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!

Big results from modest-sized layouts

Model Railroader

ScaleTrains.com acquires MTH HO, S tooling

Walthers 2021 National Model Railroad Build-Off

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A compact yard office for Jones Island

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THEIR FRIENDS • A couple recruits a crew of modelers to help build their dream layout

model a BALLAST HOPPER • Commercially available 3-D printed parts made this HO scale car possible

Canadian canyon action in a small space • Dramatic bridge and tunnel scenes are the focus of this N scale model railroad

Add AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER details to buildings • Hydrants, alarm bells, valves, and other details add an extra level of realism to structures

Adding sound to a Walthers E9A

Kato N scale NYC 20th Century Limited set

ScaleTrains.com HO scale Backpacker well car

Atlas O 1937 AAR 40-foot steel boxcar

Rapido HO scale Amtrak Horizon passenger cars

Reading train registers

Trackside Photos

Coming Up

Lighting surprises, good or bad