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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Sunset Models’ production will now be handled by Third & Townsend Models LLC. In an email sent to customers, Sunset Models Inc. CEO Scott Mann said “Our models [will be] produced by Jay [Escamilla], under the Sunset Models/3rd Rail/Golden Gate Depot banners.” Moving the model production, according to the email, is a five year lease-to-own […]
The Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) announces a custom-run Lionel GP40-2 as part of the VisionLine line. The locomotive features EMD GP40-2 engine sounds, road number specific details and lighting, new crew figures, O-60 operation, and much more. Expected delivery in late 2026. Price: $765 (for LCCA members). To order, visit the club’s website […]
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 […]
News & Products for the week of February 9th 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 9th […]
