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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On Trains.com

Welcome to the hobby!

Model Railroader

News & Reviews

Hurricane Helene relief efforts

In Memoriam • Perry Becker, 1934-2024

InterMountain HO scale GP16

Atlas N scale Norfolk Southern SD60E

Walthers HO Greenville wood-chip hopper

Club offerings

Ask MR

How to model an industry-specific vehicle

How to WEATHER A TANK CAR • Get realistic results with these easy-to-follow techniques

A SALUTE to the BUCKEYE STATE • This HO scale layout celebrates railroading in northeast Ohio from the 1950s to the present

A nod to the past

That big city look

Welcome to Colorado Plains • Part 1: Introduction to our 2025 project, a T-Trak layout

Take me to the river • Cut a scene into existing benchwork

LED STRIPS for a lower deck • Energy-efficient lighting that costs less and might last forever

The big move • How Rod Stewart’s Three Rivers RR empire was relocated from California to England

BUILD AN HO SCALE HOTEL • This three-story structure was scratchbuilt using Strathmore and stripwood

Super-sized operating sessions

SAVE UP TO 59% • GET 1 YEAR OF MODEL RAILROADER FOR AS LOW AS $39.95

Trackside Photos

By the Yard®

Coming Up

Build a diorama