Discover how SoundTraxx has spent 35 years revolutionizing model railroading, from pioneering onboard sound systems to the app-controlled, Bluetooth-based Blunami decoder. Join Model Railroader magazine’s Cody Grivno and Trains.com’s Lucas Iverson as they sit down with product authority George Bogatiuk III to explore the history of this Colorado-based manufacturer. You’ll learn how their commitment to […]
SoundTraxx’s Blunami sound decoder is taking model railroading by storm with its Bluetooth-based technology, offering a straight-through DCC connection from a smart app to the decoder (In many scales for DC and AC power). But there is much more to the 35-year-old company than just its latest innovation. Product Expert George Bogatiuk III recently joined […]
Discover how SoundTraxx has spent 35 years revolutionizing model railroading, from pioneering onboard sound systems to the app-controlled, Bluetooth-based Blunami decoder. Join Model Railroader magazine’s Cody Grivno and Trains.com’s Lucas Iverson as they sit down with product authority George Bogatiuk III to explore the history of this Colorado-based manufacturer. You’ll learn how their commitment to […]
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 […]
If you’re looking for a fun, easy-to-build detail for your structures, check out the Ne Series of HO scale neon sign kits, part of the Noble Gas & Tungsten line from DVL Design LLC. As of press time, there are more than 200 sign designs; three etched-metal frame styles — grid, open, and panel; and […]
For over 125 years, the name Lionel has been synonymous with toy trains. The storied American manufacturer, founded in New York City, has changed hands more than a few times over the years. As Round 2 prepares to acquire Lionel, LLC, and create the Lionel Brands Group, let’s take a look back at the history […]
Chuck Hitchcock, well-known modeler and Model Railroader author, passed away Saturday, Feb. 14, at age 89. A Santa Fe modeler Chuck’s passion for passenger trains and the Santa Fe fueled his modeling. As a child he had, like many, a Lionel train set which featured the Santa Fe. Subsequent layouts also featured the Santa Fe, […]
Classic Toy Trains recently posted an article announcing Round 2’s intent to acquire Lionel, LLC. If you’re not a die-cast or plastic model kit fan, you might not be familiar with Round 2 or its product lines. According to Tim Kidwell, Editor-in-Chief of FineScale Modeler magazine, Round 2 is best known for producing plastic model […]
When I saw this product listed on Brennan’s Model Railroading website, I requested a review sample. Street Schmutz is a gray powder meant to add dirt/debris to your layout. It comes in a 2-ounce bag. I’m not new to scenery products, but this powder is so fine that I wasn’t sure how to apply it. […]
Q: While thinking through the operating scheme for my World War II-era (1944) model railroad, I wondered where troop trains sat in timetable priority. Obviously they were extras, but were they bumped up in priority to first class due to the war effort? — Callum Day A: I reached out to our former On Operation […]
News & Products for the week of February 23rd 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 23rd […]
The parent company of Round 2, Praesidian, has announced their intent to acquire Lionel Trains. The following press release was shared with the editorial staff of Classic Toy Trains: As you may have heard, Praesidian’s portfolio company, Round 2 has announced its intent to purchase Lionel, LLC. In the weeks ahead, as the transaction progresses, […]
