Bachmann HO GE 44-ton diesel

Screen capture showing GE 44-ton switcher in blue and yellow paint on scenicked layout with product description in lower left corner.

The Bachmann HO GE 44-ton diesel locomotive is the subject of our latest product review video. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the switcher and Baltimore & Ohio No. 8301; points out the various detail parts on the model; and demonstrates the sound and light functions on […]

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Menards HO Cripple Creek Seed & Feed

Color image of weathered gray HO scale building with scenicked base on white background.

Price: $24.99 Manufacturer Menards 5106 Menard Dr. Eau Claire, WI 54703 menards.com/trains Era: 1930s to present Comments: Cripple Creek Seed & Feed joins the ever-growing lineup of HO scale structures from Menards. The factory-assembled model, which measures 4-⅜” wide x 3-¼” deep x 2-7/16” high, uses medium density fiberboard (MDF) construction and has a scenicked […]

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Model trains for the 19th century

Color photo of steam locomotive and train passing over wood trestle and truss bridge.

Q: Many of Model Railroader’s articles, reviews, and advertisements focus on products representing the “modern” era, say the 1940s to the present. That’s OK, and much of your audience obviously enjoys modeling contemporary railroading. However, I’m interested in modeling the railroad industry as it was in the 19th century. Can you suggest the names of […]

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Exclusive Layout Extra | Farewell to the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy

Farewell to the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy | As hosted by Senior Editor Cody Grivno, this salute to Model Railroader magazine’s renowned MR&T (a.k.a “Myrt”) 28 x 54-foot model railroad (Mark II) in HO (1:87) scale, captured historic insights from several influential modelers with firsthand experience working on the treasured layout. Enjoy exclusive clips of the […]

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News & Products for the week of December 30th 2024

A black and red model locomotive

News & Products for the week of December 30th 2024   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 30th […]

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Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 22 | Build a better barn

Get ready for a barn burner of an episode, when David Popp jumps into high gear to complete various scenery and structure projects on his Olympia & Sand Creek On30 display layout. Efforts include adding fences, installing the Armstrong-type turntable, and revamping the barn a bit. Be sure to explore the entire Olympia series, appearing […]

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Types of model rail bridges and when to use them

Two model trains cross two elevated bridges in separate directions

Chances are good that if you’re building a model railroad, you’ll want to include a bridge. After all, who doesn’t love a good bridge? I can’t speak for anyone else, but when I think of San Francisco, I think Golden Gate. When I think of Duluth, Minn., I think of the Aerial Lift Bridge (well […]

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Firecrown acquires EnterTRAINment Junction, plans new family interactive transportation museum in Chattanooga, TN

A cross section illustration of EnterTRAINment Junction

In a move that promises to reshape the landscape of transportation-themed attractions, Firecrown, a leading publisher of transportation and enthusiast titles, has acquired the railroad assets from EnterTRAINment Junction. The company plans to relocate the beloved train exhibits to Chattanooga, Tennessee, as part of an ambitious new transportation museum. Firecrown is also the parent company […]

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Rapido Trains HO GE 44-tonner

Color photo of orange and black switcher on white background.

A General Electric 44-ton diesel locomotive is the latest addition to the Rapido Trains HO scale diesel lineup. The center-cab switcher has an injection-molded plastic body; heavy, die-cast metal chassis; and prototype-specific details. Prototype history General Electric produced the 44-ton diesel locomotive from Sept. 1940 to Oct. 1956. During the course of the production run […]

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The pros and cons of lichen

Color photo of Z scale Milwaukee Road EMD GP9s emerging from tunnel in a scene with fall foliage.

Q: I have a question regarding using lichen to simulate vegetation on a layout. My basement is clean but unfinished, so the wood floor joists overhead and the concrete walls are all visible. The basement isn’t particularly humid, but it isn’t climate controlled either. There are the occasional spiders and cobwebs, as is normal in […]

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News & Products for the week of December 23rd 2024

News & Products for the week of December 23rd 2024   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 23rd […]

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Spaces to Places VII | Within yard limits, part 1

Host Gerry Leone returns to the lower level of his HO scale Bona Vista HO scale double-deck model railroad, with the intent to complete the yard adjacent to the scenes featured in Spaces to Places V. Follow along as he first plans, and then adds urban scenery and structures, plus plenty of gritty, attention-getting details, […]

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