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Making Tracks - October 2026

Thanksgiving Village at The Museum

Tx-display-2Thanksgiving Display

This Thanksgiving Display was built in two days by Frank Reed and his wife using a plywood platform on a prebuilt table. The plywood was covered with an inexpensive green vinyl cover. Then an oval of track and a Bachmann train in On30 scale were added, followed by Dept. 56 figures, houses, fall scenery and other details. The backdrop was made by printing out online photos of autumn scenery, which captures the essence of the theme. Anyone can do this in a small space as a great decoration for the holiday. A similar layout could be done as a Halloween theme with spooky looking characters, haunted houses and scary trees. The table on which it rests can be reused for future holidays, like Christmas, or for other seasonal displays.

Tx-3

What's New in Model Railroading?

What's New in Model Railroading in 2026?

October 2026 | Hobby trends, technology, and innovations

Model railroading is undergoing an exciting transformation. While traditional skills such as building scenery, laying track, and collecting locomotives remain central to the hobby, new technologies are changing how model railroads are designed, built, and operated.

Some of the most interesting developments involve artificial intelligence, wireless train control, 3D printing, advanced sound systems, realistic scenery, and automated operations.

For model railroaders, museums, and hobby retailers, these developments present opportunities to attract younger enthusiasts, improve operating experiences, and make the hobby more accessible to beginners.

2. New locomotives and rolling stock: 

  • New Athearn FP45 models - Athearn's HO-scale FP45 in a Burlington-inspired fantasy paint scheme was reviewed in September 2026. It reflects continued interest in highly detailed passenger locomotives (Model Railroad News).
  • Broadway Limited F3 and F7 - New runs were announced with Paragon4 sound/DCC and non-sound options, including Santa Fe and other railroad paint schemes (MRH-FlipHTML5).
  • Modern rebuilt diesels - Prairie Shadows introduced its first HO locomotive, the GP20C-ECO, representing Canadian Pacific's rebuilt diesel fleet (Model Railroad News).

Other recent releases and announcements include Union Pacific Big Boy variants, auxiliary steam locomotive water tenders, covered hoppers, and maintenance-related accessories (White River Productions).

Athearn FP45

3. Digital train control continues to evolve

DCC remains a major part of the hobby, but developments increasingly emphasize:

  • Wireless throttles and smartphone control.
  • Improved sound decoders and synchronized locomotive effects.
  • Train detection, signaling, and computer dispatching.
  • More accessible open-source systems such as DCC-EX.
  • Bidirectional communication between decoders and command stations.

The NMRA is actively revising technical standards covering DCC packet formats, configuration variables, and bidirectional communication, with several documents open for review in October 2026 (National Model Railroad Association).

4. 3D printing changes how models are built

3D printing is making it possible for individual hobbyists and small manufacturers to produce specialized items that might never justify mass production.

The NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) partnership program now includes businesses specializing in resin-printed accessories, scale structures, and railroad details.

This is especially valuable for recreating local historical structures, custom locomotives, and unusual industrial equipment.

5. Modular railroading and public displays are growing more ambitious

One of the highlights of the August 2026 National Train Show in Chattanooga was a record-setting T-TRAK layout assembled from individual modules.

Modular railroading allows hobbyists to participate in large operating displays without owning a large permanent layout. It also provides an excellent entry point for families, clubs, schools, and museums (Chesapeake Division, Mid-Eastern Division, NMRA)

T-Trak-Modular-LayoutT-Trak Modular Layout at the MER 2026 Annual Convention in Virginia Beach

6. Scenery is becoming increasingly realistic

Manufacturers continue introducing new scenery products and modeling materials. NOCH, for example, presented its autumn 2026 product lineup in September, emphasizing greater detail and customization for landscapes and dioramas (NOCH).

The broader trends include laser-cut materials, detailed vegetation, LED lighting, realistic water effects, and digitally created photographic backdrops.

EarlymorningtrainRailtown, USA

7. AI-assisted track planning

Another exciting opportunity for beginners in the hobby is the ability to create their first track plan using Artificial Intelligence. You just tell the AI prompt what you want on your layout, provide the proper dimensions, and magically a 3D image is created for you (BYMRR).

3D AI-generated Trackplan3D-generated Model Railroad Track Plan

Tracks to Tidewater

Tracks-to-Tidewater-logo
BYMRR-sceneryTracks to Tidewater

Over 140 model railroad enthusiasts gathered in Virginia Beach for the 2026 Annual Mid-Eastern Region (MER) NMRA Convention held this past weekend at the Holiday Inn on Greenwich Road. For 4 days from October 15-18, the collegiality, the renewal of friendships and the sharing of new ideas and information about the hobby pervaded the hallways of the Inn.

Clinics

Educational clinics (classes) filled the rooms of the first floor, two of which were hands-on demonstrations on how to build craftsman models and how to make realistic pine trees. Other rooms exuded knowledge about how to use new technology, computer control, electronics and automation techniques to improve realistic and artistic operation of model railroads. STEAM learning has been going on at these conventions long before it ever became popular in the outside world.

Layout Tours

Many of the modelers traveled short distances in the surrounding area to see the fantastic layouts in different scales built by local members of the hobby. These marvelous artistic displays provide inspiration and give each of the observers ideas that they may want to use for their own layouts at home. The blend of art and science is quite profound in these layouts and is a testament to the skill, knowledge and artistic expression of each of these master builders.

A T-Trak modular layout created by the local Chesapeake Division and shown in one of the conference rooms of the hotel demonstrated a relatively new idea. They used N scale track with scenery on small modules that can be put together to form a much larger railroad. Each member of the group can create one or two modules at home, then bring them to train shows or conventions for assembly into the larger layout. This is similar to NMRA standardized HO scale modular layouts, but on a smaller scale and much easier to transport.

Prototype Tour

A bus tour to Plasser American showed many of the convention attendees a look at maintenance-of-way (MOW) equipment used by real railroads and manufactured right here in Hampton Roads. These huge machines help to automate the process of laying, ballasting and maintaining track for railroads throughout the country, a difficult job previously done by hand when the early railroads were built.

Banquet

It is customary to hold a banquet at each MER Convention where all the attendees and spouses are invited to a dinner to hear a lecture by a keynote speaker. This year the speaker was Bill Shafer, past Director of Strategic Planning for Norfolk Southern, who gave a very interesting history of his career and how it intertwined with the merger of Norfolk & Western and Southern Railway to create what we now know as Norfolk Southern. Also, contest winners were recognized for their remarkable talent in creating original models and dioramas. They will be honored on the MER website and in the next issue of The Local, the MER newsletter.

Local Activities

As you know, if you live in the Tidewater area, there are many other activities that can be visited and appreciated by people who live outside the area. These were provided for our guests and many of them took advantage of visiting the Oceanfront, the Aquarium, Nauticus, the Lee Hall Depot and other attractions. Based on the feedback I have received so far, I think almost everyone enjoyed the convention. I am already looking forward to the next one.

Dieter-5Dieter's Station was a bit hit during the MER Convention.

Train Song of the Month

By Frank Reed

Guitar-tracks

This Train (is bound for Glory)   (1939)

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

 https://youtu.be/AoBdCs-_aRc?is=NGaJU1OEETerl3yA

“This Train" is one of the most definitive recordings by gospel singer and pioneering guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Originally a traditional American gospel song first recorded in 1922, Tharpe recorded it as a massive hit for Decca Records in the late 1930s after becoming the first Black artist to sign with a major label.
Her subsequent 1950s version featured her iconic, ripping style on the electric guitar, helping build the very foundation of rock and roll by blending spiritual themes with heavy, rhythmic blues distortion.
The earliest known example of "This Train" is a recording by Florida Normal and Industrial Institute Quartette from 1922, under the title "Dis Train.”
The song acts as a sonic metaphor for a holy vessel that has "no room" for wrongdoers, false pretenders, or back-biters.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe (born Rosetta Nubin, March 20, 1915 – October 9, 1973) was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. She gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s with her gospel recordings, characterized by a unique mixture of spiritual lyrics and electric guitar.
For more “train songs” check out the “Train Songs for Model Railroad ” YouTube playlist at
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL07n2-n5FoRHYzhKfA--soywuLOFvEv1l&si=IODFaTIeOe7OBQ7G

Train Show Calendar

https://trainshows.net/calendar/

Also check out the page on this site listing Local and Regional Train Destinations.

Videos of the Month

Tell us what you think about this newsletter, or about model railroading in general. What scale do you model? Tell us about your layout. Send us some pictures to mrmhr@mrmhr.org and we'll put them in the next newsletter.

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Why Attend Train Shows? The Hidden Value Behind the Hobby

Train shows might seem, at first glance, like simple gatherings of enthusiasts—but in reality, they are dynamic spaces where knowledge, community, and discovery intersect. Much like the number 5, symbolizing curiosity and exploration, train shows offer multiple dimensions of value that go far beyond just looking at model railroads.

Let’s break down the advantages.

1. See Rare Models and Layouts Up Close

Train shows often feature:

  • Massive, highly detailed layouts you won’t see anywhere else
  • Rare or discontinued locomotives and rolling stock
  • Custom-built scenery and miniature worlds

👉 Photos online don’t compare to seeing the craftsmanship in person—the scale, motion, and detail come alive.🤝 2. Connect with a Community

One of the biggest advantages is the people.

At train shows, you can:

  • Meet experienced hobbyists and learn directly from them
  • Join clubs and local groups
  • Share ideas, tips, and stories

👉 For many, this sense of community is the core reason they keep coming back.

💰 3. Find Deals and Hard-to-Get Items

Vendors at train shows often sell:

  • Discounted new items
  • Used or vintage pieces
  • Parts for repairs or kitbashing

👉 You can often find items that are impossible to locate online—or at much better prices.🧠 4. Learn New Skills

Train shows are educational hubs:

  • Clinics and demonstrations (weathering, wiring, scenery building)
  • Advice on layouts, electronics, and maintenance
  • Exposure to different scales and techniques

👉 Whether you're a beginner or advanced modeler, there’s always something new to learn.

🚸 5. Fun for All Ages


Train shows are surprisingly family-friendly:

  • Interactive displays for kids
  • Simple joy of watching trains run
  • A gateway into STEM interests

👉 They blend nostalgia for adults with excitement for younger generations.

🔢 The “5 Benefits” Framework 

In true symbolic fashion, train shows align neatly with five core advantages:

  1. Visual Inspiration – See what’s possible
  2. Social Connection – Meet like-minded people
  3. Economic Value – Find deals and rare items
  4. Skill Building – Learn by observing and asking
  5. Entertainment – Enjoy a unique, immersive experience

Conclusion

Train shows are more than events—they’re living ecosystems of the rail hobby, where creativity, engineering, and community all converge. Like the number 5, they represent movement, interaction, and discovery.

If you’ve never attended one, it might just transform how you experience trains—from something you watch… to something you truly engage with.