Atlas N scale SD60E

Screen capture of title screen from product review video.

The Atlas N scale SD60E diesel locomotive is now available in the company’s Master Line. In this video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief history of the prototype diesels, rebuilt by Norfolk Southern at its Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pa.; points out the various freestanding and molded detail parts; and demonstrates […]

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‘Rocky Patel Rolling Smoke Cigar Train’ photo gallery

black and yellow locomotive

Rocky Patel Rolling Smoke Cigar Train The “Rocky Patel Rolling Smoke Cigar Train” behind Nickel Plate Road SD9 No. 358 ran a round-trip excursion from Pleasant Lake, Ind., to Hillsdale, Mich., and return on Oct. 12, 2024. The special is one of several themed excursions offered as part of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s […]

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InterMountain HO scale GP16 diesel locomotive

Color photo of screen capture from Product Review video.

The much-anticipated InterMountain HO scale GP16 diesel locomotive recently arrived at our new Brookfield headquarters. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he provides a brief prototype history of the Seaboard Coast Line-rebuilt engines and United States Army No. 4630, points out the various detail parts, and demonstrates the sound and light features on […]

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Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels

Screen capture from video showing two HO scale diesels painted yellow and gray.

The Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels are the subject of our latest Product Review video. Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief prototype history of the freight haulers, points out the various factory-applied details on the units, and demonstrates some of the sound and lights functions on the ESU LokSound […]

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Charlie Bailey’s O gauge layout

scene on toy train layout

Charlie Bailey is passionate about toy trains. He collects Standard gauge (modern reissues from Lionel and MTH) and takes pride in the wonderfully detailed and expertly wired O gauge railroad filling much of the lower portion of the home he shares with his wife, Jane. We’re thrilled to be able to tour Charlie Bailey’s 42 […]

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Broadway Limited HO scale EMD GP35

Screen capture from Product Review video showing HO scale diesel painted orange and green.

A sample from the latest run of Broadway Limited HO scale EMD GP35 diesel locomotives paid a visit to our Winston-Salem Southbound layout. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the four-axle road locomotive and Burlington Northern No. 2510, points out the details on the plastic and die-cast […]

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Ken Smith’s South Durham Ry.

Title screen showing black-and-white road diesel pulling a freight on Ken Smith's HO scale South Durham Ry. model railroad.

Ken Smith’s South Durham Ry. is an HO scale shelf layout that fills a 9′-6″ x 11′-0″ spare room. The freelanced model railroad depicts a North Carolina bridge line connecting the Southern Ry. (SOU), Seaboard Coast Line (SCL), and Durham Southern in the 1970s. Second-generation diesel power moves grain, plastic pellets, perishable fruit, and other […]

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Tom Kaiser’s O gauge layout

overview of toy train layout

Name: Tom Kaiser’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 10½ x 11 feet Track: Lionel FasTrack (diameters range from 31 to 60 inches) Motive power: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Ready Made Trains, Williams Rolling stock: K-Line, Lionel, Menards, MTH, Ready Made Trains, Williams Controls: MRC transformers (2) Accessories: K-Line, Lionel, Marx Structures: Bachmann, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Plasticville U.S.A., scratchbuilt   See more in the […]

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Atlas HO Alco RS1 diesel locomotive

Title screen from product review video painted red and black.

Welcome to our latest product review video, the first in the brand new Model Railroader workshop! This time around, we’ll take a look at the Atlas HO scale Alco RS1 diesel locomotive. Join Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he talks about the history of the four-axle road switcher and Morristown & Erie No. 15; points […]

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Art Volz’s O gauge layout

overview of toy train layout

Name: Art Volz’s O-27 gauge layout Dimensions: 10 x 20 feet Track and switches: Lionel (diameters range from 27 to 31 inches) Motive power: Lionel (postwar, modern) Rolling stock: Lionel (postwar, modern), Menards Controls: Lionel Nos.1033, 1034, type-ZW transformers Accessories: Lionel, MTH Structures: Atlas O, Lionel, Menards, MTH, scratchbuilt, Woodland Scenics See more in the Fall 2024 issue of Classic Toy Trains! See Art’s track […]

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Lionel Base3 control system unboxing and reveal

man and woman behind counter looking inside of a box

Lionel has released their Base3 control system, and CTT unboxes and tests the product. Editor Rene Schweitzer and Contributing Editor Bob Keller offer some tips and tricks for operation, and demonstrate the Polar Express engine on the CT&T in-house layout. Read a review from Chris Montagna about the Base3. Learn more about this system at control.lionel.com Find […]

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Rapido Trains HO scale GP9RM

Screen shot from video showing HO scale diesel locomotive painted red, white, and black.

The Rapido Trains HO scale GP9RM, based on prototypes rebuilt by Canadian National in the 1980s, recently arrived at our offices. Join Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of CN No. 4000; highlights the many separate, factory-applied parts on the model; and demonstrates the sound and lighting effects (and a few […]

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