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 […]
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 […]
If you’ve followed Model Railroader’s Facebook page, you’ll probably know that periodically over the past several years, I’ve made posts called “Lunchtime Reading,” which are simply my musings on products, articles, and innovations as found in past issues of Model Railroader magazine. For this expanded installment, I chose to do a deep dive on the […]
Q: I want to simulate the type of roof that uses rubber, tar, and then stone. I was thinking of painting the roof with a glossy black and then putting cinder ballast on it to simulate the rocks. Has anyone done this type of roof? If so, how did you do it? — Rick, via […]
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 […]
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 13th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]
A General Electric U33B is the latest diesel locomotive to join the Master Line from Atlas Model Railroad Co. The newly-tooled model features prototype-specific details, a Scale Speed motor, and body-mounted Accumate couplers. Prototype history General Electric produced the U33B from September 1967 until August 1970. During that time 137 locomotives were built. The four-axle […]
Q: I’ve recently tried to purchase wood stains for a project and have been unsuccessful finding commercial products that were previously available. I also have three concentrations of India ink washes, made with 70% denatured alcohol, but that limits the final color. I was considering diluting Minwax oil-based wood stain with mineral spirits to the […]
