John Olson, a popular Model Railroader magazine author and photographer from the 1970s through the 1990s, died on Dec. 28, 2025. He was 78 years old. His first MR article, “A day at Mule Shoes Meadows,” appeared in the May 1976 issue. John is perhaps best known for his nine-part project railroad series on the […]
Bob Brown, Editor of Narrow Gauge & Short Line Gazette, passed away on Feb. 1, 2026. He was 93 years old. Bob traced his interest in the hobby to the October 1944 issue of Model Railroader magazine, which he spotted on a newsstand. During his formative years he had an O gauge American Flyer train […]
The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division SD7 HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is highlighted in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno explores the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line, focusing here on the highly detailed Great Northern No. 572. Built in April 1953, the prototype 1,500hp locomotive originally sported the iconic Empire […]
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 6th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]
News & Products for the week of February 2nd 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 2nd […]
Locomotives & rolling stock The Train Loft, 4007-B Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27104, has announced a custom-run MTH 36’ Woodside Reefer as part of the Premier line. The car will be available in two numbers and features O-31 operation (20-94784 shown). Expected delivery in February 2026. Price: $84.95. Website: trainloft.com Mr. Muffin’s Trains, 165 […]
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 January 30th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]
In an email sent to Classic Toy Trains, Menards announced a milestone. The manufacturer has produced 100 different O gauge structures. The prebuilt structures have included a wide variety of types, from downtown buildings to industries and automotive-related stations and garages. Most structures include plug-and-play lighting and are scenicked. To see Menards’ current line of […]
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. […]
The Atlas O Winter 2026 Premier catalog was recently published on the manufacturer’s website. Highlights include new paint schemes for: Locomotives 2-8-0 Features: Proto-Sound 3.0, real coal load, die-cast metal boiler, O-36 operation Roadnames: Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range; East Tennesee and Western North Carolina, Lake Superior and Ishpeming; Nickel Plate; Wabash; U.S. Army; Canadian […]
Trainz.com has purchased the inventory of Rail Yard Hobby Shop of Roanoke, Va. In a press release from Trainz Senior Marketing Analyst Kevin Griffis, “This acquisition expands our model train offerings and the parts to maintain them.” Rail Yard Hobby Shop’s owner Jim Molinary retired in November 2025, according to an article posted by Fox […]
Athearn HO FMC 5347 offset double-door boxcar Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $39.99 to $44.99 Era: 1979+ to 2010+ (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Athearn HO FMC 5347 offset double-door boxcar features: 33” machined metal wheels with RP-25 contours Body-mounted McHenry scale couplers with screw-mounted […]
