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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Why we weather our models

Model Railroader

News & Reviews

Broadway Limited HO scale EMD GP35

Otter Valley HO scale bulkhead flatcar

Eastern Seaboard Models N scale gondolas

Model steel strapping for an open-top load

Build a cast Hydrocal structure kit

6 tips for successful weathering • Follow this playbook to add realism to your locomotives and freight cars

Simple rolling stock weathering techniques • Drybrushing, airbrushing, and powders provide quick and realistic results

Structures for FREEMONT • Part 3: Adding industries, railroad buildings, and storefronts to our HO scale project layout

Santa Fe’s Albuquerque Division • Designing and building an HO scale version of the ATSF’s Third District in 1953

Geared steam down South • This 6 x 8 foot freelanced HO scale logging layout fits neatly in the corner of a basement room

Model a river ford

MODEL RAILROADER HALL OF FAME NOMINEES • March’s nominees elevated the hobby of model railroading to an art

Kitbashing a SCRATCHBUILT STRUCTURE • Just because a building is finished doesn’t mean it’s too late to modify it

Camp cars for wire gangs

Trackside Photos

By the YardⓇ

Coming Up

Matching paint