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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.

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

A New England family has brought a Maine Central caboose back to its former glory following a cosmetic and mechanical restoration at the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad’s shop in Unity, Maine.

Twin brothers Connor and Cullen Maher, along with their father, acquired MEC caboose 640 in 2022 to realize a dream of having their own caboose. The caboose had previously been stored at the end of the B&ML’s line at City Point. 

Following minor work in late 2024, the restoration ramped up in 2025 with the family replacing coupler knuckles and making repairs to the air brake system and body with the help of friends.

The cosmetic restoration began last fall when 640 was sandblasted and primed, but some challenges prevented further work taking place until late this summer when the family, along with an army of 14 friends from across New England, volunteered time to get the caboose painted in one weekend in August.

On that weekend, the group finished sanding, priming, masking and spraying Pine Green paint on the first day. On the second day, they sprayed it with Harvest Gold paint and rolled it out of the shop that Sunday afternoon. As of September, vinyl lettering was applied, along with finishing touches on the paint. 

Now, the family plans to move the caboose by rail to Rockland, Maine on the former MEC Rockland Branch, where operations are being planned.

“The future for 640 is really bright,” said Connor Maher. “The same great folks running the BML now operate the new Cumberland and Knox Railroad on the Rockland Branch and we plan to eventually restore the interior once it arrives there, and when that’s done we intend to let the CKRR utilize the 640 on occasion for freight use, with us also looking at the possibility of using it on the soon-to-begin tourist trains out of Rockland as well.”

Maine Central caboose 640 was built in 1976 by the International Car Company in Kenton, Ohio. It was among the last cabooses to be ordered by the MEC, and entered service in 1977 on the railroad’s Mountain Division between Portland, Maine and St. Johnsbury, Vt. 

Following a wreck in either late 1977 or early 1978, the caboose was repaired at the railroad’s Waterville Shops and re-entered service in spring 1978. After Guilford Transportation took over operations of the railroad in 1981, it remained in service until the early 1990s. During this time, it received major damage to its interior from a fire started by an arsonist. It was saved by a former Maine Central employee, who moved it to the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad and made repairs to its interior. The caboose was restored to its 1978 post-wreck appearance. 

— Nick Stewart

The post Maine Central Caboose Restored By Family appeared first on Railfan & Railroad Magazine.

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.