All about the community of model railroading and rail enthusiasm
All issues priced at $6.95 each unless otherwise noted. Includes shipping in the U.S.
Chock-full – January/February 2024:
Cover Story: The Cowcatcher once again takes the pulse of model railroading in the 2024 State of Model Railroading survey, and readers say the hobby has it all and they’re willing to pay the freight.
Respondents once again rate the value of the hobby high and most are not dissuaded by prices despite higher inflation in recent months. A record number of responses were received from readers throughout the country.
The 6th annual survey yields a slightly watery take: Modelers convincingly approve of the state of the hobby, but buyer fatigue could be emerging. But a big change is that significantly more readers rate the value of model railroad products for quality received higher than the 2023 survey.
PLUS, Bachmann Trains is pushing the envelope on quality and turning heads. The N and HO Siemens SC44 Chargers are proof as the company is working hard to appeal to more sophisticated tastes. Also, The Rochester Institute of Technology Model Railroad Club is plotting a new course, and the college club aims to promote model railroading, preserve railroad history, make new friends and have fun. Also, after six months of operation, the Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern merger (CPKC) is producing noticeable results. And, the California Zephyr was the most talked about train because of its beautiful views that included the Feather River Canyon.
January/February 2024 – $6.25 Publisher’s Special!
New Chapter – March/April 2024:
Cover Story: On Jan. 1, 2024, BNSF Railway took over operations on the storied Montana Rail Link after a lease agreement between the railroads dating to the late 1980s was cut short.
BNSF says operating as one railroad will bring benefits to customers and opportunities for freight growth in the region through enhanced capacity and stronger service. In some respects, the company views MRL’s integration as a reunion.
PLUS, Smaller components and Bluetooth technology are making battery operation for HO scale more plausible. See how the Texas-based CLRR has gone from DCC to dead rail. Also, KR Models’ long-awaited skeletal logging cars arrive and make a nice impression. And the Denver & Rio Grande Western’s Royal Gorge traversed mountains, traveled along rivers and glided through tunnels from Salt Lake City to Denver.
March/April 2024 – $6.95
