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.
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.
November 22, 2016
LGB Christmas Streetcar Starter Set
LGB’s enduring reputation for excellent quality and reliable performance continues today, as is evident in this colorful holiday set. The LGB Christmas Streetcar Starter Set is just the ticket to send a child or an adult on their way to a lifetime of fun.
November 20, 2016
ScaleTrains Union Pacific Turbine in HO scale
Between its immense size, incredible level of detail, and thunderous sounds, this Union Pacific Turbine is an amazing release! ScaleTrains has shown that if a modeler is willing to pay for all the detail and operating features they truly desire, this company is quite capable of delivering it.
October 31, 2016
Rock Island Westward Vol. 3
This is a “must-have” library addition for anyone interested in the Rock Island and especially so for those who own the first two Rock Island Westward titles. This book serves as a good resource for Rock Island modelers for understanding freight operations on this part of the fallen flag’s system during the time frame covered.
October 12, 2016
Accucraft Rio Grande Caboose in O scale
Accucraft has produced a very fine model of a most popular prototype. Comparing it to photos of the real thing, the company seems to have captured the feel of the Rio Grande short caboose very well. This would make a superb addition to any O-scale narrow gauge railroad.
August 25, 2016
Marklin Great Northern F7 in HO
Marklin’s new EMD F7 in HO scale wears the colorful Great Northern paint scheme well. Separately applied metal grab irons and handrails add to the appearance of this Marklin set.
August 4, 2016
MRC Light Genie
Who would believe that in a space of little more than two square inches, you could control 12 lighting outputs connected to grain-of-wheat bulbs or LEDs — and do so using Digital Command Control (DCC) or a 2.4 GHz hand-held remote control!
August 4, 2016
MRC Loco Genie
As technology advances, many in the hobby are frustrated with the idea of converting their DC-powered fleet to DCC. MRC’s Loco Genie provides an option for those wishing they had some of the sound and effects available with DCC, plus remote control operation.
July 21, 2016
Menards Ready-Built Structures in HO
For the seasoned modeler, these assembled structures provide a project well on its way to fitting into a location on one’s layout. There is little you would need to do for these releases to make them fit into a well-detailed model railroad. For the beginner, these eye-catching buildings have it all. Pick out your location, put them in place, and you have two great instant additions to your pike.
