There’s nothing quite like that feeling of running a “first train” on a new model railroad. Although the scenery is still bare benchwork, the look and sound of those first wheels rolling under their own power along nickel-silver rails produces a thrill that never gets old. By the time we reach the conclusion of this […]
ScaleTrains HO EMD SD9 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin connector, $214.99; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, two cube-type speakers, and an ESU-designed “PowerPack” with two super capacitors, $324.99. Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 4901 Old Tasso Road NE, Cleveland, TN 37312; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com ScaleTrains HO EMD SD9 features: All-wheel drive and electrical pickup Detailed […]
Atlas N EMD GP38-2 Scale: N (1:160) Price: Direct-current model with factory-installed speaker, $124.95 to $134.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $224.95 to $234.95 Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; shop.atlasrr.com Atlas N EMD GP38-2 features: 2,600- or 3,600-gallon plastic fuel tank as appropriate Body-mounted Accumate couplers Directional, […]
Athearn Genesis HO EMD F45 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin NEM connector, $219.99; with dual-mode SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder, $319.99 Era: 1969+ to 2000+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn Genesis HO EMD F45 features: All-wheel drive and electrical pickup Body-mounted […]
News & Products for the week of November 10th 2025 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 November 10th, […]
As a Burlington Northern fan, I was fired up when ScaleTrains announced it was producing the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP39E in HO scale. The model, part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line, depicts the four-axle road unit in its as-delivered appearance with Quantum Q2000 crossing strobes on the front deck. The full-size version of our […]
Rapido HO EMD SD9 and SD7 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model, $239.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $349.95 Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Rapido HO EMD SD9 and SD7 features: Detailed cab interior Factory-installed grab irons and handrails MoPower capacitor Multi-piece radiator fans Multiple stepwell styles and […]
Atlas HO scale EMD SD35 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with factory-installed speaker, $189.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $294.95 Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; shop.atlasrr.com Atlas HO scale EMD SD35 features: Body-mounted Accumate couplers Detailed cab interior with crew figures Die-cast metal underframe Five-pole skewed […]
Rapido HO Milwaukee Road-rebuilt SD10 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model, $239.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $349.95 Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Rapido HO Milwaukee Road-rebuilt SD10 features: Detailed cab interior Factory-installed grab irons and handrails Four-stack exhaust Horst paper air filters MoPower capacitor Multi-piece radiator fans […]
News & Products for the week of November 3rd 2025 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 November 3rd, […]
Christmas is just around the corner so it’s time to make sure seasonal train displays are ready to deliver holiday fun – toy train style! Let’s start with locomotives and rolling stock. Inspection, oil, and grease Before trying to run anything, I recommend doing a preliminary inspection. Now is the time to replace broken […]
Atlas Classic HO scale EMD GP7 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model, $184.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $294.95 Era: 1949 to 1980s (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; shop.atlasrr.com Atlas Classic HO scale EMD GP7 features: 800- or 1,600-gallon fuel tank as […]
