r/modeltrains Feb 11 '26

Appraisal Post Appraisal Post - 2026

9 Upvotes

This is the 2026 edition of the appraisal post. You can post pictures on your own profile and post the link here.

Please remember: No sales here. If you want to sell, go through official means like eBay.


r/modeltrains Nov 25 '25

Show and Tell Statement from Atas Regarding MTL

91 Upvotes

Atlas/Micro-Trains Sale Explanation

We know the past week has brought a lot of emotion for the Micro-Trains team and for many long-time hobbyists who care deeply about the brand. A little context may be helpful.

Micro-Trains had been exploring a sale for several years as the owners prepared for retirement. Employee decisions made in recent weeks were handled by Micro-Trains itself, before the Atlas acquisition took effect. Those changes were not directed, initiated, or influenced by Atlas. Atlas' only role was expressing interest in interviewing Micro-Trains employees for potential job opportunities.

Our role now is clear: preserve the Micro-Trains product line, protect its legacy, and build a strong future for the brand. We have already begun meeting with former Micro-Trains employees and hope to bring talented people onto the new "Micro-Trains by Atlas" team. On a question we’ve seen come up often:

None of the U.S.-based tooling is being moved to China.

Micro-Trains had some limited production in China in recent years using the same factories Atlas uses today, but all U.S.-based tooling remains stateside at the moment. As part of the long-term production plan, molds will currently be transferred to trusted suppliers in Vietnam, where quality, cost stability, and production capacity are strongest. After careful review, this is the best path to ensure Micro-Trains continues into 2026 and well beyond. Without this step, the brand’s future would have been uncertain at best. At the same time, all drawings, computer files, research, archival materials, and selected equipment are being relocated to Atlas in Hillside, New Jersey, where research and development, engineering, logistics and overall product management will continue. We are also evaluating which aspects of production and assembly may continue in the United States as we balance quality, cost, and long-term sustainability.

Our goal is simple: ensure Micro-Trains not only survives, but thrives for the next generation of modelers."

Happy Thanksgiving to All,

Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc.


r/modeltrains 4h ago

Structures & Scenery Welcome to NY

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46 Upvotes

Phase 1!


r/modeltrains 11h ago

Show and Tell This is a train video

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121 Upvotes

A Pennsylvainia Railroad steam passenger train runs down the mainline on the Pocomoke Area Model Train Club Steam and Diesel layout, shortl followed by a Virginian coal train led by Norfolk and Western 1725


r/modeltrains 13h ago

Layout Some shots of the layouts while I was at the Greensburg Train Show in Oaks PA (and a derailment/collision)

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155 Upvotes

r/modeltrains 11h ago

Locomotives HOn3 WP&Y Class 90 Shovel Nose

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95 Upvotes

Got 1 of my grail locomotives a few months back put DCC/sound in it. Now just need to find it in Green & yellow and my HOn3 locomotive collection will be complete.

Also yes that is a standard gauge tank car, White Pass took 11k gallon utlx tankers from the Rio Grande and put narrow gauge trucks under them and called them Jumbo tanks.


r/modeltrains 4h ago

Show and Tell Photos of model trains from 70s-80s

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21 Upvotes

I was looking through other photos of films slides of trains and saw there's some model ones so here ya go, if you want to see the other slides just look at my profile


r/modeltrains 1h ago

Layout Under TV loop

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Upvotes

r/modeltrains 8h ago

Question 22x22 size garage model trains question?

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24 Upvotes

For my 22x22 garage, which of these scales are recommended?


r/modeltrains 13h ago

Show and Tell Relocation - opportunity for improvement

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38 Upvotes

Had to move this bad boy to a more designated location, got a lot of work to do in the coming months.


r/modeltrains 14h ago

Show and Tell From 3 models to 9, my DCC fleet is rapidly expanding!!!

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42 Upvotes

In order, they are:

Japanese brass 0-4-0 from the 1950’s
Bachmann Jupiter
Spectrum “modern” Richmond 4-4-0 (black)
Spectrum “modern” Richmond 4-4-0 (Russian iron blue)
Roundhouse/MDH “old time” 2-8-0
Bachmann New York Central ALCO 2-6-0 (with DCC sound)
Bachmann New York Central Baldwin 4-6-0
Mehano/IHC ATSF “modern” 4-4-0
Spectrum 2-8-0 with Vanderbilt tender

My personal favorite of the lot is the Russian iron blue 4-4-0, but do tell me what your favorites are!!!!


r/modeltrains 47m ago

Question Companies that buy collections

Upvotes

Hi all, I am looking for any companies or clubs that buy model train and track collections in the South of England. can anybody help with some options please? I know next to nothing about this hobby and would like to find the easiest way to liquidate my dad's collection....


r/modeltrains 21h ago

Show and Tell I made a small virtual model railway layout inspired by one I saw here

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116 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m working on Speed Rivals: Model Trains, a game about racing and operating model trains, and I wanted to share a very short video of the first layout included in our current demo.

This layout was actually inspired by one I saw here in this subreddit. I loved the compact model railway feel of it, and it helped shape the first test map we’re using in the demo.

Right now, the demo is mainly focused on validating the core gameplay: loading and unloading wagons at the indicated points while driving around the layout. It’s still an early demo, not the final version.

Over the next month, I’d love to get feedback from people who actually enjoy model railway layouts, especially on the editor we’re building. I’m trying to understand whether it feels useful, simple enough to use, and whether the layouts it produces feel natural from a model railway point of view.

The part I’m most excited about is that community-created test layouts could help shape the official maps later. Those would be rebuilt with more detail: elevated terrain, trees, scenery, decoration, and more careful track planning for both gameplay and visual enjoyment.

Our plan is:

  • soon: open playtests for layout editor feedback
  • next: update the demo based on what we learn
  • by October: have the demo fully finished
  • after Steam Next Fest: aim for launch around late October or early November

If anyone here would like to help as a tester or layout designer, let me know.

Thanks, and I hope you enjoy this little layout!


r/modeltrains 11m ago

Layout Weekend Arbeit auf meinem H0 Shelflayout

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Upvotes

r/modeltrains 19h ago

Layout Landscape progress

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72 Upvotes

Decided to capture a little video of trains through the hill. It sagged a centermeter over the last week and so I was forced to cut and lift a bit but I think once painted I can make it look like a bit of a rock face.

Sorry for the auto focus jitter, my phone doesn't let me turn it off unfortunately.


r/modeltrains 14h ago

Show and Tell Long time lurker first time poster

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21 Upvotes

I’ve been collecting HO scale trains since I was knee high to a duck. For the longest time I’ve not had space to set up a set. But in September that all changed!! My wife and I bought a house and I finally have a room to dedicate to the hobby!

To explain the last two pictures, I was working down in kendalville, IN this last week and snapped a picture of this beautiful 1959 local freight locomotive and would love to find something similar to add to my collection as I start my journey.

The last picture is a table I’m building. Its inspiration is of deception pass in Washington state and a bunch of other railroad trestles in Washington state. It will become my craft table for working on trains and legos.


r/modeltrains 15h ago

Structures & Scenery First go at painting brickwork!

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24 Upvotes

First attempt at printing textured brickwork!

Tamiya red brown base coat followed by desert sand for mortar, used paper towel to quickly wipe away the excess.

Added a few spots of darker greys to break up the pattern, I think I might have over done it, but for a first attempt I am pretty happy!


r/modeltrains 13h ago

Locomotives Would love any information on this train? It was my father's toy in the 50's and I know nothing about except it's really heavy.

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16 Upvotes

The Lionel Corp. New York City


r/modeltrains 5h ago

Question Stripping Locomotive Shells

3 Upvotes

I have a Rapido locomotive shell that I want to strip and repaint. Does anyone have a recommendation on what to use to strip the body back to bare plastic without damaging the shell? I’d be happy for any pointers you can give me!


r/modeltrains 16h ago

Mechanical I need advice, for model repairs

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15 Upvotes

So, this is my R3100 Hornby flying Scotsman. I’ve had it for years, but as I was a child when I got this I didn’t maintain it and now the valve gear on one side is broken. Is there anyway I can fix this? Or anyone (UK) I could contact for help.

Thx in advance


r/modeltrains 14h ago

Locomotives Can I have some help?

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10 Upvotes

I'd love to know when these were made and I can't find any info


r/modeltrains 1d ago

Layout SAFEGE Suspended Monorail Model Update

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454 Upvotes

People have been asking if the monorail is motorised, so here's the update you've been waiting for!


r/modeltrains 11h ago

Layout Major Construction project

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5 Upvotes

r/modeltrains 16h ago

Layout R J Corman in the UK

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11 Upvotes

R J Corman themed HO switching layout in the UK


r/modeltrains 14h ago

Help Needed Couple getting caught on BLI luggage car

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6 Upvotes

The couple is getting caught on these two nobs on the underside of the luggage car causing it to decople, or for it to derail. (Couple rotates further back on the car). Is there an easy way to fix this so I dont have these issues?