simple subassemblies with their own cross bracing. It all bolts to the L-girder frames using ¼” carriage bolts, wing nuts, and washers. We used more dimensional lumber […]
Over the first dozen or so years of of its existence, the original HO scale Milwaukee, Racine & Troy underwent many changes. Among these was the installation of a freestanding backdrop on the downtown Milwaukee section, which resulted in the scenic challenge shown below. Already in place was the Port Marquette Yard, the MR&T’s eastern […]
News & Products for the week of May 12th 2025 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 May 12th, […]
Walthers HO 40-foot single-sheathed boxcar Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $31.98 Era: 1920s to 1950s Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com Walthers HO 40-foot single-sheathed boxcar features: Newly tooled model 33” turned-metal wheelsets with RP-25 contour Body-mounted Proto-Max metal couplers Factory-applied plastic running boards with molded corner grab […]
For many model railroad clubs, the word “move” can trigger stress and uncertainty. When you don’t own the space you reside in, the possibility of having to pack up and relocate is always present. The Waukesha County Gandy Dancers Model Railroad Club (WCGD), located in Waukesha, Wis., knows this feeling all too well. “No power!” […]
Learning how to install roadbed at a turnout, a place where tracks meet or diverge, is a valuable skill for all model railroaders to have. Installing strips of cork or foam roadbed for straight or curved tracks is a straightforward process. Mark the center line, split the roadbed sections into flexible strips, and glue them […]
Rapido HO MOW flat and camp cars Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Single camp car, $69.95; three-pack (diner, kitchen, and office vans), $199.95; and six-pack (sleeper vans), $399.95. Separate sale camp trailers (dining, kitchen, office, and sleeper), $24.95 each. Conrail F30A MOW flatcar with deck rails: Single car, $54.95; six-pack, $329.70. Era: 1980s to present Manufacturer: […]
Track selection is among the first decisions you’ll have to make when you get started in model railroading, second only to scale. In HO (1:87.1), the two most commonly used track sizes are code 100 and code 83. “Code” refers to the height of the rail, measured in thousandths of an inch. For a lot […]
