Cowcatcher Complete Sets

Manufacturers are leveraging improved production processes in Asia to release highly detailed and prototypically correct model railroad products. Many come in multiple variations with interchangeable details, such as cabs and other features, plus sharper painting and lettering. The improvements enable making endless products, from popular Class Is and fallen flags to smaller railroads and obscure one-off cars and locomotives. Are they collectibles? Some say yes.

A social media frenzy ignited in September after the Arkansas Railroad Museum (ARM) dusted off Cotton Belt No. 819 and pushed it outside for the first time in three decades, rusty boiler and all. Followers asked if it was coming back to life. It just may be.

Though few recognized it at the time, the Electro-Motive Co. (later Electro-Motive Division) FT was the beginning of the end for steam power on U.S. rails. Rapido Trains recently released the first group of HO-scale FTs and the Cowcatcher takes a look.

Union Pacific's first FLXdrive locomotives arrive for testing in California and the Merrimac bridge rehab ups train speed across Lake Wisconsin and opens opportunities for the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad. Also, Michelle Kempema writes that the Big Boy and all the red, white and blue locomotives put the perfect cap on America's 250th celebration. And more!