Model Railway News

55 years of InterCity – the journey continues! Our journey to mark the 55th anniversary of the InterCity and the retirement of the legendary IC1 trains is entering its next and final stage. To round things off, we are delighted to present four special new releases from ROCO and FLEISCHMANN. The centrepiece is the 101 110 electric locomotive. With its extraordinary special livery, it bridges the gap between the legendary Class 103 and the modern Class 101. The real-life locomotive has recently been fitted with our sponsors’ logos – a special detail that is, of course, also reflected in our models. To complement the special locomotive and the previously announced special carriage, we are expanding the anniversary theme with a two-carriage passenger set. Both carriages feature a special slogan marking the retirement of the IC1. These models thus commemorate a defining chapter in German railway history whilst paying tribute to the retirement of the InterCity 1 and the Classes 101 and 218 from long-distance service. All models are elaborately printed and are being released as a unique, limited edition. We therefore recommend ordering early. Please note that the N-gauge models will only be produced if sufficient pre-orders are received! For InterCity fans and collectors, these models offer a special memento of the 55th anniversary and, at the same time, of the end of a defining era in German long-distance rail travel.   The following models are available for Pre-Order, (Order early as Fleischmann 6260137 has already Sold Out!)

Review by Tony Cook/Model Photos by Pamela Varney

Walthers delivers another production run of its Greenville 73-foot woodchip hopper car model to the hobby company’s Mainline series. This offering brings CSX in three patched presentations and Illinois Central Gulf (ICG) with two road numbers each. The model is also available assembled and undecorated in limited quantities. This group was announced in March 2026 and delivered in late June of this year.

This tooling dates to the early 2000s, and is one of two styles of long 100-ton woodchip hopper cars Walthers has offered in contemporary times (the other is a bathtub-style Thrall prototype). With its design looking much like other rib-side hopper cars, but appearing longer and taller (as woodchips weigh less than coal), this is an impressive freight car.

The model weighs 6.3 oz. and I measured the body length to be approximately 70 feet (the “73” figure in its label likely is taking into consideration the measurement to out over the coupler faces). Much of the model’s weight is gained from a die-cast section running the length of the underbody, though the well-detailed bays are plastic and include separately added parts. The interior includes molded detail showing the slope, and outlet bays with thin separately applied plastic sections representing the interior bracing.

Wheels checked out to be in proper gauge, and the metal couplers (mounted to the frame) were at a good height for compatibility.
As you can see from the views of two examples from the run, the finish is good with sharp lettering. The ICG is a later-era look for the railroad (late 1970s), while the series of CSX offerings are especially neat with faded base color, and fresh paint patches showing CSXT reporting marks. There are two Family Lines cars and a Seaboard System patched for CSX service.

Walthers packages this run of wood-chip hopper car models in its usual blue cardboard box with Mainline markings. The ready-to-run reproduction is wrapped in clear film and nestled into a white plastic cradle with clear overlay section. There is no paperwork provided in either sample examined. I was pleased to see Walthers is including color illustrations on the end labels on its Mainline freight car releases.

Walthers Mainline HO-scale
Greenville 73′ Woodchip Hopper

910-56378 – CSX (patched L&N Family Lines) 433330, $49.98

910-56380 – Illinois Central Gulf 870035 , $49.98

Walthers
5601 W Florist Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53218

This article appeared in the November 2026 issue of Model Railroad News. Subscribe Today!

The post Big Hopper for Small Bits: Woodchip Hopper from Walthers appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Rapido Trains is bringing another unusual prototype to the ready-to-run plastic HO scale market with its newly announced models of Rio Grande’s rebuilt Alco PB units Nos. 252 and 253.

Originally built as cabless passenger boosters, the two units were extensively rebuilt by Denver & Rio Grande Western for continued service and developed a distinctive appearance that set them apart from standard Alco PBs. Rapido’s production will cover several variations in their appearance, from the initial rebuilding in the 1960s through their later years in Rio Grande Ski Train service.

Appropriate body details and truck variations will be included to represent the prototypes during different periods of their careers, giving Rio Grande modelers several options for recreating these unique units in passenger service. The models are priced at $159.95 each.

The post Rio Grande steam generator rebuilt from Alco PB coming to HO scale from Rapido Trains appeared first on Model Railroad News.

ScaleTrains announces General Electric’s Dash 8-40C diesel locomotive will become a Rivet Counter 1:87 offering. This all-new model will include railroad/road number- and era-specific features. Model variations will depict differences in cabs and radiator configurations. The first production will provide Chicago & North Western, Canadian National, CSX, Ferromex, Norfolk Southern, Rock Island Rail, and Union Pacific. DCC-sound releases sell for $329.99, while standard DC versions sell for $219.99. ScaleTrains plans to ship this Rivet Counter HO scale Dash 8-40C in May 2027.

The post Dash 8-40C will join ScaleTrains Rivet Counter collection in HO scale appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Review by Clem Harris/Model Photos by Tony Cook

Atlas Model Railroad Co. recently delivered a production of N scale GP39-2 locomotives. This is one of two offerings in Atlas’ Master Line collection, the other is a later production GP39-2 Phase II. This review will examine two samples from the latest run of GP39-2 Phase I offerings.

Electro-Motive Division’s (EMD) GP39-2 is a four-axle locomotive that debuted in 1974 and was part of the builder’s “Dash 2” product line. The Dash 2 series used modular electronic systems and other upgrades on existing locomotive models in EMD’s line; though horsepower increases were not part of the revision as the model would maintain their horsepower ratings. The GP39-2 was rated at 2,300 horsepower and had slightly better fuel economy than other EMD locomotives of the era in part to its turbo-charged prime mover that featured a 12-cylinder version of the 645 prime mover.

Five railroads and two mining operations originally bought GP39-2s. The railroad buyers were Burlington Northern, Delaware & Hudson (D&H), Missouri-Kansas-Texas, Reading Railroad, and Santa Fe. The mining operations of Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation and Phelps Dodge Corporation each bought one GP39-2. A total of 239 were built during the production run from 1974 to 1984. Santa Fe purchased the most GP39-2s with an order for 106. Many are still running on BNSF Railway, CSX, and Union Pacific.

ABOVE: Delaware & Hudson GP38-2 7420 at Mechanicville, N.Y., on September 7, 1980. D&H bought new EMD GP39-2s and picked up secondhand Reading GP39-2s. Atlas’ model reproduces GP39-2s of Reading heritage and two road numbers are offered: 7402 and 7420. —Kevin EuDaly collection 

Reading Railroad purchased 20 GP39-2s, numbered 3401–3420, in November 1974. In 1976, the group of Reading units wound up on Delaware & Hudson in the events that lead up to the formation of Conrail. Once on Delaware & Hudson’s roster, the former Reading GP39-2s were renumbered to D&H 7401–7420. Some retained various portions of their Reading paint, while others wound up being repainted fully in a mostly blue with yellow ends scheme, as Atlas’ model of D&H 7420 accurately represents. CSX has kept most of these locomotives on its roster and in service.

I am a big fan of these Atlas four axle switchers, especially with the revisions that Atlas has made to the mechanisms over the last few years. The colors and printing are true to the Delaware and Hudson paint scheme. The printing is clear and crisp. This model represents the era after the engine was Delaware and Hudson’s and repainted into their simplified scheme. The model features Accumate-style couplers that worked with other manufacturer’s couplers without issue in testing. Couplers were at the correct height when checked with a height gauge.

ABOVE: This Atlas N scale GP39-2 diesel locomotive arrives fully-assembled and ready for work. The Gold edition of this Master release is equipped with DCC-sound, while the Silver version is sound- and DCC-ready and set up for standard DC operation.

The model received for testing was a Silver DC version. The mechanism was smooth and quiet. I found a low-end speed of 1.5 scale mph at 1.14 volts and high-end speed measured 134 scale mph. I have one of these GP39-2s in my own collection and was able to easily add DCC to this example and speed match with my other GP39-2; this adjustment keeps the top speed more prototypical. ESU DCC options for sound include their 58925 or 59925 for non-sound DCC. Digitrax has either a SDXN1137E24 for sound or DN1137E24 without sound. Zimo series has a sound option with a part number of MS540E24 and MN140E24 without sound. This locomotive was able to pull 20 cars without any challenges.

One minor quibble is Atlas offers a single-size fuel tank. These locomotives were introduced in an era when rail-roads ordered various size tanks. The prototype possessed a slightly smaller fuel tank than what’s provided on the model. Overall, I was very happy with this model and pleased with the pulling effort from a four-axle locomotive. It’s small, but it’s mighty.

Atlas Model Railroad Co.
N-scale Master Line
GP39-2 Phase I diesel locomotive

Silver Edition (standard DC) Delaware & Hudson 7420
40 005 904, $144.95

Atlas Model Railroad Co.
378 Florence Ave.
Hillside, NJ 07205

This article appeared in the November 2026 issue of Model Railroad News. Subscribe Today!

The post Turbo-Powered 2,300 Horses: N Scale D&H GP39-2 from Atlas appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Review by Tony Cook/Model Photos by Pamela Varney

A recent delivery of Atlas Trainman-series boxcars provides five decorations listed as never-before-offered for this ready-to-run 1:48 freight car model. This 40-foot sliding-door boxcar is a classic in the hobby, and for good reason. Introduced with Atlas’ debut in the O scale market in the early 1970s, this finely rendered plastic rolling stock specimen is a classic and common prototype that draws devotees of O to it, as well as luring in hobbyists pursuing other scales to look twice and consider this larger model railroading scale.

In this production is a great-looking Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) release dressed in the road’s striking green with orange livery and large billboard lettering. The paint and lettering are excellent and includes black ends with white reporting marks and road number present on the car ends. This EJ&E model is a 2-rail edition and possesses body-mounted metal knuckle couplers and friction-style trucks with 33-inch metal wheels.

Northampton & Bath is a rather uncommon road to find in a regular production release and, though this boxcar is dressed in a simple light version of Boxcar Red with white lettering, it also provides an inviting release for operators and collectors alike. This Northampton & Bath boxcar is Atlas’ 3-rail edition and is setup with deep-flange wheels with working metal couplers included on the trucks (both versions include springs in the truck design).

This is the 10th run for this boxcar since the advent of Atlas’ Trainman series and, in addition to these roads, Clinchfield, Maine Central, and Santa Fe’s Bx-83 class are new looks. Returning with a new road number is Baltimore & Ohio’s Sentinel service paint scheme.

Atlas Model Railroad Co. O-scale Trainman
40-foot Sliding Door Boxcar

Elgin, Joliet & Eastern
2-rail edition
2001294, $72.95

Northampton & Bath
3-rail edition
2001245, $69.95

Atlas Model Railroad Co.
378 Florence Ave.
Hillside, NJ 07205

This article appeared in the November 2026 issue of Model Railroad News. Subscribe Today!

The post Midwest and Eastern Classics: 40′ Boxcars from Atlas Model Railroad Co. in O Scale appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Today, Marklin in cooperation with Piko have annouced another surprise locomotive! Presentation was made today at the Leipzig Hobby Fair.

The Class 56 – a true European Locomotive

Marklin Class 56.34-35 Steam Locomotive
 
Its history began in 1897, when Austrian engineer Karl Gölsdorf developed the powerful Class 170 steam locomotive. This was followed in 1917 by the further developed superheated steam version, the Class 270. With over 1,000 units built, both classes saw decades of service in freight and passenger transport across numerous European countries. From 1938 onwards, the Deutsche Reichsbahn took over 100 Class 270 locomotives, designating them Class 56.34–35.
We are dedicating a completely new model, stock # 38270 —constructed largely of metal and featuring numerous separately applied details—to this legendary all-purpose locomotive. Characteristic features such as the distinctive "goblet" chimney, large Austrian-style lamps, and classic cab give it a unique appearance.
Naturally, the model is equipped with an mfx+ digital decoder, extensive lighting and sound functions, dynamic smoke emission, and an integrated buffer capacitor.
This item was produced in cooperation with PIKO Spielwaren GmbH, Sonneberg.
 
A matching wagon set rounds off the range stock # 46570.

Click on the links below to get all the detailed information about this incredible model.

 

 

Bachmann Trains brings its model of a standard-gauge, 80-ton, three-truck Shay steam locomotive back to its catalog. This 2026 production includes improved metal gearing and SoundTraxx Tsunami 2 electronics for DCC Sound on Board control and lighting features. The assembled 1:87 model is equipped with soft-white LED directional lighting, functioning piston rods and valve gear, and many separately applied details. This release presents the striking red Pickering Lumber Co. 12 (shown above), Cass Scenic 5 and Clear Lake Lumber Co. (both shown at right), and an unlettered black painted Shay is also in this production. The model carries a $799 suggested retail price.

This article appeared in the October 2026 issue of Model Railroad News. Subscribe Today!

The post Bachmann Trains delivers new production for HO scale Shay steam locomotive appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Roco is continuously developing our Z21 range and would like to inform you today about the latest products and the related article changes.

 At the beginning of the year, we announced the Z21 START newGen, the successor to the proven z21 start. The new concept offers greater flexibility when choosing a control system and track system, making it easier than ever to get started in the world of digital model railways. But that was only the beginning – the next highlight is already here!

NEW: The Z21 WLANMAUS newGen

The Z21 WLANMAUS newGen is the next major addition to our digital range. It combines modern technology and new features with the familiar ergonomics and ease of use of the proven Z21 WLANMAUS.

As the new products replace existing Z21 components, here is a brief overview of all Z21 articles that will now be succeeded by an enhanced new generation:

Overview of article changes:

• Z21 WLANMAUS (Art. No. 10813) → Z21 WLANMAUS newGen (Art. No. 1008001)
• z21 start Basic Digital Set (Art. No. 10833) → Z21 START newGen Basic Digital Set (Art. No. 1000001)
• Z21 Professional Digital Set (Art. No. 10834) → Z21 Professional Digital Set with Z21 WLANMAUS newGen (Art. No. 1000020)

These stock #'s are listed below for your ordering convenience.

Special announcement HO & Z gauge Models

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the major sporting event of the year kicks off in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Teams from around the globe will compete for the coveted ball. This provides ample reason for us to celebrate this discipline - regarded by most people as the world's most important sport - with a special-edition model in both H0 and Z gauges.

Many nations from our core markets - such as Germany and Switzerland as well as the host countries of the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will be in attendance as the new World Champion is crowned. To mark this occasion, we are once again presenting a truly special model of the Class 185.2 locomotive, featuring a striking livery.
 
In the Märklin H0 range, the locomotive is released under item number 36026, featuring gold-plated pantographs and coupler hooks, as well as two differently printed side panels—one side displaying the flags of the host nations alongside the German flag, and the other displaying the flags of the host nations alongside the Swiss flag.
In the smallest gauge, Z (scale 1:220), the locomotive also joins the product lineup—likewise featuring gold-plated pantographs—under the Märklin item number 88489.

Expected delivery 3rd Qtr. 2026. Reserve yours today by simply placing a preorder.

Marklin/Trix Surprise # 3, 2026!

A record-breaking locomotive makes history

At the end of the Roaring Twenties, it was little Austria that caused a major sensation far beyond the borders of the Alpine republic by building a mighty express locomotive. The engineers had put an impressive Steam Locomotive on the tracks of the Westbahn (Western Railroad) main line between Vienna and Salzburg. With a gigantic boiler and four driving axles that sat nearly two meters / 6-1/2’ high, the new class 214 locomotives achieved a power output of nearly 3,000 hp. At the time, it was considered the most powerful express steam locomotive in Europe. In its home country, it also set a speed record of 156 km/h / 97 mph during test runs, and performed exceptionally well in scheduled service, even over long distances. Many German railroad workers looked on with a touch of envy at this Austrian Steam Locomotive, especially since it clearly outperformed the famous German class 01 loco. When the Western Railway from Vienna to Salzburg was fully electrified in 1952, the machines, then designated the class 12, lost their home route. Just ten years later, they were withdrawn from service. Märklin’s new Steam Locomotive, Road Number 12.11, now brings a miniature version of this icon of European locomotive engineering to the fascinating world of model railroads. Together with the two full-sized museum locos that have been preserved, it tells the story of an era when steam locomotives truly were engineering and visual masterpieces.

This highly desirable model is complete New Tooling! This locomotive come with as authentic and extensive detailing as possible. Click on the links below to get all the detailed information about this incredible model.

These are due to release in late October!

Expand your Märklin and Trix historic locomotive collection with this exclusive model. Simply, Pre-Order yours today!

Over 2800 Items on Sale in all gauges at great prices! Father’s Day sale is being advertised this weekend only so that there is enough time to mail your packages out for in time for Father’s Day.

All products on sale are in stock in our store (not a distributor warehouse) and ready to ship. Sale items will be removed from the sale when they are sold out.

• HO Products on Sale
• N Scale Products on Sale
• Z Scale Products on Sale
• TT Scale Products on Sale
• O Scale Products on Sale
• G Scale Product on Sale
• 1 Gauge Products on Sale

The fine print!

• Sale will start 6pm Pacific, Friday, June 6th.
• Sale will end 9pm Pacific, Sunday, June 7th, no exceptions.
• Sale applies to in-stock products only. Backorders will not be taken at sale prices.
• Quantities are limited. When an item sells out the sale price will be removed from our site.
• Sale items will automatically be removed from your shopping cart if they sell out before you check-out. Shop early to ensure you get what you want!
• All sales are final. Rest assured, all locomotive purchases will be tested and inspected prior to shipping. All applicable warranties will apply as usual.
• Sorry, orders submitted prior to sale prices being posted are NOT eligible for sale prices, no exceptions.
   

Thank you for Shopping at EURO RAIL HOBBIES!

At the 2026 International N Gauge Show, Dapol had the very first livery samples of the N Gauge Gresley Full brakes and refurbished restaurant coaches on display.

At the 2026 International N Gauge Show, Dapol had the latest livery samples on display for their forthcoming N Gauge GWR 2-6-0 Mogul.

Announced just before this years International N Gauge show, Bachmann Europe had samples of the new tool N Gauge Class 20/3 on display at the Graham Farish stand and N Gauge News was able to have a close-up look at this long awaited sub class of the popular 'Choppers'

Marklin has just announced a great Fall New items program and there are some models that require urgent attention in terms of a pre-order for MHI items.

In the Marklin MHI program, the stock # 39761, has a very low and strict allocation number for each MHI dealer. This Class 01.10 in a steel blue color scheme w/silver bands and super water heater will no doubt be a striking addition to anyone’s collection.

Marklin usually produces two Insider Club models a year, but this year, we have a third! (New trend?). The staff at Marklin Works in Gyor, Hungary restored this 2-axle work-horse to all its former glory and as a result, the models had to be made. You can pre-order this under Marklin stock # 38280 and for Trix Club members, stock # 25725. Of course, this is completely new tooling in highly detailed metal construction. There is also a matching 2-piece Hungarian freight car set, stock # 47227 to go with it and for Trix Club members, stock # 24191.

Finally, Marklin is producing the UP Class 3900 Challenger Steam Locomotive, stock # 39913 in a striking 2 tone gray color scheme. This is available in Trix under stock # 25913. Of course, she has to pull something and Marklin is producing a matching, 4-piece Coach Set w/Interior LED lighting and for the first time, 3 axle boogies. Beautiful coaches with many detailed features.

In the regular Fall Items program, the following are particular highlights;

Swiss Museum Train, stock # 26141. The famous French 141.R is pulling 3 Swiss Passenger Coaches. This museum train is used by the railway museum in Brugg, Switzerland for occasional excursions.

The Netherlands get a New Class 1100 Electric Locomotive as a Museum Model. This is completely new tooling as well. Marklin version is stock # 38111 and Trix, stock # 25111.

In 1 Gauge, a Masterful version of the Class 18 Steam Locomotive, stock # 55178, in an authentic aged weathering scheme by ‘Becasse Weathering’. This will come with a hand-signed certificate from them. These are extremely limited.

In MiniTrix, the MHI V90 Diesel Locomotive is coming with Telex Uncouplers, Stock # 16312.

In the regular program, Denmark is getting the Class MY 1100 Diesel locomotive, stock # 16960. This is completely new tooling as well with an all-metal body/chassis. Highly detailed with extensive sound and light features.

In LGB, they are producing the DR Class 99 Steam Locomotive, as the WEIBERITZTALBAHN. The Weisseritx Valley Railway hosts special events throughout the year, but for Christmas they of course do a Special Christmas Train. This special locomotive, stock # 21486 will come with all the standard sound and smoke features, but in addition, a mountable Christmas tree and Christmas music. Of course, one needs to pull coaches and LGB is getting 2 SDG Passenger Coaches w/’Raised Arch Roofs’ for the first time. You can find these coaches under stock # 31390 and 31391.

The final announcement, with Marklin/Trix Club members getting the ‘Marklin Works Diesel Locomotive in Gyor’, this just had to be made for LGB collectors as well. You can find this under stock # 21120. This is as well, completely New Tooling! The model is highly detailed with extensive sound and light features as well.

In summary, well-done Marklin! Of course, there are many other new items not touched on here but you can view the entire program by following the Fall New Item links. Enjoy and Happy Ordering!

 

Marklin 2026 Fall New Items Trix 2026 Fall New Items LGB 2026 Fall New Items

The Marklin factory certainly made an astounding group of new items to promote at the 2026 Dortmund International Model Festival!

Starting with a new Class 66 Diesel Locomotive promoting the 2026 Dortmund Festival, stock # 39071. This was followed by  a Class 101 express locomotive with a special design for the Wacken Open Air (W:O:A®) music festival 2026.   Marklin models, 39476 for HO; 88666 for Z; T25476 for Trix and a Starter Set for LGB-70505! 

Finally, to literally shock the 1 Gauge World, Marklin celebrates with 'The Giants of the Gotthards', Ae 8/14 in all era versions! These will be found under stock # 55814 through 55819! These full metal beasts with incredible detailing to fully operational pantographs range in weight from 27-29 lbs! 

These are all a One-Time Release for the Dortmund International Model Festival, so production will be limited.

Reserve your special model today by simply placing a pre-order.

April is all about exciting new models that ROCO and FLEISCHMANN will be presenting for the first time at Intermodellbau Dortmund.

A particular highlight of the 2026 ROCO range is the Class 477 steam locomotive, better known as the “Parrot”.

Furthermore, a cohesive range is not a coincidence for ROCO, but a standard we expect from ourselves – which is why we are all the more delighted to welcome the Czech company EL-HO as a strong exclusive partner in the model railway market for the first time. Together, we are bringing the “Rybak” type passenger carriages to life as models. In addition to the direct-sales versions from EL-HO, we will be offering a 4-piece set as the perfect complement to the Class 477.

Fans of modern traction are not left out either: for enthusiasts of modern railways, a new Vectron from the Austrian company Cargoserv is joining the range. As announced in the 2026 novelties, all Interregio enthusiasts can look forward to new items; our last edition sold out in no time.

There’s also something striking from FLEISCHMANN: due to high demand, the ÖBB’s ESC advertising Taurus is now also available in 1:160 scale.

Please place your Reservation Orders now before May 31 and receive additional 5% discount!

Dapol have shown the very first EP samples for their forthcoming LMS non-lavatory, non-corridor suburban coaches at the 2026 International N Gauge Show.

Review by Tony Cook/Model photos by the author

As a die-hard Ford fanatic, Brekina’s new late 1970s Ranchero is beyond awesome! While it is commonly maligned as Detroit’s malaise era, I grew up with, and am a devotee to, 1970s vehicles. This model is a great reproduction of Ford’s 1977–1979 Ranchero.

This intriguing vehicle design entered Ford’s line in 1957 and the most recent offering in North America was the seventh generation (1977–1979) now reproduced by Brekina in HO. The car/truck was not really a pickup and more for show or fun, being built on a station wagon base. Ford generally borrowed the grille and design from an existing vehicle in the line and adapted it for each generation of Ranchero. This seventh generation shared the look of Ford’s mid-sized LTD II. This version was the longest wheelbase (220 inches) of any Ranchero offerings.

Brekina’s 1:87 replica brings this Ford vehicle to car collectors and model railroad enthusiasts alike with a finely rendered effort. The two-piece body shell is injection-molded plastic with a separate plastic insert for the cabin interior and clear plastic insert for the windows. There are no screws present holding the underframe to the body, but you’ll find you can carefully pull apart the two sections to gain access to the interior should you desire to add paint there. The examples I examined, courtesy of Masterbilt Models of Texas, all featured a black interior section with dash, steering wheel, and bucket seats. Rancheros of this era could have bench or bucket seats. The rubber-like tires are mounted on plastic hubs and a thin wire axle running through the underbody. The wheels rolled fine on the samples examined.

The bumpers, grille, headlights, and taillights are chrome-plated plastic with color added for brake lights. The turn signal indicators up front are separate plastic sections and presented in an amber hue. The underbody includes dual exhausts, which I’m not certain was a standard option (except for maybe on the 400 engine).

The colors produced in the first releases are all accurate Ford hues. The majority of offerings include the GT package, which is represented with dual sport-style rearview mirrors, and striping across the lower body and running off the cab sides and along the upper rim of the bed. The two-tone silver with black example (shown above) is the base Ranchero 500, which had no stripes and basic chrome rearview mirror on the driver’s side (the model includes the GT-level mirrors).

This is another winner from Brekina and a must-have for many auto enthusiasts. It’s great to see vehicles from the 1970s reproduced in 1:87! As with many Brekina offerings, you need to strike quickly to secure them. Check with your hobby dealer or visit Masterbilt Models online for stock on this and other HO scale cars and trucks.

Brekina HO-scale
Ford Ranchero

GT Metallic Green w/Gold 18226, $26.95

GT Red w/Black 18225, $26.95

GT Silver w/Black 18228, $26.95

500 Silver w/Black 18231, $26.95

Masterbilt Models

This article appeared in the October 2026 issue of Model Railroad News. Subscribe Today!

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