News & Products for the week of October 27th 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 October 27th, […]
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TRAC Intermodal to provide domestic chassis for Florida East Coast Railway
PRINCETON, N.J. — TRAC Intermodal has reached an agreement with Florida East Coast Railway that allows TRAC Intermodal to stage 53-foot domestic chassis directly at the Sunshine State railway’s terminals. This partnership will support FEC-controlled business and introduces a standardized domestic chassis fleet. The companies said, in an announcement on Monday, that their collaboration reflects […]
Sunset Models Amtrak NextGen Acela
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 […]
NS and UP launch interline intermodal service in Louisville, Ky.
Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific have launched their new domestic interline intermodal service linking Louisville, Ky., with UP terminals via interchange at Kansas City, Kan. GE Appliances is among the anchor customers on the service, which first rolled on Oct. 20, NS said today. The railroads announced the joint service on Sept. 15, roughly six […]
Amtrak touts progress on Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project
WASHINGTON — Amtrak has posted a video update showing progress made to date on its $1.3 billion Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project on the Northeast Corridor. The new span is being built next to the existing 1907 bridge that links Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, Conn. Construction began late last year, with completion eyed by […]
Metrolink installs ‘smart crossing’ system at first LA County locations
LOS ANGELES — Metrolink has rolled out the use of smart crossing technology — which avoids unnecessary delays at grade crossings near stations — with its introduction at two crossings near its Baldwin Park station. The Wireless Crossing Nearside Station Stop technology communicates with positive train control to prevent crossing gates from lowering as a […]
Menards Pennsylvania RR Flatcars w/Pennzoil Tractor & Trailer
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 […]
Make a glowing Atomic Energy Commission ore car
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 […]
Join the 2026 Trains tour of the Southwest
2026 Southwestern Rail Adventure Embark on a fully private car journey through the majestic landscapes of the American Southwest, where red rock canyons and desert vistas come alive under endless blue skies. Discover iconic national parks, ancient pueblos, and vibrant local culture as you travel in comfort and style. Experience the spirit of the Southwest […]
Athearn Genesis HO GATC tank car
Athearn Genesis HO GATC tank car Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $54.99 Era: 1970s+ to 1990+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn Genesis HO GATC tank car features: 70- or 100-ton screw-mounted, roller-bearing trucks with rotating bearing caps Based on 20,000-gallon prototype Body-mounted McHenry double-shelf […]
Cathcart Rail rebrands as Guardian Rail
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Cathcart Rail, which provides a range of freight rail services, has rebranded itself as Guardian Rail as of today (Oct. 27, 2025). The company says the rebrand reflects its focus on safety, consistency and operational excellence, while setting the tone for a new chapter of growth, clarity, and purpose. “We’re doing more […]
A fishy call in the night
Being a safety supervisor at a small regional railroad entailed more than being a statistician. When promoted to the position on the Maine Central in early 1982, I was part of a two-man team, tasked with promoting safety. This required meeting train crews, riding with them, learning the rudiments of their tasks; talking with engineering […]
