Alkem Scale Models

Alkem Scale Models (www.alkemscalemodels.com) is using laser cutting technology to simulate concrete tunnel portals used by the B&O, C&O and D&RGW railroads. Available in both HO and N scale, the models use multiple layers of acrylic of various thicknesses to recreate an accurate rendition of the prototype tunnels. The inner layer is designed to accept a thin styrene sheet (not included) to allow more realistic modeling of the tunnel lining. Custom engraving of other names on the tunnels is available for an additional charge of $10 per portal. For additional information send Bernie Kempinski an email at info@alkemscalemodels.com.

Accurail

In addition to the Great Northern paint scheme seen here, Accurail (www.accurail.com) has also released this HO scale 50-foot double-door steel boxcar decorated for Chicago Burlington & Quincy. Other new releases include a three-pack of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) 3-bay covered hopper cars priced at $42.98.

American Model Supply

American Model Supply (AMS) is booking orders for this 1:32 scale class H8 Allegheny 2-6-6-6 steam locomotive. The mammoth model weights in at 31 pounds. It is almost 4-feet long and requires a minimum radius of 10-feet. The 45mm gauge model is handcrafted of brass, and die-cast metal and features two 24 volt Pittman motors. A machined steel frame supports the ball-bearing equipped drivers. In addition to the 1941-era C&O version shown here, a 1948 C&O edition as well as Virginian locomotive #900 will also be produced. The price of $3,800 includes a Phoenix Sound system. Visit www.amstrains.americanmainline.com for details.

Andersen Models

Andersen Models (www.andersenmodelkits.com) has added Tres Casas to its selection of unique adobe structures. Construction features cast doors and windows, plaster cast brickwork and laser cut walls that are assembled and hand finished by the modeler with a special compound that replicates adobe mud. The exposed brick castings give the appearance that the mud has partially eroded to reveal the underlying adobe bricks. The mud can be painted or left in its natural whitewashed appearance. Each of the three houses feature exposed vigas (roof support poles) and canales (gutter troughs). The trio of native southwestern buildings come in one kit in HO, S and O scale at $49, $65 and $79 respectively, plus shipping and CA tax if applicable.

Athearn

Here's a preview look at the HO scale GE U50 diesel Athearn plans to deliver next fall. Note the detailed blower castings behind the see-through screens and the road-specific details on the nose photo. See page 20 of the November MRH for additional information on Athearn’s U50 project.

These preview photos of Athearn’s F89-F TOFC illustrate some of the details on the new HO scale Genesis series flat car. The side view of the car shows details of the bridge plate, ACF-2 collapsible hitch, formed-metal stirrup steps, the cut levers and trainline hose. Note the clarity of the car data as well as the small data on the hitches. The photo looking down on the car shows the details on the ratchet brake and hitch. Scheduled to arrive in March, the initial run will include TTX (yellow), Trailer Train (oxide) and Trailer Train (yellow).

After two years of trying to bring the old Roundhouse 4-6-2 Pacific up to current standards, Athearn has cancelled all further development work on the project. The company has issued an apology to the dealers and consumers who ordered the HO scale locomotive following the introductory announcement in 2008.

Atlas

Atlas (www.atlasrr.com) is quoting a February date for delivery of its HO scale SD/SDP-35 six-axle diesel locomotive decorated in several new road names. EMD built 360 of the 2,500 horse power prototype between 1964 and 1966, plus an additional 35 steam generator-equipped SDP35 units specifically for passenger duty.

Atlas 1/87 version offers several of the subtle details unique to the various phases of SD35 production including engine air intake, dust bin, radiator screens, radiator fans, fuel tanks and battery boxes. Additional options include a low nose version both with and without a standard-style headlight.

The Atlas Master Silver series is priced at $149.95 and comes with an NMRA 8-pin plug for DCC (decoder-ready). The Gold series is priced at $259.95 and features Electronic Dual-Mode® decoder (e-DMD) that permits both DCC and traditional DC operation.

In addition to the Southern scheme shown here (from an earlier production run) road names will include Seaboard, Utah Railway, Chessie System-B&O, Chessie System-C&O, VMV Leasing, Seaboard system and Union Pacific. Previously announced plans to offer an SD35 decorated for Squaw Creek Southern have been cancelled due to limited consumer interest.

Atlas will have new road names and decorating schemes for class NE-6 steel caboose ready by February. The N scale models are based on prototypes built in Kenton, Ohio by the International Car Company in the 1940s and used until the end of the caboose era. Road names with standard window arrangements will include Wheeling & Lake Erie, Susquehanna, Conrail, New Haven and Clinchfield. Cabooses with windows set closer to the car ends will be available for Norfolk & Western and Nickel Plate Road as illustrated here. The ready-to-run models come with AccuMate® couplers and have a suggested price of $22.95. Undecorated models will be available at $15.95.

Atlas has been showing this engineering sample of an HO scale steel coil car with an expected release date of April. Based on a 42-foot prototype with distinctive fishbelly sides, Atlas will offer the initial run decorated for CSX (gray, black and yellow), CSX (blue and yellow), Kansas City Southern (black, red, yellow and gray), Northwestern Oklahoma (brown, white and yellow), Norfolk Southern (gray, black, blue and red) and Sever Corr (red, white, blue and yellow). Each scheme will be available in four different numbers at $34.95 each. An undecorated model will be available at $29.95.

Bachmann

Bachmann (www.bachmanntrains.com) has released a new run of its HO scale 3-truck class C Climax steam locomotive with several improvements including new gears. The appearance of the geared loco lends itself readily to modification since many of the boiler details such as pumps, bell, whistle and pop valves are all separately applied. The ready-to-run models come with DCC for speed, direction, and lighting control with a suggested price of $350.

Soundtraxx^® Tsunami^® 16-bit sound is available as an option at $495. Paint schemes include Moore-Keppel & Co., Cass Scenic Railroad, Clear Lake Lumber Co., Climax #3 demonstrator, black (unlettered) and black (unlettered) with red windows and white striping as shown here.

BLMA

BLMA (www.BLMAmodels.com) has added a right-hand dual-head block signal to the previously announced left-hand version. The HO scale modern block signal feature two operating signal heads with a total of six separate micro LED’s.

The well-detailed signal structure is constructed of durable plastic and etched-metal components and comes fully assembled at $44.95.

Also new from BLMA is an assortment of N scale cast brass air horns for diesel locomotives. The horns replicate prototypes manufactured by both Leslie and Nathan in various combinations of trumpets facing forward and rearward. They are priced at $5.95 for a pack of two horns.

Bluford Shops

Bluford Shops (www.bluford-shops.com) has announced five new road names for its N scale 70-ton 3-bay hoppers in two different body styles. Cars decorated for TNO, Lackawanna and CP Rail have offset sides. Pittsburgh & Lake Erie and Florida East Coast cars have 14 panel sides.

Delivery is planned for March with each road name available in multiple numbers at $18.95 each. A principal feature of the ready-to-run hoppers is a die cast slope-sheet/hopper-bay/center sill assembly. Other components are injection molded plastic.

B&O Historical Society

The B&O Railroad Historical Society is selling an HO scale 40-foot PS-1 boxcar with a 6-foot door decorated in an authentic 1940s B&O paint scheme. The limited edition car is being produced by Kadee and according to the project team at the Society, a model with this particular scheme has never been available from any major vendor. For additional information visit the Company Store at www.borhs.org.

Brass Car Sides

New HO scale releases from Brass Car Sides (www.brasscarsides.com) include Union Pacific 1937 era Challenger 5200-5211, C&NW 6160-6166 and Milwaukee Road Falls series 5770-5775 Touralux-coach for 1947-51 Olympian Hiawatha. Scheduled for release in January in both HO and N scale are skirted sides for Great Northern 1947 Empire Builder, Great Northern 1120-series 48-seat coach and Great Northern 1170-series PS 16-4 Glacier sleeper.

Bowser

The next group of HO scale PCC trolleys from Bowser (www.bowser.com) is scheduled to arrive during the first quarter of 2011. They will include Philadelphia (SEPTA) 1970s orange and blue "Gulf Oil" scheme (top illustration) and Toronto Transportation Commission (lower illustration). The cars will be available in two road numbers each with different destination signs.

They will be DCC ready with a working trolley pole, illuminated interiors, headlights and rear lights. When equipped with a DCC decoder, the Toronto cars will have the Advance Light and the SEPTA cars will have both the Subway Light and the Emergency (Gumball) Beacon.

Cannon & Co

Cannon and Company has released an HO scale diesel cab interior detailing kit (item 1554) that includes a rear wall, a front wall with door, three seats, a floor heater and control stand with brake valve. It is available now at $4.50. The new interior kit is designed for use with Cannon TC-1501 and TC-1502 thin-wall cabs. For additional information, or to place an order visit (www.cannonandco.net).

Con-Cor

Con-Cor International (www.con-cor.com) says it will have its HO scale 54-foot pulpwood flat cars available for release early next year. The ready-to-run cars come with a simulated load and will be decorated for Southern, Trailer Train, BNSF (black), BNSF (oxide red), Norfolk Southern, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific.

The cars will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $16.98.

Digital Fox

Digital Fox (www.digitalfox.com) has released a new HO scale 40-foot double-sheath wood boxcar decorated for Denver & Rio Grande Western. It is available in six road numbers and comes with mineral red Andrews-type trucks.

The car is based on an Accurail model and represents a prototype built in 1909 as shopped and painted in 1937. It is priced at $13.98 with discounts available for multiple car orders.

ExactRail

ExactRail (www.ExactRail.com) has released this weathered version of its Missouri Pacific PC&F beer car. The HO scale ready-to-run Platinum series model sells for $44.95.

In addition to the yellow Union Pacific version shown here, ExactRail has this Gunderson 2420 gondola decorated for Penn Central, Missouri Pacific, CNW, SSW, CSXT and Southern Pacific. The HO scale Express series model sells for $21.95. In response to customer requests, the Gunderson 2420 gondola is also available as an undecorated kit.

In late November, ExactRail released new paint schemes for two additional HO scale ready-to-run models including a Platinum series PS2-CD 4427 covered hopper decorated for BKTY (Katy with red body), LV-Lehigh Valley and TLD  –  Slot Top car as seen here. The second car in the release is an Express series Gunderson 5200 boxcar decorated for MSN, BNSF, NP (green body with traditional Northern Pacific herald) and SLSF with Ship it on the Frisco slogan.

The 4427 hopper sells for $36.95 while the 5200 boxcar is priced at $21.95. In addition to numerous hand-applied details, models in ExactRail’s HO scale Platinum series feature photo-etched components such as running boards and brake platforms, plus coupler cut levers, brake rods and other brake rigging individually fabricated from wire.

FOS Scale

The newest video title from Fos Scale Limited is Tips For Building Contest Quality Structures featuring Bob Mitchell. In the 105 minute DVD Mitchell shares techniques for building model structures that are easy to replicate and will improve the overall look of your models. In addition to some tried and true methods, Mitchell introduces several fresh ideas including the use of artist oil paints and craft materials in unique ways for a rich choice of color and depth that help bring a scene to life.

Tips For Building Contest Quality Structures is available at $29.95 from www.foslimited.com.

Fox Valley

Fox Valley Models (www.foxvalleymodels.com) has announced an ambitious program of introducing several new models for delivery throughout next year including a Soo Line 7 post boxcar in HO scale, the company’s first 1/87 freight car. In addition to three different Soo Line schemes, the ready-to-run model will be offered for CP Rail, CSX and Wisconsin Central.

Also coming during the summer in both HO and N scale are Milwaukee Road coaches decorated in three liveries including the original with orange sides and brown roof, black roof with maroon window band and UP yellow/gray scheme. 

An N scale rib-side Milwaukee Road caboose is also scheduled to arrive mid-year. In the category of motive power, Fox Valley is preparing tooling for an N scale GE ES44AC locomotive. A Union Pacific edition with a top stripe is promised for May followed by a Kansas City Southern de Mexico version in June.

The initial release will conclude in July with the delivery of a GE Demo #2005 and UP #7605 both painted in the demo scheme. An N scale GP60M/GP60B locomotive is planned for delivery later in the year.

Glacier Park

These exquisite handcrafted brass pilot models of Southern Pacific 2-10-2 steam engines provides a preview of a project under development by Glacier Park Models. The HO scale models will be built in South Korea by Boo Rim Precision. Based upon the authenticity of the pilot model, the production versions are expected to be about as close to perfection as a model can be. They will be offered in five incarnations including two F-1 class, one F-3 class and two F-5 class engines.

The locomotives will have Vanderbilt-type tenders (upper photo) except engine 3748 (lower photo) which leads a huge class l4245 R-1 tender that came to SP from the C&O during WWII. For pricing and reservation information on this limited-production model visit www.glacierparkmodels.com.

Hamm River

Hamm River Products (www.hammriver.com) offers a nice selection of unpainted O scale cast resin barrels, drums, freight boxes and crates of all types. The farm-fresh items shown here include bushel baskets and boxes of produce with various fruit and vegetable labels.

Highball Graphics

Highball Graphics (www.mgdecals.com) has both HO and N scale decals celebrating Canadian National's 15th Anniversary of becoming a privately held company. Initially, CN announced that only five locomotives would be decorated, however, more have recently been spotted including GP38-2 #7505, GP9RM #7258 and several C40-8s.

The decals are priced at $5 each.

Innovative Train Technology

Both the sight and sound of an arc welder can be produced from this electronic module available now from Innovative Train Technology Co. (www.ittproducts.com). In addition to the sizzling sound of an electric welder, the 1.4 x 2.3-inch module synchronously drives a brightly flashing LED. Power supplies and speakers are also available from ITTC at the above web site.

Intermountain Railway

Intermountain Railway Company (www.intermountain-railway.com) is taking reservations for mid-summer delivery of HO scale 1958 cubic foot 2-bay covered hoppers. The ready-to-run models feature etched-metal running boards, wire grab irons, wire brake rigging, metal wheel sets and Kadee^® couplers.

Road names include Great Northern, Nickel Plate Road, KOG, ACY, Wabash and SHPX-Sherwin Williams.

Laserkit (AMB)

Laserkit division of American Model Builders (www.laserkit.com) has released a kit for G. R. Dill & Sons Salting Station, an HO scale pickle works inspired by Paul Larson’s Pickle Works article in the January 1955 issue of Model Railroader as well as David Leider’s Building a Pickle Salting Station article in the March 2009 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman.

The $129.95 kit consists primarily of laser-cut birch plywood and basswood components. The modular design allows considerable flexibility in positioning the various sub structures depending on the available layout space.

Microscale

The latest HO and N scale decal sets from Microscale (www.microscale.com) include Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) SD70MAC with green wedge logo, ghost lettering BN logo, assorted patches, faded red pin stripes and more (set – 944); McCloud River Railroad SD38(-2) locomotives, FMC 5077 double-door boxcar and wide-vision cabooses circa 1969-1981 (set – 1338); Western Fruit Express (WFCX) and Burlington Northern Fruit Express (BNFE) yellow insulated boxcars and mechanical reefers (set – 1334); and Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) covered hoppers including FMC 4700 cu. ft. and Pullman-Standard 4740 and 4750 cu. ft. hoppers (set – 1335).

Micro-Trains

Micro-Trains Line Company (www.micro-trains.com) has announced delivery dates for N scale FP-7 diesel locomotives decorated for Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus. The first release, set for May, will have an aluminum colored body with white lettering on a red banner.

A white bodied unit with red lettering on a blue banner will follow a month later. The locomotives are being produced by Model Power.

Mt Vernon Shops

Mount Vernon Shops (www.mountvernonshops.com) has HO scale decals for Western Maryland scale test car. Due next are decals for PRR class FD2 and FW1 “Queen Mary” 16-axle depressed-center articulated flat car.

Northwest Shortline (Oso)

NWSL/Oso Railworks Inc, has released steel replacement bevel gears for Bachmann's On30 Shay. NWSL part number 2801-6 consists of four (4) steel bevel gears that directly replace the plastic gears on the factory model. NWSL indicates that, with proper lubrication of the tooth profile, the steel replacement gears are entirely compatible with the original factory Delrin wheel gear.

Other items recently added to NWSL’s extensive list of replacement gears for HO scale equipment include replacement gear for the Walthers American crane (item #2417-6)  ; replacement gear for Alco/ROC-AM NYC G-5 2-8-0 26T (#2414-5); replacement gear for Walthers Doodlebug 13T (#2412-6); replacement gear for Rivarossi UP #1595 4-8-4 38T (#2410-6); replacement gear for Hallmark Sante Fe Railcar M-160/M-180/M-190 22T (#2408-6); and replacement gear for Alco/Samhongsa PRR E6 4-4-2 26T (#2407-6).

Currently under development are steel bevel replacement gears for both HO and On30 scale Bachmann Climax locomotives. NWSL products are available direct (www.shop.osorail.com) or through authorized dealers.

Overland Models

Overland Models (www.overlandmodels.com) is expected to release both standard and isolated cab versions of Canadian National SD70M-2 diesel locomotive early this month. Although not readily apparent in this illustration, the isolated cab unit (left) has slightly elevated walkways and louver openings along the side. Florida East Coast and FEC-Rail America versions of the SD70M-2 are scheduled for arrival later this month. These HO scale brass models were handcrafted crafted in Korea by Ajin.

Paw of a Bear

Here’s an early peak at Kowalski & Smith Welding, a soon-to-be-released HO scale multi-media structure kit from Paw of a Bear (www.pawofabear.com). Pricing and a release date are pending.

Precision Scale

Imported brass HO scale models of two famous electric locomotives are currently under development at Precision Scale Company. The project will include New York Central P-2a, C.U.T. P-1a and Penn Central electrics, plus the giant Milwaukee Road EP-4 “Little Joes,” the South Shore Railroad 1970s-era EF-4 and General Electric’s demonstrator. Visit www.precisionscaleco.com to make reservations for these limited edition models.

Rio Grande Models

Rio Grande Models Ltd. (www.riograndemodels.com) is offering these two HO scale kits for period Fordson construction vehicles. The road grader (left) sells for $25 while the road roller is priced at $20. RGM kits are composed of white metal castings and injected plastic castings plus wood and wire as appropriate for an individual model.

Sidetrack Laser

Sidetrack Laser (www.sidetracklaser.com) has just released a kit for this On30/On3 scale single stall engine house - the fourth kit in the company’s Desperation Pass Series of structures. Camp 3 Engine House features laser-cut structural components, corrugated metal roof, cloth walls and cast detail parts.

The finished structure has a foot print of 3.25 x 9.375 inches. It is available now at $49.95 at the above web site.

SP Historical Society

The Southern Pacific Historical and Technical Society has published a new book by Robert A. Bader titled “Southern Pacific Narrow Gauge Locomotives and Freight Equipment.”  The 378 page book covers the period from 1880 to 1960 with an abundance of photos, diagrams, drawings and equipment rosters including pertinent information about the Carson & Colorado Railroad and the Nevada & California Railroad.

MRH hasn’t seen a copy yet, but noted narrow gauge authority Jim Vail says it is a fabulous book and a must for any serious Western narrow gauge modeler or fan. It is available for $85 from www.sphts.org.

Signature Press

Signature Press (www.signaturepress.com) will release “Merchants Despatch”, a new book by Roger C. Hinman, early next year. The author is well-known to prototype modelers and as Signature Press editor Tony Thompson pointed out, Roger is the right historian for this subject

Sunshine Models

Two of the latest prototypically accurate HO scale resin body kits from Sunshine Models include a Nashville Chattanooga & St Louis rebuilt 36-foot steel boxcar and fifteen variations of ATSF class Bx-41, 42, 45, 46 and 49 ARA double-sheathed rebuilt boxcars. The company does not have an internet presence, however, friends of Sunshine maintain a web site with reliable information and ordering instructions at www.sunshinekits.com.

Tahoe Model Works

The latest HO scale truck from Tahoe Model Works is this 70-ton ASF A-3 ride control freight truck with plain bearings. It has a 5-foot 8-inch wheelbase. Tahoe trucks feature a one-piece black acetal plastic casting with separate brake shoe detail and insulated metal RP-25 contour wheelsets. The trucks are also available with .088-inch wide wheels. For additional information send an email to brianleppert@att.net.

Tangent Scale Models

David Lehlbach of Tangent Scale Models has produced a nice video of an HO scale Union Pacific coal train running on the CTC layout of Tim Dickinson -- whose day job is that of a UP locomotive engineer.

Others involved in the video project include Paul Federiconi of Details West who provided the train equipment seen in the video, and Craig Martyn of BLMA Models who filmed and edited the video which can be seen by visiting .

Train Troll

A kit for this Wiscasset & Quebec 28-foot boxcar is available now from Train Troll a new firm established by New England modeler Andy Small. Built as a flat car in 1894-95, the prototype was later rebuilt as a house car as seen in this On2 scale model.

The Train Troll body kit includes laser-cut wood components, plastic and pewter detail parts, brass wire, roof material, truck mounts, brake beams and special decals. The kit sells for $39.50 less trucks and couplers. Visit www.traintroll.com to order and for availability information on fully assembled models.

Andy reports that additional On2/On30 scale kits are under development for W&Q freight and selected passenger cars as well as some freelance cars featuring that special “Maine” look. Train Troll will be exhibiting January 29-30 at the Amherst Hobby Show in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

Trainworx

Trainworx Inc. (www.train-worx.com) is taking reservations now for delivery next May of N scale 100-ton quad hopper cars. Multiple road numbers will be available for Alaska, Bessemer & Lake Erie and Chicago & North Western.

The B&LE car will come in three different paint variations including a Bicentennial scheme. The models have an MSRP of $23.95 each.

Underground Railway Press

The Underground Railway Press has released its 2011 catalog of scale plans. This 36th edition includes drawings for logging, mainline, narrow gauge, traction and shortline railroads including motive power, rolling stock and railroad structures.

To obtain the catalog send $2 to Underground Railway Press, PO Box 814OM, Brevard NC 28712.

Walthers

Walthers (www.walthers.com) will have this ProtoN^® N scale EMD GP20 diesel locomotive ready for delivery with new road numbers in late January or early February. In addition to the UP version shown here, the ready-to-run model will also be available decorated for Santa Fe, New York Central and Conrail.

For HO scale modelers, Walthers has scheduled a limited run of Proto2000 SW9 engines for delivery in April. The models replicate the 1200 horsepower diesel locomotives EMD produced in the early 1950s. The models will be offered in two numbers each for Santa Fe, Norfolk & Western, SSW-Cotton Belt and Conrail as seen here. The ready-to-run models will be available for standard DC operation as well as with sound and DCC.

Industry News

DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Model Railroad Hobbyist or its sponsors. Every effort is made to provide our readers with accurate and responsible news and information, however, neither Model Railroad Hobbyist or the writer of this column can be held responsible for any inaccuracies or typographical errors that may inadvertently appear in this publication.

Selected Events

Atlas

We begin this month’s report with a preview look at an 85-foot trash flat car coming from Atlas Model Railroad Company (www.atlasrr.com) next April.Priced at $25, the Trainman series HO scale model will be available decorated for Allied Waste, ECDC Environmental, East Carbon-DSEX, General American and Joseph Transportation. An undecorated version will be available at $20.

Atlas plans to deliver this N scale model of a Fairbanks-Morse H-24-66 Train Master next March. The release will include some renumbered as well as new paint schemes on the road diesel FM built in the early 1950s. In addition to the Canadian Pacific unit shown here, Atlas will deliver ready-to-run models decorated for Jersey Central (green with gold stripes), Reading (green with gold lettering), Lackawanna (grey, maroon and yellow), Erie Lackawanna (DL&W scheme in gray, maroon and yellow), Pennsylvania (dark green with gold lettering), Pennsylvania (dark green with small red Keystone), Norfolk & Western (black with yellow lettering and half-moon logo), and Wabash (blue with yellow deck stripe and lettering). DCC equipped versions will have an MSRP of $150 with DCC-ready units listed at $115.

Accurail

Accurail (www.accurail.com) is scheduling the release of several HO scale models to coincide with Trainfest 2010 including this Green Bay & Western 50-ton offset-side twin-bay hopper that will be available in three different road numbers. A Wisconsin & Southern 50-foot exterior-post boxcar and a Milwaukee Road 40-foot wood refrigerator car will also be released in time for the mid-November event.

Athearn

Dave Hussey provided MRH with this photo of Athearn’s (www.athearn.com) forthcoming HO scale Genesis series GP9. Dave snapped the latest preproduction sample at the Western Prototype Modelers meet at San Bernardino last month. New Athearn items scheduled for delivery in March include an SD40 from former RPP tooling decorated for Chessie-C&O, CGW, Utah Railway and Santa Fe yellow bonnet. Also a Genesis 50-foot PC&F boxcar equipped with 8-foot and 6-foot Landis doors. The car will be decorated for Southern Pacific and Cotton Belt. No specifics yet but look for Athearn to announce several versions an HO scale Genesis Southern Pacific steel caboose.

Blackstone

Blackstone (www.blackstonemodels.com) has scheduled a second production run of its HOn3 scale D&RGW 800 series drop-bottom gondola. The ready-to-run cars are expected to arrive next spring. Early reservations are recommended since the initial run sold out before the shipment arrived from overseas.

The engineering preproduction sample of the frameless GRAMPS car shown above is one of two new HOn3 scale tank cars coming from Blackstone Models late this year. Both the narrow-frame and frameless versions of the 6000 gallon cars that were built in the 1920s from standard-gauge equipment for operation on the narrow gauge rails of the D&RGW and Rio Grande Southern will be produced. The narrow-frame U.T.L.X. car will be available in three numbers (12770, 13236 and 13120) in both weathered and non-weathered paint as well as a painted, unlettered version. Two car numbers (55227 and 55140) will be offered on the frameless GRAMPS car with the same paint/weathered options. The cars are scheduled for arrival in early 2011 and will be priced at $54.95 plus an additional $5 for the weathered versions.

Who Was Gramps?

The GRAMPS cars were named for Lafayette Hughes who owned a small refinery in Alamosa, Colorado, where he refined oil delivered by the railroad from pumping fields above Chama, New Mexico. Mr.Hughes’ grandchildren enjoyed watching the trains and wanted to know which of the cars belonged to their 'gramps'. Hughes solved the problem by leasing 20 cars and having them boldly stenciled GRAMPS, so the children would have no difficulty identifying the cars from a distance.

BLMA

During the California WPM Meet held last month, BLMA Models showed this preproduction sample of its forthcoming N scale ACF 70-ton 52-foot drop-end Pennsylvania Railroad class G31B gondola. Production versions are scheduled for delivery early next year and will be decorated for Southern Pacific, Wabash, Penn Central and PRR as shown above. Features of the ready-to-run car include an etched brake platform, body mounted Micro-Trains™ couplers and new 70-ton ASF friction bearing trucks. For more details including information about multiple car numbers and paint schemes visit www.blmamodels.com.

BEST

Bollinger Edgerly Scale Trains (www.besttrains.com) is selling an HO scale kit for this historical structure located in Warner, New Hampshire. The craftsman-style kit includes laser-cut wood components, plastic injection molded windows, cast brick foundation and peel-and-stick shingles. The finished model has a footprint of 3.75 x 8-inches. The Jordan buckboard wagon in the photo is included. The M. Trussell kit sells for $130 and is available through dealers or direct.

Boulder Valley Models

Boulder Valley Models ( www.bouldervalleymodels.com ) has a new kit for a freelance On30 scale critter called The Wandering Woodchuck. The cast resin body kit is designed to be mounted on a Bachmann HO Brill trolley (not supplied).

Bowser, Chooch

Bowser Manufacturing (www.bowser-trains.com) has expanded its previously announced HO scale Trinity 53-foot spine cars with the addition of two new road numbers to the RAF33 3-unit car sets and one new road number for the RAF53C class 5-car set. That brings the total to nine road numbers for the RAF33 3-car sets and four road numbers for the 5-car RAF53C. The price of the 3 and 5-car sets, which are expected to arrive early next year, is $90 and $150 respectively.

In other news, Bowser has rerun three different Cal Scale lost-wax brass HO scale diesel air horns including Leslie model S-5T 5-chime horn (all facing forward), Leslie model S-5TRPO 5-chime horn (3 facing forward, 2 backward), and Nathan model P5 5-chime horn (3 facing forward and 2 backward). The horns sell for $3.75 each.

Chooch Enterprises (www.choochenterprises.com) has introduced 3.5 x 13.5-inch flexible retaining walls with peel n’ stick adhesive backing. Walls representing random stone and cut stone are available for N thru G scales. The material readily accepts paint and can be trimmed with a knife or scissors.

Con-Cor

Con-Cor International (www.con-cor.com) showed this preliminary engineering sample of its forthcoming HO scale Pierce Arrow Galloping Goose at the National Train Show in Milwaukee this summer. After several delays imposed by its contract manufacturer in China, Con-Cor says it is expecting delivery of both the HOn3 and HO scale models this month. The ready-to-run DC models will come with a 10-pin NMRA DCC connector on the PC board (a DCC decoder is not included).

Con-Cor is quoting fall delivery for both the HO and N scale versions of its Pioneer Zephyr 3-car train set. The ready-to-run models replicate the twin headlight version of the famous early streamliner that operated until 1960. The second headlight (an early version of an oscillating Mars light) was installed in the nose in the early 1940s following several accidents. Con-Cor’s DC model uses a flashing LED to simulate the oscillating light. Instructions are included that describe how to prepare the model for a DCC decoder (not included) including special programming to achieve realistic oscillation of the Mars light.

Here's a video of the HO scale pilot model in operation: 

Custom Model Railroads

Custom Model Railroads (www.cmrtrain.com) is selling a laser-cut, tab and slot kit for this sizable HO scale Power Plant. The finished model has a footprint of 13w x 11.125-inches and stands 18.5-inches tall. The CMR kit has laser-cut acrylic parts, ladders, fire escapes and an interior structure that represents the massive furnaces and chimneys inside the building. Detailed castings include chimneys, manifolds, cyclones and vents. The kit is priced at $370.

Digitrax, Dalee

Digitrax (www.digitrax.com) has a drop-in replacement mobile decoder with SoundFX™ specifically designed to upgrade Kato’s SD40-2 and similar N scale locomotives. Model SDN144K1E, sj\hown above, comes with an 8 ohm 13mm round speaker and a 330µF capacitor and is preloaded with dual SD40-2/GE-Evolution diesel sound. SDN144K1E has an MSRP of $69.95 Also new from Digitrax is a tiny motor and function decoder suitable for both N and HO scale applications where an 8-pin DCC socket is available. Item DN135PS is priced at $21.95. Complete technical information on all Digitrax decoders is available at www.digitrax.com.

Dalee Electronics (www.dallee.com) has Mars light kits that work with either AC or DC up to 25 volts. Item #546 sells for $19 and uses one bright T1 incandescent LED to replicate a single Mars light. Item #547 sells for $29.95 and uses two LEDs to create a dual Mars light.

ExactRail

ExactRail (www.exactrail.com) has made additional releases of two HO scale ready-to-run cars including this Platinum series Thrall 3564 mill gondola with road names CP, TILX, DJJX and CSX as shown here.

The second car in ExactRail’s early September release is a Signature series HO scale Pullman-Standard 50-foot Waffle boxcar. The release includes this SIND-Southern Indiana Railway as well as CSX, SOU, DM&E-Dakota Minnesota & Eastern and BR-Bradford Industrial Railway.

Funaro & Camerlengo

This Pennsylvania Railroad class H25 hopper car is available now from Funaro & Camerlengo (www.fandckits.com). The HO scale kit includes a one-piece resin body, grab irons and wire, Tichy brake parts and white shadow keystone decals. It is priced at $49.99.

GC Laser

GC Laser (www.gclaser.com) has this Z scale Modular 4-story Industrial structure that features multi-layered roof and trim details and an optional thru-track. It has a footprint of 4 x 3 x 3.75-inches and sells for $60.

Intermountain

In late November InterMountain Railway Company (www.intermountain-railway.com) will release this HO scale war emergency boxcar decorated for Canadian Pacific, Gulf Mobile and Ohio, Wabash and the Chicago North Western 400 car shown here. For N scale modelers, IMRC will begin delivery of its cylindrical covered hoppers in late November or early December. The fully assembled cars have Micro-Trains® trucks and couplers and will be decorated for North American, Trona Chemical, CP Rail, Procor (blue scheme), Alcan-Chemical Products, Canadian National (light gray with large red logo and lettering), and Canadian National in both CNIX and CNLX versions. Also due in December are N scale FP9 and F9B diesel locomotives. The FP9s will be decorated for Canadian Confederation and Rail Link. Matching FP9 and F9B A and B units will be available in KCS Executive Belle scheme.

Kadee

This HO scale B&M PS-1 40-foot boxcar, as built with an 8-foot door by Pullman-Standard in 1957, will be available from Kadee Quality Products (www.kadee.com) in early November. Also coming next month is an Atlantic Coast Line 50-foot boxcar with a 9-foot door. It will be decorated in the 1963 as-new black paint scheme with yellow lettering. The car will be equipped with Kadee’s new 2-piece self-centering ASF Barber S-2 roller bearing truck with the ACL’s proprietary extended journal pockets. The third car arriving in November is a PS-2 2-bay covered hopper decorated for Southern Pacific in the 1957 as-new acid-resistant gray paint scheme. The car comes with Kadee’s new 2-piece self-centering ASF Ride Control trucks.

Kadee is rapidly converting many of its popular HO scale couplers to the newer Whisker® design. For example, the old #40 coupler series will be replaced with the #140 Whisker® series. The #153, #156, and #158 are the Whisker® scale head series but will not replace the #58 coupler. The present #118 SF shelf-coupler is being replaced by a new #118 SF Shelf-Whisker® coupler. The #78 scale (small head) coupler with scale draft gear is being replaced by #178 Whisker® version. The familiar #5 coupler will continue as Kadee’s standard-head in Kadee’s coupler line and the #58 will remain as the present backbone of their scale-head coupler line and the 20 and 30 series couplers will remain unchanged... at least for now.

Still under development are Whisker® couplers attached to trucks and a new logging car Whisker® coupler. As new Whisker® couplers are introduced, older styles are being sold at reduced prices while supplies last. Visit www.kadee.com to verify cost and the latest availability.

Lake Junction

Lake Junction Models (www.lakejunctionmodels.com) has a laser-cut craftsman kit for a Standard Northern Depot as used on the Missouri Pacific and the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern railroads. While under common management, the two railroads used a series of standard designs for their wood stations. They were usually built with the waiting room and operator’s bay of a common size, however, the dimensions of the freight room varied to meet the anticipated volume of local freight.

Features of the 9.625 x 4.5-inch (over the eaves) building include tabbed construction on both interior and exterior walls, one-piece wall sections with laser-scribed V-grove wainscoting and board & batten siding, two-piece positionable window sash, self-adhesive windows and trim, raised panels on non-freight doors, self-sticking diamond shingles, decorative lattice for the gable ends and downloadable (PDF) instructions. The HO scale kit sells for $60 and is available with the bay and waiting room on the right or on the left as shown above.

Micro-Mark

Micro Mark (www.micromark.com) is now selling miniature link chain and eight sprockets ranging in diameter from .318 to .780-inches. This the same acetal-resin chain used in drive systems sold by All Nation, Weaver and Grandt-Line. The chain is sold in foot-long increments at $17.45 per foot.

Also new from Micro-Mark is a powered miniature screwdriver that comes with six 1/8-inch hex shank bits including a #0 and #00 Phillips, 1/8-inch and 1/16-inch flat blades, and T5 and T6 Torx heads. The slim handled screwdriver uses two AAA batteries.

Micro-Trains

Micro-Trains Line Company (www.micro-trains.com) has introduced Runner Packs that consist of four Z scale freight cars with different road numbers. The cars feature Magne-Matic® couplers. Currently available is a quartet of Texaco tank cars with road numbers 8099, 8128, 8246, 8268. The Texaco Runner Pack is priced at $69.95.

Mount Blue

This Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes tool car was assembled from a kit available now from Mount Blue Model Company (www.mountbluemodelco.com). Development of the On2/On30 scale kit began by field measuring the prototype (including the slight sag in the roof) in Phillips, Maine. The kit features scale-thickness sides etched on both sides, a one-piece roof walk with platforms, correctly sized airbrake castings, semi-scale draft gear (designed for Kadee #26 couplers, not included), working doors, and pre-shaped handrails, and white-metal air hoses and retainer castings. Plastic and brass detail parts, brass wire and decals are also included. The kit (less trucks and couplers) sells for $73.

MTH

This HO scale Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy is available now from M.T.H. (www.mthtrains.com) at $600. In addition to Proto-Sound 3.0, this well detailed model features sprung drivers, lighted marker lights, constant-voltage headlight, fully-detailed cab interior, cab-to-tender deck plate and die-cast boiler, chassis and tender. M.T.H. delivers the Big Boy with a full digital sound system that includes a built-in DCC receiver, synchronized puffing smoke timed to the drive wheels, and an onboard DCC receiver pre-programmed with 28 functions.

Mullet Model Works

Mullett Model Works ( www.mulletrivermodelworks.com ) has entered the HO scale field with a laser-cut craftsman kit for this 34-foot SOO Line wood caboose. SOO rebuilt several of it’s 34-foot boxcars into cabooses that had a number of different window arrangements. MRM’s kit represents cars numbered 124 and 128 that generally operated west of Minneapolis. Installation of individual grab irons is simplified since all of the proper locations are burned into the surface of the laser-cut plywood body. Ladders and railings are etched brass and the underframe is cast in white metal. The kit includes decals and sells for $45 less trucks and couplers.

N.J. International, Rapido

N.J.International has several new ready-to-install signals available this month. Each unit is authentically painted and wired with LEDs and resistors. The group will include an HO scale bracket-type signal mast with a top marker and a six LED disc head at $40 and a six LED disc head in HO scale at $20 and O scale at $24. Also an eight LED disc head in HO scale at $23. Recently announced markers include both single units in HO scale at $8 and O scale at $13, and double units in HO scale $13 and O scale at $20. For complete details visit www.njinternational.com.

Rapido Trains Incorporated ( www.rapidotrains.com ) will produce a limited run of HO scale CPA20-5 and CPA24-5 C-Liner diesel locomotives decorated for New Haven and the Long Island Rail Road. The decision to produce the C-Lines was boosted by the exceptional response from Rapido’s recent announcement for Long Island Rail Road Dashing Dan 10-window Osgood-Bradley lightweight coaches (see MRH page 26, Sept-Oct issue #9). Rapido will use existing tooling leased from True Line Trains to manufacture the 5-axle C-Liners built in the early 1950s by Fairbanks Morse.

In addition to prototypically authentic artwork and decoration, Jason Shron of Rapido said the C-Liners will have road specific details such as grab irons, correct side grilles and proper roof fans. Shron noted that since the models will come from tooling cut several years ago the C-Liners may not have the same high level of detail found on state-of-the-art models such as Rapido’s FP9, however, it will still be an outstanding model that both Rapido and modelers can be proud of. Suggested pricing will be $170 for DCC ready versions and $290 for models equipped with Soundtrax Tsunami decoders.

Early reservations are suggested since the production quantity will be set to fulfill only the number of orders on hand.

Red Caboose

This Red Caboose Type-103W 10,000 gallon welded tank car decorated for Anchor, Gulf Oil, DuPont, Standard Oil and Sinclair, as shown here, will be available from InterMountain Railway Company (www.intermountain-railway.com) in late November. The HO scale car has a suggested price of $34.95.

Rich Yoder, San Juan Car Company

Here’s a look at the hand-crafted pre-production pilot model of an O scale GE 50-ton diesel to be imported this winter by Rich Yoder Models. Affectionately known as Southern Pacific’s “Little Giant”, the model will be available gauged for On3, On30 and O scale. Visit www.richyodermodels.com for further details including important reservation information.

San Juan Car Company (www.sanjuancarco.com) is taking reservations for spring delivery of a narrow frame UTLX tank car. The ready-to-run cars will be equipped with San Juan’s Evolution coupler and will be available in nine different road numbers in both On3 and On30 scale. The cars are priced at $90 each. To place a reservation phone 970-385-5256.

Silver Crash Car Works

Silver Crash Car Works (www.silvercrashcarworks.com) offers HO scale cast resin body kits for a variety of turn-of-the-century rolling stock including this 34-foot Wikes patented refrigerator car. The kits consists of body parts only -- trucks, couplers, grab irons, brake parts etc are not included - however, the helpful instructions include detailed parts lists and suggested sources for the modeler to complete a prototypically accurate model. Decals for the Anheuser-Busch car shown above are available from Art Griffin at www.hobeercars.com.

South River Model Works, T2 Decals

South River Modelworks (www.southrivermodelworks.com) has introduced yet another dramatic HO scale craftsman kit. The latest is Robinson’s Electric Manufacturing & Hardware, a challenging multi-structure project that can be built for installation on a flat site as well as the somewhat erratic topography for which South River kits are well-known. The kit sells for $320 plus shipping and handling.

Todd Thornberry of T2 Decals Company has HO and N scale water-slide decals of contemporary graffiti. The assortment of decal sets are based on photographs of contemporary tagging on buildings and railroad equipment. To learn more, send Todd an email at thorn142002@yahoo.com.

Walthers

Walthers (www.walthers.com) is producing a limited run of N scale Proto N™ series Alco RS-2 diesels for delivery in December. The popular round-nose road switcher will be available in new paint schemes and road numbers for Green Bay & Western, NYC, NH and PRR. An undecorated version will also available.

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