Hobby Manufacturers Association - HMA

NEW HO Scale Train Release! – Walthers Proto EMD GP9 Locomotives – Available Now!

Based on units in service from 1956 to the present, these fine HO Scale replicas are loaded with roadname specific details sure to please even the most discerning prototype modeler. This run includes the Western Maryland shop-modified chopped-nose units, the first time these diesels have been offered in HO Scale plastic. Warn motorists and crews on the ground with the operating "Warn-A-Lite" beacon used on the C&NW units, or the classic SP five-light package on that unit's short hood. The powerful Proto drive ensures you'll have a unit that performs as well as it looks, too!

Features: Warm white LED constant and directional headlights; Operating number boards; 14:1 helical gears for ultra-quiet and smooth running; 5-pole, skew-wound, high-torque, high-efficiency can motor; Easy multiple-unit operation; Superb paint and lettering; Heavy die-cast metal underframe; Correct size RP-25 turned metal wheels; and Proto MAX™ metal knuckle couplers.

Available with Standard DC. Also available with Factory-equipped with LokSound 5 Sound and DCC for DCC or DC layouts; Factory-installed 28mm speaker in DCC and DC versions; Wire grab irons and photo-etched lift rings; and 21-Pin DCC connector.

Available in these roadnames: Western Maryland, Chesapeake & Ohio/Chessie System, Western Maryland (Red/White/Black), Chicago & North Western, Penn Central, Southern Pacific, and Undecorated.

NEW Truck Model Kit Release! - AMT 1/25 scale 1963 Ford F-100 Pickup – Four Sixes Ranch ( #1559) – Available Now!

Produced from modern molding technology, AMT’s Ford F-100 pickup features crisp, detailed parts with superior fit and ease of assembly. This Four Sixes Ranch edition includes several options: two sets of custom wheels, two custom front ends (plus stock), supercharged Ford engine, push bumper, and roof flasher! Decal sheet offers authentic Four Sixes markings and additional graphics that will “pick up” your modeling fun!

This kit of 123 parts is 8.25 inches in length once assembled. Parts are molded in white, clear and transparent red, with some chrome plated parts. Includes whitewall stripe optional tires. This is a plastic model kit to be assembled following the detailed instructions and does not include glue or paints.

NEW N Scale Train Release! – InterMountain Railway Co. EMD SD45-2 Diesel Locomotives – Available Now!

InterMountain Railway is excited to deliver this run of SD45-2 locomotives in N scale. First time available with the option of having sound factory installed. These N scale SD45-2 locomotives are manufactured with finely molded parts that are designed to reproduce railroad specific details. Sound units come equipped with ESU LokSound V5 Slide-On decoders.

Features include DC or DCC+ESU LokSound Option, Etched Metal Fan Grilles, Separate Applied Details, Sharp Painting and Lettering, Operating Couplers, and InterMountain Precision Metal Wheelsets.

NEW Aircraft Model Kit Release! - Atlantis Models 1/56 scale F-94C Starfire Interceptor Jet ( ) – Available Now!

A news release, approved for publication by the Department of Defense. and dated July 3, 1952, stated, "American airpower's latest answer to air invasion, an almost automatic jet warplane armed with radar and rockets to outsmart and outshoot enemy bombers, is now in production." The first U. S. fighting plane to be armed entirely with rockets, the F-94C
carries 24 rockets clustered in a group around its nose, and 24 more in two
auxiliary pods mounted beneath the wings.

This classic kit derives from the original Revell tooling from the 1950s and when completed is 10” in length. Features 2 pilot figures, clear canopy, classic swivel display stand, and landing gear. Molded in silver and clear and includes updated waterslide decals. This is a plastic model kit to be assembled following the detailed instructions and does not include glue or paints.

NEW Car Model Kit Release! - AMT 1/25 scale 1991 Ford Ta**us SHO ( #1554) – Available Now!

When Ford launched the Ta**us in 1985, the car was an instant hit, and its fresh aerodynamic shape established a new standard for automotive design. Three years later, Ford mated the front-wheel-drive platform with a new 220 horsepower V6 engine developed by Yamaha and the legend of the SHO (Super High Output) Ta**us was born, an American sport sedan capable of competing the European car makers. After more than three decades, you can own this classic sleeper with AMT’s 1/25 scale. It features the first-generation SHO trim, bumpers, and interior, a detailed engine, a choice of factory “slicer” or custom Enkei wheels, and an optional spoiler. All-new decals provide badging, lights, and gauges. Capture the excitement of the SHO with AMT’s 1991 Ta**us today.

This kit of 80 parts is 7.5 inches in length once assembled. Parts are molded in white, clear, and transparent red with some chrome plated parts. Includes black vinyl tires. This is a plastic model kit to be assembled following the detailed instructions and does not include glue or paints.

**usSHO

NEW Helicopter Model Kit Release! – Italeri 1/72 scale HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant ( #91035) – Available Now!

The HH-53C Jolly Green was developed by Sikorsky as a variant of the heavy helicopter CH-53 Sea Stallion. It entered service with the U.S. Air Force in the late 1960s. It was designed to carry out CSAR “Search and Rescue” missions in combat zones with high operational effectiveness. Compared to the previous version, it was equipped with an aerial refueling probe, additional fuel tanks, reinforced armor, and the option to mount extra defensive armament. Attention was given to improving the radio systems, which had to coordinate operational activities with other supporting aircraft—such as tankers or attack and support helicopters—needed to safely locate downed or missing pilots. Robust, reliable, and featuring long flight endurance, it was widely used during the Vietnam War.

This kit is 11.2” in length with a rotorspan of 10.3” when completed. Includes light gray and clear plastic parts and super waterslide decal sheet for 4 versions. Figures are not included. This is a scale plastic model kit to be assembled following the detailed instructions and does not include glue or paints.

NEW Model Train Release! – Cowcatcher Magazine May/June 2026 – Available Now!
The new issue of Cowcatcher Magazine is out now for a great reading experience! Cowcatcher Magazine focuses on the people of the hobby and rail enthusiast community. Coverage includes news about the model railroad and railroad industries, as well as historical societies, museums, clubs, modelers and organizations at community and national levels.

Feature articles include:

O Triad - The O-scale Reader & Caney Creek, the Virginian Railway and the Cheapskate & Ohio are distinctly different. Well-known among Southwest O-scalers, the 2-rail Virginian is spectacular and spans over 1,200 square feet. Same with the Cheapskate & Ohio. It showcases fine-scale 2-rail modeling integrated with hi-rail AC toy trains. The around-the-walls Reader & Caney Creek is proof that 2-rail doesn’t require a ballroom. While they share a size more associated with nostalgia and collecting than fine-scale model railroading, the layouts embody a very individual spirit.

Craftsman Courtyard - Laser-cut kit makers on the East Coast are working together to change the dynamic of a model railroad segment traditionally reserved for elite modelers. Through affordable, easy-to-assemble wood kits, the companies are attracting the experienced and beginners alike.

Mail on the Rails - For a century, “these couriers” included the railroads and what was known for most if its life as the Railway Mail Service.

Other stories:

The Northeast Outdoor Railway Festival is creating a citywide large-scale experience in Palmer, MA; OminTRAX buys three Arkansas short lines to expand into a new growing market; a recent release of a Denver & Rio Grande Western caboose fills a niche with classic paint; InterMountain Railway's HO 5161 Trinity hoppers feature BNSF's Heritage roads; and an ex-Canadian National Railway F7A finds a home. And more!

NEW Car Model Kit Release! - AMT 1/25 scale Coca-Cola Volkswagen Van Show Rod ( #1518) – Available Now!

What’s wild, wide, and thirst-quenching? AMT’s Coca-Cola Volkswagen Van show rod! Take a vintage Volkswagen Van, shorten it, widen it, then stuff it with a custom, fuel-injected engine showing off towering velocity stacks that go right through the roof! Add tinted windows, mag wheels, super-wide vinyl drag slicks, and gleaming chrome suspension, and decorate it with vintage Coca-Cola graphics and dancing flames. Now, you’ve got one wild show rod! Have a blast building this fully featured and totally fun kit from the Krazy Kats at AMT!

This kit of 102 parts is 6.5 inches in length once assembled. Parts are molded in white, clear, and transparent red with some chrome plated parts. Includes black vinyl tires. This is a plastic model kit to be assembled following the detailed instructions and does not include glue or paints.

NEW HO Scale Train Release! – Walthers Mainline EMD SW1 Locomotives – Available Now!

Features: Warm white LED constant and directional headlights; 14:1 helical gears for ultra-quiet and smooth running; 5-pole, skew-wound, high-torque, high-efficiency can motor; Heavy duty die-cast metal underframe; Factory installed wire grab irons; Correct size RP-25 turned metal wheels; and Proto MAX™ metal knuckle couplers.

Available with Standard DC. Also available with Factory-equipped with ESU Sound and DCC for DCC or DC layouts; Fully DCC compatible; 14, 28, 128 speed steps; Dual mode DC and DCC; 4 air horns changeable by CVs; 2 bells changeable by CVs; Full 8-notch 567A prime mover sound; Pre-installed sugar-cube-type speakers in standard DC and DCC sound versions; and 21-Pin DCC connector.

Available in these roadnames: Amtrak; Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Boston & Maine; Chicago & North Western; Milwaukee Road; Southern Railway; New York Central; Industrial Yellow, and Undecorated.

NEW Car Model Kit Release! - AMT 1/25 scale 1951 Chevy Custom Cruiser ( #1556) – Available Now!

Fire up your modeling with AMT’s 1951 Chevy Custom Cruiser. Packed with optional parts, the hardtop can be built factory stock with white walls and fender skirts, as a drag car with a Fisher head and Hilborn injection on the inline-six motor as well as drag slicks and traction arms, or as a street-ready cruiser rolling on keystone mags and fat tires available with this it for the first time in 40 years. The new decals include badging, gauges, racing sponsors, and custom flames that are sure to turn heads. Fire up you next project with this kit.

This kit of 196 parts is 8 inches in length once assembled. Parts are molded in creamy white and clear, with some chrome plated parts. Includes 10 black vinyl tires. This is a plastic model kit to be assembled following the detailed instructions and does not include glue or paints.