Electro-Motive Division F40PHM-2 diesel locomotive from Rapido Trains

Drawing of diesel passenger locomotive in different paint schemes

Electro-Motive Division F40PHM-2 diesel locomotive Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model, $239.95; with dual-mode ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $349.95 Era: 1991 to present (varies depending on scheme) Manufacturer: Rapido Trains Inc., 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, Ontario L3R 5H5 Canada; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Electro-Motive Division F40PHM-2 diesel locomotive features: Dual rooftop air conditioners Separate underbody piping, conduit, and wire […]

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Sartrouville’s Pavilion announced by Minifer

Model of Sartrouville’s Pavilion

Sartrouville’s Pavilion Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $61 (price may vary based on exchange rate) Era: 1936+ Manufacturer: Minifer, 25 Bis Chemin du Roy, 41150 Veuzain Sur Loire, France; minifer.fr/en/ Sartrouville’s house features: Laser-cut cardboard kit Painted cardboard slate roof PDF color instructions Measures 3.93” x 4.13” x 4.72” Release date: Available now News & Products is […]

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TCA Fall York 2022: a report from the show

TCA fall york 2022 visiting Atlas O booth

TCA Fall York 2022 is a jumble of letters and numbers to the uninitiated. But to Classic Toy Trains and Trains.com readers, it means something specific and fun. The York Train Show hosted by the Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association is held bi-annually in April and October on the York, Pa., Fairgrounds. The […]

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Tribute to Dick Elwell by Lou Sassi

Photo of man standing in front of model railroad

Tribute to Dick Elwell. Goodbye old friend. It’s with a heavy heart that I must inform Model Railroader readers that the hobby community has lost one of its best. My good friend, Dick Elwell, passed away early in the morning of October 21, 2022 after 14 years of dealing with multiple myeloma. Even after going […]

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In Memoriam: Dick Elwell

Photo of man with model railroad in background

In Memoriam: Dick Elwell. Veteran model railroader Dick Elwell, builder of the well-known Hoosac Valley RR, died on October 21, 2022 after a 14-year battle with cancer. “Even after going through numerous medical procedures to cope with the disease, Dick’s positive attitude and lust for living shined through,” said Model Railroader contributing editor Lou Sassi. […]

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HO scale Amtrak Non-Powered Control Units from Rapido Trains

Drawing of four diesel passenger locomotives

Amtrak NPCU “Cabbage” Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin plug, $239.95; with dual-mode sound decoder, $349.95 Era: 1990s to present (varies depending on scheme) Manufacturer: Rapido Trains Inc., 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, Ontario L3R 5H5 Canada; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Amtrak Non-Powered Control Unit features: Enlarged marker lights, supplementary air reservoirs, and a K5LA horn Operating strobe lights, […]

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Greenbrier (Gunderson) Maxi-IV three-unit articulated well cars from American Z Line

Model of three articulated well cars carrying various 40- and 53-foot containers

Maxi-IV well cars Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: 2012 to present Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com Maxi-IV well cars feature: Modified AZL 90001 roller-bearing trucks AutoLatch couplers Metal wheels Six 40- and/or 53-foot intermodal containers in various schemes Road name: Florida East Coast (brown with patched reporting marks). Three road numbers. Release […]

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October 2022 PA-1 announcement from American Z Line

Model of blue and white streamlined diesel locomotive

Alco PA-1 Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: 1949 to early 1960s Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com Alco PA-1 features: 7mm can motor Dual flywheels Six-axle trucks with blind middle axle (no flange) Traction tires Blackened metal wheels Directional light-emitting-diode lighting Optional front coupler cover and snow plow Road name: Missouri Pacific […]

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34-foot 100-ton two-bay hopper from Wm. K. Walthers Inc.

Model of orange two-bay hopper

34-foot 100-ton two-bay hopper Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $31.98 (undecorated, $29.98) Era: 1970s to present (varies depending on scheme) Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com 34-foot 100-ton two-bay hopper features: Factory-applied door and brake details Heavy die-cast metal underframe 36” metal wheelsets with RP-25 contours Proto-Max metal couplers Road names: Gifford […]

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Yard tractor from Athearn

Yellow and black yard tractor

Yard tractor Scale: HO (1:87:1) Price: $29.99 (add $3 for UPS) Era: 1990s+ to 2018+ (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Features: Factory assembled Separate, factory-applied detail parts Interior details Rubber tires Photo-etched metal steps and rear deck Adjustable fifth wheel height Clear window glazing […]

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Wall-mounted billboard three-pack from Wm. K. Walthers Inc.

Model of billboard on the side of a brick wall

Wall-mounted billboard three-pack Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $17.98 Era: 1920s to present Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218; 414-527-0770; walthers.com Wall-mounted billboard three-pack features: Newly tooled Parts to build three complete billboards Can be built with vintage- or modern-style platforms and nonworking lights Printed color signs Release date: Winter 2023 News & Products is […]

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Athearn Maxi-III five-unit articulated well car

Drawing of red articulated well cars

Maxi-III five-unit articulated well car Scale: HO (1:87:1) Price: $159.99 Era: 1988+ to 1994+ (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Features: 33” and 38” solid nickel silver wheels with RP-25 contours Body-mounted McHenry double-shelf couplers Injection-molded plastic body Improved metal bolster for added weight Minimum […]

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