There’s something special about riding a trolley. A number of years ago, while visiting a friend in Maine, she took me to the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport. It was a fascinating place full of vintage transit pieces. For the admission price, you could ride the trolley as many times as you liked around the […]
An Electro-Motive Division SD7 is one of the latest additions to the ScaleTrains Rivet Counter line. The HO scale model, based on a prototype from the early 1950s, features injection-molded plastic and die-cast metal construction; factory-applied, prototype-specific details; and metal semi-scale Type E couplers painted a rusty color. Prototype history Electro-Motive Division produced the SD7 […]
There are few diesel locomotives in model railroading that provoke nostalgia like an F3. That being said, I’d argue the Train Master might be a close second. Originally offered by Lionel in 1954 as the No. 2321, this massive six-axle road switcher provided hobbyists with a diverse use on nearly any layout. This model was […]
An Electro-Motive Division GP38-2 has been added to the Master Line from Atlas Model Railroad Co. The N scale model, based on a Phase II prototype, uses former Walthers (and before that Life-Like) tooling that Atlas acquired back in 2018. Prototype history Electro-Motive Division produced the GP38-2 from January 1972 until July 1986. More than […]
The “Galloping Goose” railbuses were built by the Rio Grande Southern in the 1930s as a cheaper way to haul mail, passengers, and lighter freight. They used automobile or truck engines with freight containers, and ran on narrow-gauge track. The Goose was not only less expensive to operate but also much lighter, so less wear […]
Looking to add a model of one of the newest freight cars on the rails to your HO layout? Then you’ll want to check out the Greenbrier 5-trough transverse coil gondola from Rapido Trains. The model, based on a prototype introduced in 2021, features plastic and die-cast metal construction, 36″ metal wheelsets, and metal semi-scale […]
Menards has released a structure with a presidential twist: a house based on Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home. Reagan’s primary boyhood home is located at 816 S. Hennepin Ave. in Dixon, Ill., This two-story, white frame house is where he and his family lived from 1920 to 1923. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places, […]
Ever since the return of MTH’s Premier Norfolk & Western J-class 4-8-4s in 2025, it was obvious that the 70’ streamlined passenger cars wouldn’t be far behind. The product announcement was made in November 2024, with the cars arriving in late 2025. They were offered in four-, two-, and single-car sets. This review focuses on […]
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 […]
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. […]
A scale test car was recently released by Wm. K. Walthers Inc. The HO scale model, part of the manufacturer’s Proto range, features die-cast metal construction, prototype-specific details, and Proto-Max metal couplers. Prototype history Scale test cars are used in the calibration of track scales found at on-line customers. The WalthersProto model follows the lines […]
