The latest product sample from Athearn Trains sent me on a nostalgia trip. Inside was Burlington Northern Santa Fe Dash 9-44CW 960. The HO scale model, from the manufacturer’s Genesis series, was decorated in the railroad’s Heritage I paint scheme. I immediately flashed back to the second half of 1996 when these units were making […]
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has issued a Request for Proposals for battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives as part of its efforts to modernize its equipment fleet and upgrade regional rail service. The RFP, released today (Feb. 25) and available here, is part of a procurement coordinated with the Maryland Transit Administration. […]
WICHITA, Kan. — The Great Plains Transportation Museum has reached its goal of raising an additional $50,000 for the restoration of Santa Fe FP45 No. 93, the museum announced today (Feb. 23). The museum launched a GoFundMe effort in November to raise the funds, needed to address hidden rust and other damage discovered during preparation […]
Tour the HO scale (1:87.1) Chicago, Peoria & Western, John Brennan’s masterfully designed model railroad depicting the flatlands of Illinois in September 1940. Housed in a dedicated 35 x 45-foot building, this expansive walk-in empire features a 230-foot mainline modeled after the CB&Q, EJ&E, and Illinois Central. The open-grid benchwork supports meticulously handlaid code 70 […]
For many years Hobbyshop Window was a popular department in the pages of Model Railroader magazine. We’re excited to bring it back as an occasional feature on Trains.com. Here’s a recap of some of the items that arrived at our offices for the week ending February 20th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]
The Lancaster & Chester Railway Company’s origins date back to 1873 when the Cheraw & Chester was chartered to build a line between its namesake cities. Twenty-nine miles of track were built from Chester to Lancaster before the company had financial problems and went bankrupt. In June 1896, 130 years ago, the railroad was foreclosed […]
In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn Genesis HO scale GE Dash 9-44CW diesel locomotive. Cody begins with the prototype history of the Dash 9 series, noting that General Electric produced more than 3,600 units between 1993 and 2004. These six-axle units were rated between 4,000 and 4,400 […]
In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn Genesis HO scale GE Dash 9-44CW diesel locomotive. Cody begins with the prototype history of the Dash 9 series, noting that General Electric produced more than 3,600 units between 1993 and 2004. These six-axle units were rated between 4,000 and 4,400 […]
ALTOONA, Pa. — Norfolk Southern has introduced the third locomotive in its Landmark Series, ES44AC No. 8184, the Altoona. Unveiled last week in Altoona, Pa., it joins earlier locomotives Birmingham and Atlanta in wearing the special Tuscan Red and black paint scheme [see “Norfolk Southern announces locomotive ‘Landmark Series,’” Trains.com, Nov. 13, 2025]. The locomotives […]
Though I’ve been in the hobby for more than 70 years, I’m still amazed at the number of new products being released. Gone are the days when the Lionel or American Flyer “wish books” would fill our dreams of new engines, cars, or accessories. Now we have the internet, hobby shops, and train shows to […]
Follow David Popp, as he works to add essential scenery to the HO scale (1:87) East Troy Industrial Park project! Learn how to protect detailed strip wood with masking tape before pouring a custom passenger platform. And then explore helpful tips and tricks for applying Woodland Scenics Smooth-It, tinted with slate gray pigment to mimic asphalt. […]
News & Products for the week of February 16th 2026 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 February 16th […]
