Product Reviews
Enjoy our in-depth reviews of great new model railroading products in a variety of popular scales, presented by the Model Railroad News staff. Please contact Editor Tony Cook to have your product considered for review.
June 8, 2017
RailDig Grassinator Static Grass Applicator
First offered in 2008, the new Grassinator from Raildig includes many improvements over the original model. This static grass applicator is designed to help the modeler apply the fibers with an electric charge that makes each individual fiber stand up straight.
May 10, 2017
Broadway Limited’s Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Light Pacific in HO Scale
Decoration and performance are standout features of Broadway Limited steam locomotives. The application of maroon and red for the model’s cab and select details on the boiler, as well as the red tender are visually striking compared to the average standard black steam locomotive.
May 8, 2017
Dec. 2011: Athearn GE U50 Turbine in HO Scale
December 2011: Athearn’s HO scale ready-to-run model of the General Electric U50 turbine features road-specific details and smooth operation.
March 30, 2017
Westerfield’s Fowler Stock Car Kit in HO
Westerfield’s kits allow for models of some very uncommon cars to be built easily by the modeler. Follow the instructions, and a built-up car kit will be the equal — if not better — than many of today’s ready-to-run plastic models or the best brass cars.
March 20, 2017
LGB’s Freelanced Southern Pacific SD40
Despite its kitbashed history, the LGB “Standard Gauge” diesel locomotive remains a classic among longtime LGB fans while its compact size, operating qualities, and new DCC/sound decoder upgrade also keep it quite relevant for today’s large scale modeler.
March 13, 2017
American Standard and Mogul steam locomotives in N scale from Model Rectifier Corp.
These new N-scale steam locomotives from Model Rectifier Corporation under the Model Power brand fill an empty segment in the N-scale steam roster. The models are nicely done with the latest in technology factory installed.
February 15, 2017
French CC7100 by REE Models in HO Scale
Over the years a number of model train makers have offered models of the SNCF CC7100 and other variants in HO, but none have been as detailed or advanced as this new offering from REE Models.
January 18, 2017
Santa Fe GA-123 Coal Hopper in HO Scale
Despite its shortcomings, Concept Models is to be thanked for producing some unusual heavy-hauler specialty cars. It is good to see a model of this unique Santa Fe coal hopper car in HO scale.
December 31, 2016
Micro-Trains Airslide Hopper in N scale
Micro-Trains new N Scale model captures the look of the late-1970s General American Airslide covered hopper that can still be found in freight service across the country.
November 25, 2016
Bachmann Harvest Express train set in HO
Just in time for the holidays, the new Bachmann “Harvest Express” HO train set features a modern GP40 locomotive, three contemporary grain cars, track, and power-pack.