Model Trains

NMRA beginner's guide simplifies starting in model railroading

The NMRA's Beginner's Guide lays out essentials for new modelers and practical next steps, from picking scale to basic t...

Choosing model railroad signals: practical options for every layout

This how-to surveys signal types, siting, and automation choices so modelers can match era, budget, and operating goals....

Large model-train auction in Buffalo features Lionel, American Flyer, HO

Dozens of boxed sets, locomotives and accessories go on the block in Buffalo; shipping is available for bidders....

Ann Arbor club modernizes model railroad at restored depot

Ann Arbor Model Railroad Club showcases modern DCC, smartphone control and community outreach at the restored Dexter Dep...

Clear Guide to Model Train Scale and Gauge for New Builders

This guide explains what "scale" and "gauge" mean, compares common model train scales, and offers practical advice for c...

Walthers Offers Comprehensive Getting Started Hub for New Modelers

Walthers now maintains a comprehensive Getting Started hub that walks newcomers through planning a layout, selecting tra...

Miniatur Wunderland Debuts Monaco and Provence with F1 Magnetic Racetrack

Miniatur Wunderland opened its Monaco & Provence section on January 2, 2026, unveiling a 70 m² Monaco display that inclu...

JMRI Documentation Delivers Practical Scripting Help for Modelers

JMRI’s official documentation now serves as a clear, hands on roadmap for using the JMRI suite to control layouts, write...

Digitrax Details Wiring Best Practices, Tools for Reliable DCC Layouts

Digitrax provides a set of detailed application notes and knowledge base articles that explain how to wire layouts for D...

Comprehensive How to Guide Improves Freight Car Weathering Techniques

A detailed how to article compiles established, hands on techniques for weathering freight cars, covering everything fro...

T TRAK Modular Layouts Provide Portable, Affordable Model Train Entry

T TRAK is a modular tabletop approach built on standard one by one foot modules and sectional Unitrack systems such as K...

Practical Search Tips to Find Model Train Gear on Walthers.com

Walthers.com provides targeted search and filtering tools to help find locomotives, track, scenery and beginner kits fas...

Five Weathering Techniques to Add Realism to Model Trains

A detailed tutorial outlines five accessible weathering techniques that model railroaders can use to bring locomotives, ...

Step By Step Scenery Guide for Realistic Model Train Layouts

A practical how to guide lays out the core steps most modelers use to build convincing, long lasting scenery for HO, N a...

Athearn Releases Newly Tooled HO FMC 5077 Offset Boxcar Line

Athearn has rolled out a newly tooled HO-scale FMC 5077 offset double-door boxcar, now available in several road names a...

Athearn Genesis FP45 in HO Delivers Strong Detail and Performance

Athearn released a new run of its Genesis line EMD FP45 in HO late in December 2025, and hands on examination found a mo...

Beginner Guide Shows How to Start Model Railroading Confidently Today

A comprehensive beginner guide lays out the core steps to begin model railroading, covering scale selection era planning...

Practical Guide for Clubs, Shows, and Open House Events

A comprehensive guide is now available to help model railroaders join clubs, present layouts at shows, and host visitors...

Reliable DCC Wiring Practices Every Model Railroader Should Master

A concise hands on guide distills essential wiring practices for DCC layouts, focusing on power distribution, protection...

Mitchell Park Domes host miniature world tour train show

Mitchell Park Domes opens Jan 17 for a plant-rich train show featuring the seven modern wonders; it promises layout insp...

Choosing the Right Scale and Gauge for Your First Model Railroad

Picking the right scale and gauge sets the foundation for enjoyment and long term success in model railroading. This gui...

Rapido Releases Detailed HO Greenbrier Transverse Coil Car Line

Rapido Trains introduced an HO-scale model of the Greenbrier transverse coil car, based on the five-trough prototype, wi...

News

Hartland Locomotive Works Halts Production, Leaves Large Scale Community Uncertain

Hartland Locomotive Works of Laporte, Indiana announced it has ceased train production, citing business difficulties int...

Model Railway Club Hosts Mini Exhibition, Six Layouts At Keen House

The Model Railway Club will stage a mini exhibition at Keen House on Sunday 28 December 2025, featuring six working layo...

Atlas Releases HO REA Steel Express Reefer, New Paint Schemes

Atlas released an HO scale REA Steel Express reefer on December 23, 2025, with multiple road names and fresh paint schem...

Broadway Limited Releases Newly Tooled HO EMD F7 and F9

Broadway Limited Imports released newly tooled HO scale EMD F7 and F9 diesel models on December 19, 2025, expanding opti...

Updates

Dapol Seeks Support, Proposes New N Gauge LMS Suburban Coaches

Dapol launched a second expression of interest programme on December 10, 2025 to gauge demand for a newly tooled N gauge...

Updates

New leadership at Bachmann electronic and what it means for model trains

Learn who Daniel Pfeifer is, what changed at Bachmann electronic, and why the hobby community should watch supply and te...

Jamie Taylor4m read

Model Railroader Expands Practical DCC and Electronics How-To Library

Model Railroader on Trains.com maintains an extensive how-to library and shop resources that focus on practical skills s...