News & Products for the week of January 26th 2026

The front end of a gray model locomotive with red white and blue stripes

News & Products for the week of January 26th 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 January 26th 2026. […]

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News & Products for the week of January 20th 2026

A red and blue model locomotive

News & Products for the week of January 20th 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 January 20th, 2026. […]

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The Naugatuck Valley RR: Operating a ’50s-era layout, step-by-step

An orange model locomotive leads a train over a bridge on a model railroad layout with an autumnal setting

Most modelers can pinpoint the photos, people, events, books, or stories that inspired them to build their model railroads. For me, I can honestly say that my N scale Naugatuck Valley RR started with a lone boxcar – a Micro Trains 40-foot single-door boxcar decorated in New Haven black and orange. I got the car […]

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Trains.com Insider Exclusive | Interview with Jim Wiggin, Athearn Assoc. Brand Manager

Explore 80 years of model railroading innovation with Athearn’s Jim Wiggin! Ride along with Trains.com hosts Cody Grivno and Lucas Iverson, and you’ll hear Jim outline the company’s evolution from Irv Athearn’s garage to the exacting production of highly detailed Genesis line HO and N scale products. Discover how modern technology like 3D printing and […]

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An interview with Jim Wiggin of Athearn

Multiple products from Athearn

For 80 years, Athearn has been a part of the model railroading industry, producing familiar product ranges like HO scale blue box kits and Genesis ready-to-run models. In preparation for its milestone anniversary in 2026, Associate Brand Manager Jim Wiggin joined Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno and Trains.com Assistant Digital Editor Lucas Iverson to […]

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Must-build monster track plan recommendations

A model railroad track plan

Many of us dream of a model railroad empire on a massive scale. While the time, space and resources required usually dictate whether or not that dream becomes a reality, it never hurts to be inspired. Whether you’re daring to dream or have what you need to dare yourself, explore these monster track plan recommendations! […]

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News & Products for the week of January 12th 2026

A gray streamlined model locomotive

News & Products for the week of January 12th 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 January 12th, 2026. […]

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Trains.com Exclusive Layout Extra | Mini Modutrak N scale Display at Trainfest 2025

Explore even more of the incredible world of mini Modutrak, as presented at Trainfest 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Host Gerry Leone catches up with Mark Runyan, as he represents this unique collective of N scale (1:160) modelers and shares some of the stunning features of the modular display. This assembly of “Jack of all trades” […]

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Athearn N FMC offset double-door boxcar

Color photo showing B end of N scale double-door boxcar with exterior posts painted yellow with black graphics on white background.

Athearn N FMC offset double-door boxcar Scale: N (1:160) Price: $29.99 to $34.99 Era: 1977+ to 2000s+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn N FMC offset double-door boxcar features: Body-mounted McHenry couplers Die-cast metal underbody with cast center sill, brake system, and crossmember detail […]

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Cody’s Office | January 2026

This January 2026 episode of Cody’s Office is packed with new products, a helpful modeling tip, and answers to viewer mail questions. Senior Editor Cody Grivno begins by showcasing a Rapido Trains HO scale Trenton Works 6637 combination-door boxcar, priced at $39.95 to $49.95. Next, he spotlights an Atlas N scale GE U33B diesel locomotive, […]

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Cody’s Office | January 2026

This January 2026 episode of Cody’s Office is packed with new products, a helpful modeling tip, and answers to viewer mail questions. Senior Editor Cody Grivno begins by showcasing a Rapido Trains HO scale Trenton Works 6637 combination-door boxcar, priced at $39.95 to $49.95. Next, he spotlights an Atlas N scale GE U33B diesel locomotive, […]

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News & Products for the week of January 5th 2026

A white and blue model hopper car

News & Products for the week of January 5th 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 January 5th, 2026. […]

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