Model railroad locomotive, freight car, scenery, and electronic/control announcements for September 2, 2021

Rock Island 50-foot modernized PS-1 double-door boxcar

Product news 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. Here are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of September 2, 2021. HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division E1A and E1B diesel […]

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N and HO scale Milwaukee, Racine & Troy boxcars

Athearn HO scale 40-foot boxcar kit painted orange and black and lettered for Model Railroader and the Great Gulch, Yahoo Valley & Northern.

The Kalmbach Hobby Store is pleased to announce the upcoming release of new Milwaukee, Racine & Troy 40-foot boxcars in N and HO scales. The models, both due out in September, will be priced at $39.98 (N scale, item no. 84228) and $27.99 (HO scale, item no. 84231). The models, both produced in the U.S., […]

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Model railroad locomotive, freight car, structure, electronics, and DVD announcements for August 26, 2021

Canadian Pacific “clone” United States Railroad Administration 40-foot boxcar in varying schemes.

Product news 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. Here are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of August 26, 2021. HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division GP40 diesel locomotive. New […]

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STB names staffer to head passenger on-time performance unit

Surface Transportation Board logo

WASHINGTON – The Surface Transportation Board on Thursday announced that it has selected a senior staff member, Neil Moyer, to coordinate the board’s efforts in preparing to meet new intercity passenger rail on-time performance responsibilities. Moyer will work closely with board members and staff to develop a plan for on-time performance investigations. Among the tasks: Forming […]

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Meet the modeler: Lance Mindheim

Locomotive next to two industries

What was your first train set (or locomotive)? When I was nine or ten my parents built me a 4 x 8 layout using one of the Atlas track plan books as a guide. It wasn’t a gift or a special occasion as I remember, just something they felt would be a cool thing to […]

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News & products for the week of August 19, 2021

America Spitfire two-bay hopper.

Large scale freight cars Supermarine Spitfire two-bay hopper. Hook-and-loop couplers, plastic wheelsets, and molded handrails and stirrup steps. $104.99. October 2021. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com Tacky Tombstones two-bay hopper. Hook-and-loop couplers, plastic wheelsets, and molded handrails and stirrup steps. $109.99. September 2021. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com […]

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Model railroad locomotive, freight car, structure, detail, book, and magazine announcements for August 19, 2021

Illinois Central Electro-Motive Division GP18 diesel locomotive.

Product news 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. Here are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of August 19, 2021. HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division GP18 diesel locomotive. Illinois […]

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Amtrak to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for employees

Amtrak logo.

WASHINGTON – Amtrak will require its employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 effective Nov. 1, according to a memo obtained by Trains News Wire. Unvaccinated employees must submit weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Amtrak is also extending remote work for office employees to Nov. 1. “This extension of the return date is prudent […]

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In memoriam: Robert Weaver

Classic Toy Trains magazine logo

Robert Weaver, who established Quality Craft/Weaver Model Trains with his wife, Shirley, in 1965 and over the next half-century manufactured plastic and brass O gauge two- and three-rail locomotives and rolling stock, died on August 7, 2021, at the age of 93. The Weavers launched their business in Northumberland, Pa., and eventually came to specialize […]

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Model railroad locomotive, freight car, structure, detail, scenery, book, software, and club offering announcements for August 12, 2021

Amtrak 50th Anniversary General Electric P42 diesel locomotive.

HO scale locomotives  General Electric P42 diesel locomotive. Amtrak 50th anniversary schemes (Midnight Blue, phases 1, 3 [Dash 8], 5, and 6 in one road number each). Prototype-specific nose (as-built and Amtrak rebuilt), vinyl m.u. hoses and trainline hoses, and photo-etched metal radiator fan grill. Direct-current model with 21-pin NEM connector, $209.99; with dual-mode SoundTraxx […]

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Meet the Modeler: Richard Weatherby

Scratchbuilt lumber mill

How did you get started in the hobby? I definitely remember my early years (age 5) with my first tinplate locomotive. My father built what is known locally as “Christmas Garden.” The outside loop was Lionel Standard gauge, while the inner figure eight was a wind-up O gauge passenger train. I am celebrating 75 years […]

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