Model Railway News

Review by Clem Harris/photos by Tony Cook

Kato recently released a group of C44-9W diesel locomotive models in N scale. This collection includes several BNSF Railway looks. I’m sharing an orange BNSF painted C44 that includes patching for second owner Kansas City Southern (KCS). I also review a SuperFleet livery decoration with patching for BNSF ownership.

Prototype Profile
BNSF 667 was originally built as Santa Fe 667 in August 1994, as part of a 100-unit C44-9 order. These six-axle locomotives, delivered in iconic SuperFleet livery, invoked memories of a rich history of passenger trains racing across the American Southwest. The SuperFleet paint scheme was introduced in 1989 by Mike Haverty, Santa Fe’s president. In an August 1989 Chicago Tribune article, Haverty stated, “I think that restoring the Warbonnet is a way to demonstrate to our customers and the industry that we deliver quality transportation. At the same time, the Warbonnet will give our employees a sense of pride in their heritage. We’re in some tough times now. Competition is tough. There is an overcapacity of all transportation. So only the fittest will survive; those that are innovators and aggressive. And we will.”

As Santa Fe purchased locomotives after 1989, they were delivered in this new version of the famous red and silver, which many associate with the last few years of the Santa Fe and their priority intermodal service with J.B. Hunt. Santa Fe merged with Burlington Northern to become the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway in 1995. Santa Fe’s and BN’s combined purchases of General Electric’s (GE) C44-9W model totalled around 1,700 units between 1994 and 2005.

Based on pictorial evidence, sometime around 2005, Santa Fe 667 became BNSF 667 with the addition of lettering under the road number on the cab showing BNSF ownership, as KATO has reproduced for this release.

Kansas City Southern and its Mexican subsidiaries purchased 125 AC4400CW units, which are the AC traction motor cousin of GE’s C44-9W. KCS chose not to purchase the DC traction motor C44-9W, though the railroad would eventually roster this model.

KCS 4401 was built as BNSF 4799 in June 1998. BNSF 4799 received Heritage III orange and black livery. BNSF 4799 was on a long-term lease via General Electric Capital. When this example and others on lease were returned to General Electric Capital in 2021, several railroads picked up these used C44-9Ws, including Kansas City Southern. These new-to-KCS locomotives were quickly patched out to no longer show BNSF, though they retained that road’s colors. They received block KCS letters on their long hoods and the road’s logo on the sides of the nose and across where the BNSF “cigar band” herald had appeared on the nose. In addition to Kansas City Southern, many of the other leased C44-9W originally painted BNSF were changed to Norfolk Southern.

The Models
Out of the box, I was pleased with Kato’s efforts on both samples. The paint, lettering, and graphics were well rendered, and spot-on in relation to placement on the prototype. Both N-scale locomotive models had the proper version of General Electric’s high-adhesion truck sideframes, matching pictures found during my research.

You’ll notice variations in the handrail style with BNSF 667 possessing the early style, wider hand rail arrangement across the front and back of the locomotive over the pilots. KCS 4401 has the narrow arrangement with the handrails coming inward as the raise up to the outer stanchions over the pilots in front and rear.

A couple of enhancements worth noting that I was happy to see up-dated on these Kato models was the improved appearance of the fuel tank and ditch lights. Check out the depth and detail on the area between the top of the tank and sill on BNSF 667 above. The ditch lights on the pilot are a better representation versus prior toolings.

These models also feature what I consider to be a nearly indestructible mechanism. I love the design simplic-ity and durability of Kato’s drive. This 1:160 C44-9W locomotive model includes a DCC friendly electronics setup. Options for a drop-in DCC de-coder include Digitrax DN163K1A, ESU 59721 Lok Pilot Train, and Control Systems K1D4 decoders are available if you want digital control and non-sound operation. For sound and DCC capability, ESU’s 58741 decoder is available, and SoundTraxx offers two decoders with sound options for these Kato locomotives.

I chose a break-in for these C44-9Ws, which is the same practice I follow for DCC installs for speed matching. I have the model pulling a homemade track cleaning car that weighs 2.2 ounces and drags a cleaning pad (this single car provides similar resistance of a longer train consist)…

Read the rest of this review in the February 2026 issue of Model Railroad News. Subscribe Today!

The post Patched C44-9W units from Kato in N Scale appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Review by Joe Martens/photos by Tony Cook

Caboose? No, these are Vans! Enter the Rapido Trains Hawker-Siddeley caboose, or “van,” as they were lovingly known in Canada. This model is another smashing success for the Canadian manufacturer for good reason, as these HO-scale models are jam-packed with details and lighting features.

Prototype History
In the early 1960s, Canadian National Railway (CN) needed a replacement for their aging fleet of wood-end cabooses. They turned to Hawker-Siddeley for this task, and, in 1967, the first examples from an order of 150 steel cabooses delivered to the delight of crews. The steel shells were constructed in Trenton, Nova Scotia, and final assembly occurred in Fort William, Ont. With comfort features including dual oil stoves, a refrigerator, electric power and lighting by way of an axle-driven generator, and fully cushion underframes by Waught, modern features that debuted on these cabooses quickly made their way into CN’s fleet during modernization in the 1970s. An advertisement (shown on the facing page) published by Hawker-Siddeley in October 1968’s Canadian Transportation touts “These cabooses of the future mean the beginning of the end for the little red caboose.” This ad is included in Rapido’s paperwork for this model; a nice touch.

 

ABOVE: Here’s an end view of two of Rapido Trains’ CN-painted models. Since initial delivery of the prototype, the Late version (left) has had track inspection lights added and the steps painted black. The International version (right) received the same upgrades, plus the FRA yellow sill added for service in the U.S.

The most noticeable difference for these cabooses throughout their service life were the paint schemes. As-delivered, the cabooses had body colored red step wells and end cages. Later in life, the step wells and end cages were painted black. Some cabooses received yellow striping on the side sill for international service into the U.S., and were also modified with FRA-compliant window glass. Some cabooses escaped CN ownership by way of the Cape Breton Development Corporation (Devco) and received new numbers and a neat green with yellow stripes scheme. These were used on coal train service in Nova Scotia until some returned to CN through their acquisition of the Ottawa Central, who had acquired some of the Devco cabooses to run through the 2000s.

These cabooses lasted many years on Canadian National’s roster, through the end of the caboose era in the mid-1990s. Luckily, many have been preserved in museums, as most were still in good condition upon their retirement.

Model Details
The model has a plethora of separately applied metal components. The end platforms and steps of the model are etched-metal and possess excellent see-through characteristics. Numerous metal grab irons can be found across the model painted in accurate hues to match the prototype. The brake wheels and chains on the end cages on both ends are plastic, and thin enough to match the rest of the metal parts for a uniform appearance. The roof features two chimneys with tie-downs on both sides, with extra vents poking through from the bathroom.

ABOVE: The caboose underbody has many details (separately applied and modeled on the base), including complete air piping and cushioning appliances reproduced down the middle. As per prototype, one truck includes an axle-mounted generator for electrical power to the cabin. The end platforms and steps are see-through, and you’ll notice the trainline air hose present, along with coupler cut levers on the ends of this van.

The interior of the model has many features, including the stoves with vents, multiple seats with armrests, ladder to the cupola, and handles on cabinets. Most interior details are plastic, but multiple colors are used for extra detail. With the lights on, the interior details are an area where the value of this caboose shows itself well. The interior is fully painted in multiple colors for even greater realism.

Although there are no rotating bearing caps on this model, all axles do pick up track power for the interior lights. Metal wheels also make for a smooth ride. The underbody contains numerous separately applied brake components, a mix of plastic and metal. Brake piping extends from the brake cylinder and air reservoir near the center of the underbody all the way to both ends of the model under the trucks. The underframe also has white lettering with the car weight. The axle-mounted generator is included as well, with a two-piece design that allows the truck to swivel…

Read the rest of this review in the February 2026 issue of Model Railroad News. Subscribe Today!

The post An Essential Canadian Caboose from Rapido Trains in HO appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Following expressions of interest reaching the required level for the project to move into production, Dapol have now shown EP samples for the N Gauge Gresley full brake and modified Buffet.

Dapol have shown images for the next batch of N Gauge LNER B17 4-6-0 steam locomotives, which are due for release during Q3 2026

Locomotion Models and Rails of Sheffield are teaming up with Revolution Trains to offer two new and exclusive N Gauge Class 66s in the striking red GBRf Railway 200 livery. Forming part of the Railway Icons range, the exclusive locomotives represent 66710 and 66719 in the distinctive livery applied for the Railway 200 celebrations and for hauling the Network Rail 2025 'Inspiration' exhibition train. 66710 was named ‘Karen Harrison’ at the Greatest Gathering event, Derby in August of 2025 in...

Dapol have announced they are opening expressions of interest for N Gauge LMS Non-Lavatory Suburban Coaches. These are models that Dapol are keen to produce, but need confidence that the demand will meet the required level for production to begin

KATO Precision Railroad Models have announced they are expanding their N Gauge Class 800 range with the addition of new models in Lumo, TransPennine Express, Hull Trains and Avanti West Coast liveries.

Micro-Trains Line Company, Inc. announced today that it has been acquired by Atlas Model Railroad Co, which includes substantially all assets of Micro-Trains Line Co., the Talent, Oregon-based manufacturer renowned for its precision N and Z scale model trains and couplers. The transaction marks a significant expansion of Atlas’s manufacturing and product development capabilities within the U.S. hobby industry.

Under the agreement, Atlas will assume ownership of Micro-Trains’ molds, tooling, and associated intellectual property, ensuring continued production of the brand’s hallmark products. Production will transition into Atlas’s global manufacturing and supply network, ensuring continued availability and consistent quality standards worldwide.

Eric D. Smith, President of Micro-Trains Line Co., added: “Our family and team are proud of what Micro-Trains has meant to hobbyists everywhere. Atlas’s commitment to excellence and long-term investment in the model railroad community makes them the right partner to continue our story.”

Both companies emphasized that the integration will focus on preserving the authenticity of Micro-Trains’ designs while leveraging Atlas’s engineering, logistics, production capabilities to broaden innovation and future product offerings.”
Smith also wants to thank our industry counterparts, many of whom we have worked so closely with making this hobby a true enjoyment to be part of. And a very special thank you to the model railroad consumers; your interest and patronage of our model trains is much appreciated.

Micro-Trains in Talent, OR. will continue to accept and process orders until our finished model train single car releases, multi-packs, trucks, couplers tools and accessories are sold out. This includes our December releases.

In closing, we once again extend our sincerest thanks to all, and wish everyone great success in all your future endeavors.

-via press release

The post Atlas Model Railroad Co. acquires assets of Micro-Trains Line appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Review by Jason Quinn/photos by the author

EMD’s GP40 is an exciting new model in Rapido Trains’ catalog of HO-scale offerings. This addition is a natural progression from the hobby manufacturer’s prior GP38 release (see Ryan Crawford’s “Southern Charm” review of Rapido’s Norfolk Southern GP38 in your March 2025 MRN). The two four-axle locomotive prototypes share many characteristics, with the long hood being the location where the two exhibit the most differences. The GP38 model is a non-turbocharged 645 prime mover producing 2,000 hp whereas the GP40 is powered by a 3,000-hp turbocharged 645 prime mover.

General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division first produced its GP40 in November 1965. The new locomotive was the successor to the GP35 model. The GP40 had many upgrades over the similar GP35 model. The GP35 was the last model to use the EMD 567 prime mover. The 40-series units introduced the 645 prime mover; this was the single biggest change from the 35 to 40 series. The GP40 also rode on a longer frame (3 feet longer than the GP35) and had three 48-inch radiator fans, versus the GP35’s two 48-inch and one 36-inch fan arrangement.

ABOVE: MKT 501 at Parsons, Kan., in November 1986. Katy built this slug from from GP40 222 in 1976. The other slug added to the roster at the time was 500, which came from MKT F7A 74A. Both slugs moved to Union Pacific’s roster in 1988 with 501 carrying S300 and later UPY926 numbering. —T.N. Colbert photo, Kevin EuDaly collection 

Production of the GP40 model ended in December 1971. 1,242 were produced, with the majority (1,187) sold to 28 railroads in the U.S. The largest quantity of GP40s was found on Penn Central’s roster with 170 units; these were added to the 105 units New York Central purchased before 1968 and the arrival of Penn Central. The combined fleet clearly put Penn Central/Conrail as the largest operator. Chessie System comes in second place with 161 units from Baltimore & Ohio, 50 from Chesapeake & Ohio, and five from Western Maryland. The smallest order was a single unit sold to Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway (TP&W); this GP40 was an EMD warranty protection unit that became available and joined the road’s roster around 1970. This unit was later acquired by Santa Fe and was that road’s only GP40 on the roster, but didn’t enjoy a long tenure for the railroad. Santa Fe rebuilt TP&W’s GP40 into a GP35u; however, it was soon wrecked, and later scrapped.

Rapido Trains provided not only a GP40 to review but also a slug unit. Rapido has really been hitting the market with slugs lately. This is an overlooked area in the hobby. I com-mend Rapido Trains for their efforts in expanding this unique and uncommon motive power area in HO. My sample is decorated in the green and yellow colors of Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) or often better know as “the Katy.”

The slug is unique to MKT’s roster (Union Pacific after 1988), while the GP40 tooling has opportunities for releases in several road names. In this run, Rapido Trains produces HO-scale GP40 diesel locomotive models in three Canadian National styles; “Death Star” era Illinois Central; Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac; St. Louis-Southernwestern “Cotton Belt” in as-delivered appearance; mid-1990s Wisconsin Central; Western Pacific silver Zephyr livery with orange band; and 1990s era Union Pacific featuring “We Will Deliver” slogan, offered with and without a slug in this run.

My GP40 and slug sample is two-thirds of MKT’s “three stooges” set. The interesting nickname was given to the trio by Katy employees. GP40 222 was wrecked and built into a slug, which is nothing more than a weighted platform with traction motors. The slug receives power from its two mother units. MKT GP40s 226 and 227 were specially equipped for this service with the addition of power cables required to transmit power to the slug. The slug does have nicely detailed power cables, but the GP40 mother unit seems to lack the proper connections (I could not find any good rear pictures of the GP40 units to confirm this though). This set includes MKT 226 GP40 and 501 slug. Rapido offers MKT GP40s separately in three road numbers: 194, 216, and 227.

The two models come in one large flat box encased in Rapido’s traditional clear plastic clam shell. This sturdy box should keep these finely detailed models safe under all but the harshest traveling conditions. As I unpacked the pair, I found these replicas to be free of any damages or blemishes. My first impression of these models was “Wow!”

Read the rest of this article in the December 2025 issue of Model Railroad News. Subscribe Today!

The post Escargot in HO and a GP40, too, from Rapido Trains appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Reviews by Clem Harris, Justin Sobeck, and Shane T. Mason/photos by Tony Cook

This all-new N-scale tank car replica was announced in May 2022, with a second production listed in January 2024, and Athearn recently delivered both batches of this absolutely amazing, perhaps the best looking and running 1:160 tank car on the market, during summer 2025. The offerings come fully assembled and packaged in clear jewel cases. Single tank cars and 3-pack sets are included in the production.

For those familiar with the manufacturer’s excellent Genesis 1:87 offerings, this new Union Tank Car 13,000-gallon acid tank car release looks like they shrink-rayed an HO car down to N scale! This small model is a big release for Athearn, marking the company’s first Genesis-branded effort for rolling stock in N scale. Model Railroad News’ regular N-scale modelers will provide their experience with this Athearn release.

Clem Harris
I spent some time reading up on tank cars and the various requirements that they have to safely transport a commodity. For this model and its prototype, my research was all about how tank cars are used to safely transport sulfuric acid.

ABOVE: This new Athearn Genesis N-scale acid tank car model includes see-through etched metal end platforms, body-mounted Type F double-shelf knuckle couplers, and 36-inch metal wheels.

The various standards for tank cars have gotten public attention in the last few years due to prolific derailments. Acid tank cars fall under the older DOT 111 standard that encompasses a minimum plate thickness of 7/16 inches, and can be made of various materials like aluminum or steel alloys, but carbon steel is most common. DOT 111 rated cars do not generally have shielding around the top or ends of the tank, thermal protection, and special fittings that have become standard on newer DOT 117 and DOT 117R cars. DOT 111 cars may or may not have a layer of insulation around them, and will slowly be phased out or upgraded to meet the new DOT 117R standard that took effect May 1, 2025.

Sulfuric acid has many uses, from drain cleaners in your home, to indus-trial cleaning agents in the manufactur-ing of steel, fertilizers, petroleum catalysts, the production of paper, and much more. The number that appears on the placard indicates the percentage of the sulfuric acid being transported, so first responders may deal with a spill or derailment accordingly (more about this on the model).

Athearn executed the reproduction of the various details of these cars correctly for the timeframes they represent. For me, the little details really make an N-scale product stand out. The printing on the car was crisp and clearly readable. One of the things that immediately caught my attention was the rectangular yellow notice showing Chemtrec’s phone numbers. The Procor car shows the era appropriate U.S. 1-800 number along with the separate phone number for reporting leaks and spills in Canada and Mexico found on older tank cars. Chemtrec’s reporting number meets the federal requirement to have an emergency response telephone number that is monitored 24/7 while hazardous commodities like sulfuric acid are being transported.

ABOVE: There is variety in the details across the road names included in Athearn’s first Genesis series N-scale freight car release. This fully assembled tank car replica is a fine addition to the 1:160 hobby market.

The models have diamond-shaped placards indicating the UN number (this is a unique four-digit code as-signed by the United Nations to iden-tify hazardous chemicals, materials, and articles for international transport and commerce. These numbers range from 0001 to 3500 and are crucial for proper handling, packaging, labeling, and emergency response for dangerous goods). This is a neat touch! The UN number for sulphuric acid that has a concentration of greater than 51 percent is 1830, which is denoted on the placards for both cars.

Additionally, the models incorporate vertical restraint-type couplers, more commonly known as shelf-style cou-plers. On the prototype, this prevents couplers from bypassing in derailments and potentially puncturing the ends of adjacent tank cars. This inclusion of the proper coupler demonstrates Athearn was paying close attention to the prototype. N-scale couplers are a bit of a pet peeve of mine, but these couplers were a positive experience, and worked well with other brands of couplers without being finicky or troublesome.

The details on these cars are absolutely amazing. See-through end walkways and manways on top of the cars further highlight the attention to detail these 1:160 reproductions were given. The trainline hoses on the ends of the cars cleared an appropriate height off the rail and did not cause any issues even on less than ideal trackwork.

The biggest question I have when I try out a new release like this, after examining the car for how well it matches with a known prototype, is how well the model performs. In a word, Athearn’s new acid tank car operated outstandingly. I’m not necessarily a “check the weight” kind of guy because on cars like this, there is nowhere to add additional weight if they are too light. With this in mind, I pushed and pulled these cars around the New Mexico Rail Runners N-scale layout for a couple of hours with no derailments or issues to report while operating them in a 22-car train. I placed the tank cars at various places in the consist to see if that would change this solid performing outcome, and Athearn’s Genesis acid tank car ran well no matter where it was placed in the train. Out of the box, the metal wheels were in gauge and the trucks rotated freely on their bolster.

I’m absolutely impressed with these models! With some light weathering, they’ll be right at home on your layout to serve your industries that may have a need for sulfuric acid…

Read the rest of this article in the December 2025 issue of Model Railroad News. Subscribe Today!

The post N Scale Genesis Tank Car Arrives from Athearn appeared first on Model Railroad News.

Bachmann Europe have revealed the British Railway Modelling 2025 Winter announcements, with the recently announced GWR hall livery samples on show and the welcome return of the SE&CR C Class to the Graham Farish N Gauge range.

Dapol have received full decorated samples for their N Gauge Class 56, featuring a retooled body on the existing mechanism.

Dapol have announced that their proposal to produce the Gresley Diagram 113 full brake and refurbished Gresley Buffet have reached the required levels of interest and will now enter production.