Category Description: Magazine reviews of model railroading products.
A New Manufacturer Hits a Home Run
Model Railroad News 2009-01 pg. 76 Scale: S Author: Dick Karnes
Dick reviews Grand River Models' Greg's Grocery structure kit.
Athearn Packs High Quality Into a New Package
Model Railroad News 2008-12 pg. 21 Scale: HO Author: John Sipple
This article reviews the Athearn HO-scale CSX Iron Horse and Santa Fe Warbonnet train sets.
Athearn's Checker is a Full-fare Ride
Model Railroad News 2009-01 pg. 62 Scale: HO Author: Bill Cawthon
This article reviews the various taxi cabs released by the company.
Athearn's F45 and FP45 Should Hit Big for N-scale Fans
Model Railroad News 2009-01 pg. 28 Scale: N Author: John Sipple
After an extensive discussion about the prototype engines, the article reviews the models and tests their operation. The article also covers how to convert them to DCC using Digitrax decoders.
Atlas Two-Truck Shay
Model Railroading 2005-04 pg. 17 Scale: (none) Author: Chris Lane
Prototype history, model features, and model review.
Atlas' N-Scale Trainman Train Set: A Set of Firsts
Model Railroad News 2008-12 pg. 24 Scale: N Author: Phil Scandura
The train set includes the GP15-1, a first in N-scale. The set also introduces the new "True-Track" track that includes molded-in roadbed.
Automakers at the Crossroads and New Diecast Delights
Model Railroad News 2009-01 pg. 94 Scale: Author: Bill Cawthon
The author reviews M2 Machines' new release of S-scale cars, TWH Collectibles O-scale cars, and Wiking and Bush HO-scale cars.
Bachmann's Fn3 Boxcar Keeps 1:20.3 Cargo Dry
Model Railroad News 2008-11 pg. 26 Scale: Large Scale Author: John Sipple
After a brief discussion about narrow gauge rails and equipment, the review covers this $190 boxcar.
Blair Line Fred & Red's Cafe
Model Railroading 2005-04 pg. 17 Scale: HO Author: Rich Picariello
Review includes constructing this kit that represents a small-town's restaurant.
Broadway Limited Imports New York Central S1b Niagara 4-8-4
Model Railroading 2005-07 pg. 16 Scale: HO Author: Rich Picariello
The article includes a bit of history, model features, and review of the performance and accuracy of the sound-equipped model. Includes one model photo.
Broadway Limited Paragon Series USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2
Model Railroading 2005-04 pg. 16 Scale: HO Author: Rich Picariello
Prototype history, model features, and model review.
Con-Cor's Progressive Streamliner
Model Railroad News 2008-11 pg. 54 Scale: HO Author: David Otte
The front cover of this issue shows the Union Pacific's M-10000 made by Con-Cor. This article reviews the set, and provides some historic background that led to the creation of this new train.
Eel River Models Lube House and Roundhouse Superintendent's Office
Model Railroading 2005-04 pg. 18 Scale: HO Author: Doug Geiger
PBL released this kit of a prototype structure found in Chama, New Mexico. Review covers the kit itself, the instructions, and the problems found.
Granite Creek Enterprises Ready-to-Roll in the Backwoods
Model Railroad News 2008-11 pg. 34 Scale: On3 Author: Peter Birdsong
These tiny cars are not based on any prototype, but they give a very good backwoods-feel. Reviewed are the company's flat car, gondola, tank car, and caboose. Various loads are available for the flat car.
Hiawatha Series Resumes with Dinner and Drinks
Model Railroad News 2009-01 pg. 46 Scale: HO Author: John Sipple
This article reviews the Milwaukee Road Dining and Tap Lounge cars made by Walthers.
Holiday Stocking Stuffers
Model Railroad News 2008-12 pg. 54 Scale: Author: (none)
Quick review of a collection of items that might be small enough to fit into a stocking.
Industrial Rail O Gauge Starter Sets Deliver Christmas Cheer
Model Railroad News 2008-12 pg. 32 Scale: O Author: David Otte
The author reviews the Trolley Set and the Freight Train Set, which uses a 4-4-2 Atlantic, modeled after the Pennsylvania Railroad's E6.
Kato EMD SD38-2
Model Railroading 2005-07 pg. 17 Scale: HO Author: Rich Picariello
The article includes a bit of history, model features, and review of the performance and accuracy of the model. Includes photos of the UP model, and a side bar of the other roadnames released.
MRC's 1820 Sound Decoder Offers Easy Installation for Athearn's RS-3 Locomotive
Model Railroad News 2009-01 pg. 72 Scale: HO Author: John Sipple
This decoder is designed for after-market installation of sound and decoders into the Athearn RS-3. It has 28 functions and has Alco 244 sounds.
MTH's CA-1 Caboose
Model Railroad News 2009-01 pg. 38 Scale: O Author: David Otte
Despite the tinplate wheels and oversized coupler, this model is very accurate of the Union Pacific's class CA-1 caboose, according to the author. Also includes a brief history of the prototype.
Mountain Models K-27
Model Railroading 2005-07 pg. 18 Scale: On3 Author: Chris Lane
The article includes quite a bit of history, model features, and review of the performance and accuracy of the model. In addition to several model photos, the article also includes many prototype photos.
New Preiser Model Brings in the Harvest
Model Railroad News 2008-11 pg. 66 Scale: HO Author: Bill Cawthon
Bill reviews a horse-drawn cart with vegetable basics.
Noch's Small Structures are Easy to Build; Easy to Add
Model Railroad News 2008-11 pg. 80 Scale: HO Author: Bill Cawthon
The author reviews constructing the Kiosk and Garden Shed kits.
Piko's ICE-3 Train Set Introduces High-speed European Rail Service
Model Railroad News 2008-12 pg. 42 Scale: Author: John Sipple
This train set models the Inter City Express high-speed train.
Pine Canyon's Main Street Grows
Model Railroad News 2008-11 pg. 84 Scale: S Author: David Jasper
This review covers a professional brick building typically found in downtown settings. It has a foot print of 26' by 36' and is two-stories tall.
Pro Z's New Night Train in Z Scale
Model Railroad News 2008-12 pg. 38 Scale: Z Author: Bill Cawthon
Bill reviews the Mokei Imports' Z-scale Japan Railways passenger train set. The set is sold in a book-style vinyl case.
Railking Scale Diesel Starter Sets: Excellent Bargains for the Hi-rail-Oriented Modeler
Model Railroad News 2008-12 pg. 48 Scale: O Author: David Otte
This set contains a PRR RS-3, including sound.
Signature Press Wraps up SP Freight Car Series
Model Railroad News 2009-01 pg. 82 Scale: Author: John Sipple
The last in the series of SP freight car books covers the hoppers, covered hoppers, and tank cars.
Smoky's Flat Car Kit a Deadringer of Prototype
Model Railroad News 2008-11 pg. 40 Scale: S Author: Dick Karnes
Accompanied by some history of the Southern Railway's flat car, this review shows the Smoky Mountain Model Works, Inc. kit and how the author built it.
Steamscenes 2009 Calendars Brighten Surroundings
Model Railroad News 2008-12 pg. 90 Scale: Author: John Sipple
Review of the full-color railroad calendars (three are available).
The MTH Mohawk
Model Railroad News 2009-01 pg. 54 Scale: HO Author: David Otte
The author reviews the MTH NYC 4-8-2, after and extensive discussion of the prototype. Includes one prototype photo.
The O-Gauge Roundup
Model Railroad News 2008-11 pg. 48 Scale: O Author: David Otte
The author reviews the Industrial Rail, Trainman, and Master Series products by Atlas O.
The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round
Model Railroad News 2009-01 pg. 68 Scale: N Author: Phil Scandura
This article is a full review of the Faller Car System starter set. The set comes with a Wiking bus. It allows automated movement of scale vehicles.
Three Snapshots on the Intermodal Timeline
Model Railroad News 2008-11 pg. 20 Scale: HO Author: John Sipple
This article describes the history of the intermodal shipments and reviews products by Athearn, Walthers, Kato, and WPG Enterprises.
Walthers Reworks Trucks, Power Board on RS-2 and RCS-2
Model Railroad News 2009-01 pg. 20 Scale: HO Author: John Sipple
A brief history about these two models accompany this thorough review.