Model Railway News

This year, we can proudly celebrate 66 years of ROCO. Udo Jürgens already sang: „Life begins at 66“ – following this motto, we stand for progress, innovation and a wide range of international products. In short, everything to make the miniature version of the world a bit more detailed for our fans around the globe.

Reason enough for us to send our brand out on the "real" rails and make it even mor visible! What could be a better way to do that than with almost 10.000 HP and a record-holding Taurus 3?

In cooperation with ÖBB and our designer Markus Huber, we are dressing a 1216 in a particularly striking livery. One side of the branded locomotive allows a look into its interior: its technology. But wait a second: Are we looking at the real Taurus here or the technology of a ROCO miniature Taurus? It's up to our fans and passengers to solve the riddle.

The legend of Europa riding the bull symbolizes strength, confidence and the courage to set out on a new journey. Zeus approaches Europa in the form of a gentle bull and carries her across the sea to Crete - a journey that symbolizes change, union, and the beginning of a new story. The name of our continent originated from this myth, and its cultural diversity is characterized by it to this day. This timeless symbol lives on in the electric locomotive Taurus, whose name deliberately evokes the mythical bull. With its confident strength, it brings together people, regions and stories throughout Europe - reason enough to dedicate the second side of the themed locomotive to the Taurus and this artistic vision.

 The H0 version of this remarkable locomotive will be part of the ROCO range this year as a one-off edition and will be available in time before the Christmas trade. There is also a N Scale version that is part of the Fleischmann range this year as a one-off edition and will be available in time before the Christmas trade. 
Just like with our last themed locomotive in 2024 on occasion of the European Football Championship, it pays off to be fast! 

Just in time for the Intermodellbau trade show in Dortmund, we are pleased to present additional, previously unannounced H0 novelties in our News Express 2026-04.

 A total of 11 cars will be introduced, all of which are expected to be available from stock within the coming weeks. Highlights include the DR H0 passenger coaches “Städteexpress”, an H0 G10 Persil car as well as a weathered H0 GS UIC car.

 For the first time at the Intermodellbau in Dortmund, we are showcasing a special trade show model from the “BRAWA Signature Edition”: The DB H0 Gmhs35 “Deutz” freight car is a strictly limited-edition model and will initially be available exclusively at our trade show booth, in our factory outlet, and via our online shop.

This first quarter has seen 3 major surprise announcements and the latest is an exciting 1 Gauge Model of the famous KPEV EG 507 Electric Locomotive.

The first electric locomotives of the Royal Prussian Railway Administration (KPEV) were once the pride of Prussia on rails and represented milestones in locomotive engineering at the time. These rugged prototypes were designed with uncompromising efficiency for special duties using proven principles from steam loco engineering. However, they used clean, invisible energy without any steam, soot, or coal.
 
The class EG 507 and 508 freight locos built in 1913 and 1914 epitomize the Prussian virtues of the KPEV. During the pioneering era of electric train haulage, the company left nothing to chance and therefore ordered test locos for very specific purposes from a variety of companies. Most of them resembled curious giants from another world, also due to their unusual sound. However, like many other locomotive types from the early days of electric train haulage, they laid the foundation for the modern railroads of today.

4 Versions are being offered; Era 1 KPEV in Photo Gray; Era 1 KPEV in Prussian Green Livery; Era 2 DRG Brown Livery and finally, a Technological Edition in exposed Brass and metals.

For 1 Gauge Collectors & Enthusiasts, these models have never been offered before. Reserve one or more of these Iconic Locomotives. Deliveries are expected in late April or early May.

Artitec just continues to amaze with 232 new products already announced for this year covering both Civilian and Military ranges. The detailing and weathering of their products are exquisite!

In their civilian program, their range of vehicles from cars to tractors continue to expand. Day to day scenes like a drink vending machine (387.661); fisherman on a boat (387.658) and “What’s for dinner?” (5870160). They have a new mechanic’s garage offered in 4 different country versions with detailed interiors, (10.474;475;476;477). Of course, their figure range offers more typical scenes that we all recognize as needed on our model railways, even kids having a snowball fight, (5870148).

In their military program, several new tank versions are offered in the BRD; USA; German Wehrmacht; DDR and even Canada gets a mention with a Crusader Anti-aircraft tank, (6870766).

Far to much to discuss, so enjoy browsing the line-up and note, most items are available in a wide range of scales.

There are six new paint schemes in the Atlas Master Line production of its ACF 17,360-gallon tank car model. The tank car comes in HO (MSRP: $49.95) and N (MSRP: $39.95) scales. The HO tank car (right) includes metal wheels and body-mounted AccuMate couplers. The N-scale model comes with plastic wheels and couplers mounted to the car’s trucks.—Atlas Model Railroad Co., atlasrr.com

The post Atlas delivers new production for ACF 17,360-gallon tank car in HO and N appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Accurail’s American Car & Foundry (ACF) 2,970 cubic foot capacity CenterFlow hopper car is arriving in a special America’s 250th Anniversary (2026) release. The two-bay covered hopper will be painted silver and the fantasy decoration includes a representation of the Liberty Bell and Declaration of Independence document. The car will include a 250th Anniversary America 1776–2026 banner. The car’s sill will include standard data information in black, along with ACF’s logo. The easy-to-assemble HO-scale kit retails for $22.98. —Accurail, Inc., accurail.com

The post Accurail introduces America’s 250th Anniversary two-bay CenterFlow hopper kit in HO scale appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Review by Tony Cook/model photos by the author

PIKO America’s excellent reproduction of German locomotive builder Krauss-Maffei’s ML4000 returns with new versions decorated for Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) and Southern Pacific (SP).

This fully assembled HO scale model is one of those efforts that makes you wish a manufacturer would offer more releases. PIKO America’s North American prototype offerings in 1:87 are limited, compared to the vast collection of European subjects the company catalogs. For this reason, some hobbyists pursuing North American prototypes likely do not have PIKO America on their radar. This six-axle diesel-hydraulic locomotive replica is a standout and I am certain I am not the only collector that remains impressed with this ML4000 and looks to the future for more from this hobby company.

When this HO model project was announced, the company stated later looks for these 1960s era locomotives would be future releases following the debut run’s as-delivered examples. What is on display in this review is a later look for the ML4000, and based on Rio Grande’s group of three units. Troubled by exhaust overtaking the necessary quality air for good operation (not unlike the pursuit of Tunnel Motors to come from Electro-Motive), two openings were added to the lower sides of D&RGW’s ML4000s. This feature and the rooftop tanks are additions to the tooling for this production run. Check your February and September 2025 editions of Model Railroad News to see previous Rio Grande and Southern Pacific models from PIKO America and you’ll quickly spot many differences between as-delivered ML4000s from those runs and this modified edition release.

ABOVE: SP 9022 shows the patched Rio Grande livery look PIKO presents in this new locomotive release. You’ll notice the air intake panels on the lower body side near the center unit and addition of rooftop tanks. When Rio Grande management decided they had experimented enough with the diesel-hydraulic concept, Southern Pacific picked up the trio of Rio Grande units. —Kevin EuDaly collection

In addition to the tooling revisions, PIKO America presents its Southern Pacific 9022 with a faded appearance to the single-stripe Aspen Gold and silver Rio Grande livery. When SP acquired D&RGW’s trio of ML4000s, which differed from the look of the units Southern Pacific took delivery of in 1961 (same time the Rio Grande units arrived from Germany), the new owner initially removed flying Rio Grande lettering and 4000-series numbering and applied black Southern Pacific lettering on the sides, an “SP” on the nose, and 9000-series numbering.

PIKO’s fading is subtle, but well executed. My photos illustrate the lighter/faded hues, but in person they are even more obvious and quite authentic looking. Check out the photo on the facing page of SP 9022 in patched Rio Grande paint, and you will see, with some weathering applied, this new PIKO America modified ML4000 model dressed for SP could be an eye-catching addition to your roster.

ABOVE: The ML4000 tooling includes modifications and additions to the detailed plastic body shells. You’ll spot two added grilles along the lower body sides. These served to improve the quality of air brought into the unit. Tanks on the roof are additions for this modified appearance. PIKO America presents Rio Grande livery on these two releases, but note the faded quality of the Aspen Gold hue on Southern Pacific 9022 (right). 

Like the previous ML4000 releases, buyers will find this finely rendered miniature offered with a standard DC setup or with PIKO’s TrainSounds electronics providing audio features, and digital operation and control of lighting and sound functions.

The model is an Expert series release in PIKO America’s line and comes secured on two posts on a plastic base. The model is not secured by screws, but simply lifts up and off its base. A guide is included for DCC operations and should be examined before you fire up your ML4000 and attempt to head out on your main line, as the usual European mapping of functions is present. These features can be revised to follow the North American locations you may be more familiar with when going to select a throttle function. I’m eager to see PIKO America return with more, and hope to see the company add other exotic prototypes to its line like this wonderful ML4000.

The post Modified Diesel-Hydraulics from PIKO USA in HO Scale appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Review by Ryan Crawford/model photos by Tony Cook

In late 2025, ScaleTrains began shipping its latest HO scale Rivet Counter run of Electro-Motive Division’s (EMD) SD38-2 diesel locomotives. Offering of this uncommon EMD six-axle prototype is not surprising in today’s marketplace, especially with the components on hand from ScaleTrains’ popular Rivet Counter EMD SD40-2. Utilizing the company’s SD40-2 platform, this Dash 2 model would be a natural for the Tennessee-based company. The two prototypes (SD40-2 and SD38-2) share the same 68 foot 10-inch frame. The difference in the two is not size, but applicable horsepower by way of EMD’s popular 16-cylinder, 645E diesel prime mover. The SD40-2 utilizes a turbocharger, netting 3,000 hp, while the SD38-2 uses the same engine block, but is fed via a set of superchargers (what diesel historians label “normally aspirated”) that puts out 2,000 hp.

The easiest way to explain the creation of EMD’s SD38-2 is to place a GP38-2 car body on top of an SD40-2 chassis; in essence, that is what you have with this locomotive. The detail differences between the SD40-2 and SD38-2 are the number of radiator fans (two for the 38 and three for the 40) and size of the radiator intake screens. The SD40-2, being turbocharged, has a single exhaust outlet, whereas the SD38-2 possesses two exhaust outlets. The idea behind this combination of two similar locomotive models yields a unit that can move heavy tonnage (six axles equal improved tractive effort), and the removal of the turbocharged motor that is not needed for heavy drag applications.

The SD38-2 became popular with roads that hauled heavy unit trains, such as central Illinois coal-hauler Chicago & Illinois Midland (C&IM), and iron ore roads such as Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range. EMD marketed its SD38-2 as an excellent locomotive for hump yard applications. This Rivet Counter SD38-2 production includes examples covering those users well. ScaleTrains does exhaustive research of prototypes and always offers good execution with prototype-specific and railroad-specific details for its Rivet Counter HO-scale diesel locomotives. This review will focus on one of the six C&IM SD38-2 prototypes offered by ScaleTrains.

ABOVE: Above: On June 2, 1974, just weeks after delivery, C&IM 74 is coupled to 75 at Springfield, Ill. This is exactly how the units were painted when delivered in May 1974. Notice the railroad has yet to install the all-weather cab window, orange trim on the step edges, and the rear diamond decal (look at unit 75 in background). Within a year, the orange trim would be added, as were the cab windows and the diamond decal on the rear hood. Good attention to detail on the ScaleTrains Rivet Counter replica is the three sets of instructions on the hood door in white. —Richard R. Wallin photo, Ryan Crawford collection 

C&IM Motive Power History
Owned by Commonwealth Edison (CWE) for more than 80 years, Chicago & Illinois Midland had one job: hauling coal to feed the hungry boilers of CWE’s power plants in the Chicago area. The locations included a massive power plant located at Powerton, Ill., just south of Pekin. Since 1926, the modern C&IM, stretched 121 miles across Illinois from Taylorville to Pekin. At a location known as CIMIC (named for the two railroads, C&IM and Illinois Central, that met at this location), C&IM utilized 16 miles of trackage rights on Illinois Central to reach Springfield, Ill. Springfield became the railroad’s headquarters in 1956. Up until the mid-1950s, coal hauling duties were entrusted to an expertly maintained roster of 0-8-0, 2-8-2, and 2-10-2 steamers.

When it was time to dieselize, C&IM manage-ment turned to EMD, which surveyed the railroad and proposed that 11 diesels could do the work of 21 active steam locomotives. In April and May 1955, two EMD SW1200s, 18 and 19, were purchased and went to work. By November 1955, C&IM added four additional SW1200s (20–23) and five rugged SD9s (50–54) to handle the tonnage on C&IM’s route. During the early dieselization phase, coal was picked up from Peabody Mine No. 10, located at a recently constructed coal handling yard known as Ellis, four miles east of Pawnee, Ill. This segment of the railroad ran east and west and was named the Taylorville Division, running from Taylorville to CIMIC. Coal trains were hauled northward through Springfield and on to Havana, the location of a modern coal dumping operation on the Illinois River, known as the Havana Coal Transfer Plant, and it was here that coal trains were emptied by a Wellman rotary car dumper and transloaded into awaiting barges. The barges would handle the coal upriver to the many small CWE plants in the Chicago area. Coal from mine No. 10 and coal received from connecting railroads was also way-billed to CWE’s Powerton Generating Station south of Pekin. By 1960, the little C&IM was bursting at the seams with coal business; and those 11 EMD diesels handled the tonnage.

ABOVE: This photo of C&IM 75 and 73 at Powerton, Ill., on March 29, 1978, matches well with ScaleTrains’ HO scale Rivet Counter SD38-2 models. Footboards are gone from the pilot, a beacon has been installed on the roof, all-weather windows appear on the cab, and upturn extensions are welded to the coupler cut levers. Trailing unit 73 clearly shows it retains the diamond herald on its rear hood. Unit 75 retained part of its original hose holders on the pilot, but those will be removed in a few years, which is exactly how the ScaleTrains replica is detailed. —Robert Farkas photo, Ryan Crawford collection 

As coal volumes remained steady, management decided to purchase additional locomotives. In Septem-ber and October 1960, the railroad received the only two RS1325 road switchers EMD built (30–31). These four-axle, half-breed switcher/road units would be among the rarest diesels ever to come out of EMD’s plant, and their rarity brought flocks of railfans from all over the world. Unfortunately, the RS1325’s small size, and low horsepower, would not fill the bill for heavy-tonnage coal trains. They were simply not suitable for a coal hauling railroad. Realizing this, C&IM management went back to EMD for help. In 1961 and 1962, the railroad took delivery of a pair of six-axle 1,800-hp, SD18s (60–61). This was a great investment for C&IM as coal tonnage began to really blossom through the mid-1960s. Unfortunately, in 1967 the railroad withered for lack of business due to CWE’s decision to build a new power plant at Kincaid, just across the highway from the already active Peabody Mine No. 10. When this operation began, C&IM’s tonnage was drastically cut, and storm clouds loomed on the horizon.

In 1970, a dramatic change of events unfolded which would forever change C&IM. Commonwealth Edison was in the midst of complying with Clean Air Act legislation and began purchasing low-sulfur coal from newly opened Western U.S. mines located in Wyoming and Montana. This changed the routing of coal southward on the C&IM instead of northward. With this massive influx of Western coal, now interchanged with Chicago & North Western and Burlington Northern in East Peoria, C&IM’s diesel fleet was stretched to the absolute max. The railroad was faced with a decision on purchasing new diesels to meet these new tonnage demands. C&IM purchased six 2,000-hp SD38-2s (70–75) from EMD in May 1974. This wise decision would have positive implications for the next 22 years of the railroad’s existence.

C&IM’s EMD SD38-2s
Chicago & Illinois Midland began receiving these newest and most powerful on the roster diesels in May 1974, arriving on property from May 9 through May 29th. ScaleTrains’ review model C&IM 75, was received at Springfield Shops from an Illinois Central Gulf transfer at 1:30 P.M. on May 29, 1974. Surprisingly, the fleet lacked the traditional red band with white pin stripes worn by all other diesels on the roster. The SD38-2s were outfitted with similar features: 3,200-gallon fuel tank, no dynamic brakes, 81-inch low nose with ratchet-style handbrake, flush-mounted exhaust stacks, and dual cab controls.

When delivered, they lacked the rear company diamond decal, radio antenna, and three-pane all-weather windows. These were added by the railroad shortly after arrival. Ironically, the brass bell and unique, top of hood bracket was not installed by EMD; but instead, were placed on the front porch of the locomotives during transit and installed by C&IM shop forces at Springfield. The paint scheme was a basic green dip job with black trucks and black jacking pads. They had 18-inch C&IM hood initials on the car body and 14 1/4 inch road numbers painted on the access doors below the cab, all in white. All six units wore the traditional diamond decal on the cab sides and on the front nose when delivered, with the rear decal added after delivery. The units cost $350,000 each, a modest sum by today’s standards, and the railroad paid an extra $75,000 for a spare HTC truck.

Above: This ScaleTrains Rivet Counter SD38-2 brings several looks and all road numbers for Chicago & Illinois Midland in this production run. This example, C&IM 75, features a look the unit possessed a short time after its delivery in 1974 through much of the rest of the 1970s.

When delivered, the SD38-2s had orange handrails with green stanchions. The orange on the step edges and footboards did not come along for a couple of years. They also displayed orange coupler cut levers on the front and rear pilots. Footboards were present on the pilots, which were eventually outlawed by the FRA in 1978. Around 1977, all C&IM’s road units were fitted with a Commander beacon that was located atop the cab, near the rear cab edge. One interesting detail concerning the placement of the beacon on the SD38-2s was the plate which held the beacon, about eight inches above the cab roof. This raised plate helped establish better sight lines due in part to the modern EMD angular cab design…

The post Chicago & Illinois Midland’s Tough SD38-2 in HO from ScaleTrains appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Special announcement gauge H0

The long-established Göppingen-based company Leonhard Weiss, our partner for the Model Railway Days and the inspiration for many Märklin models, is expanding its rail fleet with the Euro9000, currently the most powerful locomotive on the European market. Naturally, Märklin/Trix are adding the model to their ranges!

The completely redesigned dual-power locomotive class 2019 in Leonhard Weiss colors is available exclusively from Märklin and Trix and impresses with the latest technology and high-quality details.

• Switchable shunting and special signals,
• Buffer storage,
• Four separately digitally controllable pantographs,
• Numerous switchable lights are just a few of the highlights that make this highly detailed metal model a special locomotive.

Just as impressive as the prototype, which has been on the rails since January, the model will be on the move on model railroaders' layouts.

Expand your Märklin and Trix x ‘Leonhard Weiss’ collection with this exclusive model. Simply, Pre-Order yours today!

The unusual. 'Coffin Berkshires'

Welcome to the second half of the 19th century, when the railroad was revolutionizing transportation in the United States of America at breathtaking speed and playing a central role in transforming the country into the land of opportunity. It was also a time of rapid development in steam locomotive construction. Driven by the mantra of creating ever bigger, more powerful, and faster designs, new loco types were often named after the areas in which they were used.
The construction of a machine that had four driving axles as well as one leading and one trailing axle represented a milestone in freight traffic. As well as improving the performance on curves, the design permitted a longer boiler design compared to the locos without leading or trailing axles. A larger firebox also delivered an extra performance boost. Since the driving axles were now in front of the firebox, they could be made larger, which, in turn, enabled higher speeds.

We are now offering this model (Märklin and Trix) as a completely new design with matching freight cars

Marklin/Trix Berkshire Southern Pacific  2-8-4 Steam Locomotive linked below;

Marklin Southern Pacific Freight Car Set and Caboose linked below;

Trix Southern Pacific Freight Car Set linked below;

Note: You can easily extend the Marklin Freight car set by adding the Trix Car Set. Conversely, one can extend teh Trix version by adding the Marklin Freight Car Set as well as the Caboose. One simply needs to change the Marklin Cars to DC wheels when running 2-Rail DC.

 Note: For US Customers, these will ship directly to them from Marklin, USA. 

Roco announced today that the demand for the French SNCF BB 26005 has far exceeded their original production schedule of these locomotives. At present they are oversold, however, they are considering a 2nd production run of this highly-anticipated locomotive.  Based on new orders, they will make their decision March 27th. 

If you have been considering this locomotive, now is the time to place an order. Reserve yours’s now to avoid disappointment!

Roco has just started delivery of the CSD 469.1 Electric Locomotives announced back in 2024. (New tooling always takes a while and generally well worth the wait as in this model.)

• A completely new construction
• Design in delivery state (Skoda factory type 43E)
• Locomotive signs supplied as etched parts
• Finely-detailed design of the bogies as well as the spoked wheels
• Completely newly developed pantograph with innovative fastening 
• In digital mode with switchable cab and engine room lighting, switchable head and tail lights, and undercarriage lighting based on the CSD model
• If you haven’t already reserved yours, order now to be in the initial deliveries before they sell out.

Austria – and the whole world – have been bitten by the Song Contest bug! Before Vienna transforms into the hotspot of the world's largest music competition from 11 to 16 May, the Austrian Federal Railways is sending an eye-catching advertising medium onto the rails.

Of course, ROCO is also on board and is producing a unique model of the elaborately decorated machine. Delivery will take place just in time for the ESC in May.

Please note: The number of items is strictly limited and the edition is unique – so be quick! The ESC inspires people all over the world and appeals to a wide audience far beyond the railway community.

Why pre-order for 2026?

• Many items are One-time Issues. By pre-ordering, you reserve your model at a lower price and you do not worry about trying to find it elsewhere in the future. In addition, popular models are often produced in batches, so by pre-ordering you can be part of the first batch being released. In that way, you will not have to wait months, in many cases months, for the next batch release.
• Program will end at midnight, February 28th, no exceptions.

Why pre-order for 2026?

• Many items are One-time Issues. By pre-ordering, you reserve your model at a lower price and you do not worry about trying to find it elsewhere in the future. In addition, popular models are often produced in batches, so by pre-ordering you can be part of the first batch being released. In that way, you will not have to wait months, in many cases months, for the next batch release.
• Program will end at midnight, February 28th, no exceptions.

Today we have added the latest 2026 EUROTRAIN Locomotives, Coach & rolling stock from Marklin. These are special models that the factories produce for the IDEE & SPIEL Company as EUROTRAIN Exclusive editions. These typically sell out quickly and do take time to come in.  

• Two interesting lomotive models from the 'Lokomotion' WRI company, a Kof Diesel and a CL 151 Electric. 
• Continuation of the 2 Axle Thunderbox Passenger Coach line up with a 'Rolling WIne Tavern' theme
• USTC 4 Axle Tank Car which goes well with teh Artitec 4 Axle Heavy Duty Flat Car series 20.284.18 through 20
• A nice RAG Hopper Car to continue adding to past series 
• A very cool Tarp Car, 'WANTED RAIL COWBOY / COWGIRL' by CAPTRAIN

Check out these interesting models and Pre-Order yours early as they will not last once released.

Note: Pre-order program discount does not apply to these specific models.

Why pre-order for 2026?

• Many items are One-time Issues. By pre-ordering, you reserve your model at a lower price and you do not worry about trying to find it elsewhere in the future. In addition, popular models are often produced in batches, so by pre-ordering you can be part of the first batch being released. In that way, you will not have to wait months, in many cases months, for the next batch release.
• Program will end at midnight, January 31st, no exceptions.

Why pre-order for 2026?

• Take advantage of an additional 5% to be deducted when submitting ‘2026 New Item Pre-orders’ Only. (Please submit regular stock items on separate orders.)
• Many items are One-time Issues. By pre-ordering, you reserve your model at a lower price and you do not worry about trying to find it elsewhere in the future. In addition, popular models are often produced in batches, so by pre-ordering you can be part of the first batch being released. In that way, you will not have to wait months, in many cases months, for the next batch release.
• Program will end at midnight, January 31st, no exceptions.
• Note: For the first time, given the current economic instability, we reserve the right to cancel 5% pre-order discounts should the Canadian $ continue its decline over the course of the year. This applies to Canadian dollar orders only. USD pre-orders will not be affected. (In the event that the Canadian dollar would have a substantial rebound, we would of course revise to lower pricing as models arrive.)