The Lionel Legacy SD45 is a beast of an engine

Lionel Legacy SD45 front view

About halfway through the Lionel 2021 Volume II catalog we found this post-transition-era workhorse: the EMD SD45. A model previously released by Lionel in 2016, the return of the SD45 is a welcome sight for those who model the early high-horsepower diesel years. A solid seller The prototype was built by the Electro-Motive Division of […]

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ScaleTrains Gunderson Multi-Max auto rack

Drawing of white and silver auto rack train car

Gunderson Multi-Max auto racks Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $79.99 Era: 2014 to present (varies depending on scheme) Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 4901 Old Tasso Rd. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com Gunderson Multi-Max auto racks feature: Railroad, road number, and era-specific details Four body variations, three ladder styles, two types of end doors, three end sill configurations, and two different upper and […]

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Great railroading gifts for 2022!

Black mug with white and red writing.

Railfans, their friends, and family might be struggling to find railroading gifts for 2022 that are just right: affordable, fun, and right on the mark when it comes to getting railroading right. Each year, Trains.com and sister website Kalmbach Hobby Store announce gifts that are spot-on and sure to please. See our annual list below! […]

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Lionel Disney Frozen II train set review

Lionel Disney Frozen II train set

The Lionel Disney Frozen II train set is a great way to make new memories. But let’s look at some old ones first. When you think back, what was the impetus that got you into this hobby of model trains? Usually, those stories begin with a family member, perhaps grandparent, dad, uncle, or brother that […]

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Wall-mounted billboard three-pack

Model of billboard on the side of a brick wall

Wall-mounted billboard three-pack Scale: N (1:160) 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 Models a billboard without any lights Printed color signs Release date: Winter 2023 News & Products is a regular feature of Trains.com […]

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FRA launches passenger long-distance study site

Passenger train stopped at station, as viewed from high angle

WASHINGTON —The Federal Railroad Administration has launched a website for comments leading to an evaluation of long-distance service Amtrak had previously discontinued, as well as its two current triweekly routes, the New Orleans-Los Angeles Sunset Limited and the New York-Washington-Cincinnati-Indianapolis-Chicago Cardinal. The “Amtrak Daily Long-distance Service Study” site, which began operation Oct. 28, now only […]

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DC Metrorail to begin service on Silver Line extension Nov. 15

Detail of DC Metrorail map showing not-yet-complete Silver Line

WASHINGTON — DC Metrorail’s Silver Line extension to Dulles International Airport will open Nov. 15, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has announced. The 11.5-mile, six-station extension will open about four years behind schedule, the Washington Post reports, completing a 23-mile line on which construction began in 2009. The Post notes Metro still needs a […]

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