Weekly News and Product Updates for December 1st, 2025

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Weekly News and Product Updates for December 1st, 2025

Last update: 12/01/2025
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Economics

Model railroaders can stay informed on the newest locomotives, rolling stock, tools, and layout supplies through Model Railroaders ongoing product updates. Below is a summary of items highlighted by the editors for the week of December 1, 2025.

Atlas Electro-Motive Division SD24 and SD26 Diesel Locomotives

Price: DC version with factory speaker 199.95; with ESU LokSound V5 319.95

Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., Hillside, NJ; shop.atlasrr.com

These HO scale six-axle units come equipped with directional golden-white LED headlights, factory-installed wipers, metal grab irons, plastic handrails, and painted crew figures.

Road Names:

SD24 (new schemes): Wisconsin Central (ex-Fox River Valley), Illinois Central Gulf (ex-Southern), Precision National (ex-Southern)
SD26 (new schemes): Santa Fe (bicentennial fantasy), Springfield Terminal (Santa Fe patchout)
New numbers: Burlington Northern, Union Pacific low-short-hood version
SD26 new numbers: Santa Fe blue-and-yellow warbonnet
Limited Edition: Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range SD24 demonstrator

SD24 models include a high short hood unless noted otherwise. One to three numbers per scheme.

ScaleTrains Wabtec AC44C6M Diesel Locomotive

Price: DC with 21-pin connector 229.99; with ESU LokSound V5 339.99

Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, Cleveland, TN; scaletrains.com

This HO scale modern freight locomotive features etched-metal radiator and exhaust grilles, a five-pole skew-wound motor with twin flywheels, and an 18-inch minimum operating radius.

Road Names: Norfolk Southern in multiple heritage and commemorative schemes, up to six numbers per paint scheme.

Atlas Evans 53-Foot Double-Plug-Door Boxcar

Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., Hillside, NJ

HO scale boxcars offered in new paint schemes for Illinois Central Gulf (Evans patchout), Chicago & North Western (patchout), and United States Railway Equipment Co. (various reporting marks and operators).

New Numbers: USLX (Plywood Marketing Associates) and Virginia Central. Two numbers per scheme.

Frenchman River Model Works Moving Truck Conversion Kit

Manufacturer: Frenchman River Model Works, Langdon, ND

This HO scale resin kit converts a die-cast truck into a vintage moving van, inspired by a classic O scale model by Thomas Yorke. Donor truck not included.

Broadway Limited Imports EMD SD70ACe Diesel Locomotive

Price: DC 199.99; with Paragon4 sound 279.99

Manufacturer: Broadway Limited Imports, Ormond Beach, FL

This N scale locomotive includes separately applied handrails, grab irons, and a detailed bell.

Road Names: Norfolk Southern (OCS and D&H heritage), Canadian National demonstrator, Electro-Motive Diesel demonstrator, Florida East Coast, Kansas City Southern veterans scheme, New York Susquehanna & Western, Union Pacific Spirit unit, and a U.S. Air Force fantasy scheme.

Atlas N Scale End-Cab Switcher

Price: DC with speaker 149.95; with ESU LokSound V5 269.95

This N scale switcher includes LED lighting, factory-installed uncoupling levers and air hoses, and appropriate shutter styles.

New Paint Schemes: Chessie System (B&O), Canadian National, Maine Central, Milwaukee Road, Morristown & Erie, Norfolk & Western, Union Pacific, and Western Pacific. One to two numbers per scheme.

Atlas 73-Foot Center-Beam Bulkhead Flatcar

Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co.

Offered in N scale with optional lumber loads (sold separately). Road names include Canadian National, Atlantic & Western, BNSF, Canadian Pacific (Soo), Norfolk Southern, TTX, Union Pacific, and Willamette & Pacific. Three numbers per scheme.

ScaleTrains Gunderson 3250 Two-Bay Covered Hopper

Manufacturer: ScaleTrains

N scale models featuring ASF Ride Control trucks, body-mounted couplers, and etched-metal running boards. Minimum radius 9.75 inches.

Road Names: Greenbrier Management Services, Cemex (three patch variants), CSX, Dowell Schlumberger Industrial, Halliburton, Keg River Chemical, and Union Pacific. One to twelve numbers per scheme.

Frenchman River Model Works Olde Reliable Moving and Storage Warehouse

Manufacturer: Frenchman River Model Works

This O scale brick warehouse kit includes resin walls, docks, steps, signage, lumber, fire escape components, and a modular two-story layout. Dimensions: 10 by 7 inches without docks; height 10.375 inches.

News & Products is a regular Trains.com feature providing updates across HO, N, O, S, and Z scales. Release dates and pricing vary by manufacturer. Manufacturers can submit announcements to Senior Editor Cody Grivno.

Addition from the author

Author's Commentary: A Week of Noteworthy Model Railroad Updates

This week, several exciting new product releases for model railroaders have caught the eye of enthusiasts, ranging from locomotives to rolling stock, and even specialized kits. The variety of products showcased reflects the diversity and complexity of model railroading, catering to both seasoned modelers and newcomers to the hobby. Below is a summary of the most noteworthy highlights from December 1, 2025.

First, Atlas Model Railroad Co. has unveiled new versions of their SD24 and SD26 Diesel Locomotives, which are an excellent addition to any HO scale collection. These locomotives are not only detailed, but they also come with modern features like LED headlights and factory-installed wipers. The limited edition releases, such as the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range SD24, will appeal to collectors who value exclusivity.

In another significant release, ScaleTrains introduces the Wabtec AC44C6M Diesel Locomotive, which stands out with its etched-metal radiator grilles and premium sound options. The locomotive is designed for modern freight operations, which will be an exciting addition for those building realistic layouts. Meanwhile, the Atlas Evans 53-Foot Double-Plug-Door Boxcar brings new paint schemes, showcasing operators like Illinois Central Gulf and Chicago & North Western, further enriching the variety of rolling stock available.

For those interested in more specialized modeling, the Frenchman River Model Works Moving Truck Conversion Kit offers a chance to create vintage moving vans from die-cast trucks. This kind of kit speaks to the creativity and customizability within the model railroading community. Additionally, the Broadway Limited Imports EMD SD70ACe Diesel Locomotive, with its high-quality detailing, is ideal for collectors and modelers who enjoy precise and realistic replicas of iconic railroad locomotives.

Finally, for those seeking to enhance their layouts with realistic buildings, the Frenchman River Model Works Olde Reliable Moving and Storage Warehouse kit provides an O scale brick warehouse with modular components, allowing modelers to create a unique, lifelike structure for their railroads.

These product updates reflect the ever-expanding range of options available to model railroaders. Whether you're upgrading your locomotive fleet or adding fine details to your scenery, the options in this week's update promise to enhance the modeling experience across multiple scales.

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Sources:

News & Products for the week of December 1st 2025

Author: Sophia Brooks