Model Railroader

The world’s most popular model railroading magazine publishes the information you need to build your own railroad. Get Model Railroader digital magazine subscription today for step-by-step how-to projects; great model train layouts; and realistic track plans. You'll also get reviews of the latest locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories in HO, N, O, and other scales, expert tips, and more!

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Model Railroader

News & Reviews

Broadway Limited Imports HO EMD SD40

Atlas O PS 4427 low-side covered hopper

RailSmith Models N scale 64-seat coaches

Ask MR

How to make trees from natural materials

The life of an itinerant model railroad operator • Despite not having layouts, these modelers happily run trains

My dream 4 x 8 layout • A yard, continuous operation, and lots of places to switch

Keeping it “old school” • Freelanced design, DC block control, and traditional building methods serve this HO scale Colorado railroad just fine

REJUVENATING a scene • A new tower adds new life to this busy HO scale interlocking

Syracuse Junction history

A first generation layout by THE NEXT GENERATION • A millennial’s layout depicting a fictional New York railroad in 1838

Prototypical operations on the Yosemite Valley • Realistic paperwork makes operation easier and more fun

INSTALLING DITCH LIGHTS in an NW2 • Surface-mounted diodes provide bright light in a small package

Introduction to switches

Rain, Ruth, and a rule

Trackside Photos

By the Yard®

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Appalachian geology made easy