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!

Introducing the new Trains.com

Model Railroader

Railway Post Office

News & Products

Ask MR

Roadbed and track for Jones Island

MODELING FORBIDDEN SPACES • Add the places to your layout you can’t visit in real life

Photography of forbidden places

Add REAL ROCKS to your scenery • For scenic authenticity, there’s nothing like the real thing

Using grout to model soil • Easy to use, inexpensive material comes in a variety of colors

The care and feeding of TORTOISES • Installation and repair tips for these slow-motion switch motors

INTO CANYON COUNTRY • How the Florida Scale Rails club extended HO scale Denver & Rio Grande layout

Creating BETTER LAYOUT PHOTOS • Try these suggestions for improving photographs of model railroads

Installing FIBER OPTIC LIGHTING • A wiring-free solution for adding illuminated scenes to your layout

6 reasons to switch to fiber optic lighting • On the fence about making the switch to fiber optic lighting? Here are six reasons I quit using grain-of-wheat bulbs, light-emitting diodes, and other lighting sources to illuminate my N scale layout.

Intro to the Wiring for DCC website

Trix HO scale Union Pacific Big Boy no. 4014

Atlas N scale Electro-Motive Division GP38 diesel locomotive

Walthers HO scale wood coaling tower

Milwaukee, Racine & Troy 45th anniversary HO scale boxcar kit

When green means go

Trackside Photos

Coming Up

Scenery color palette