This exquisite hand-crafted brass pre-production sample is one of four 4-6-0 class S-4 O scale models under development by importer Glacier Park.
Others locomotives in this ten-wheeler project include a C&NW class R-1 (please see MRH Page 6, August 2009 News for details). The models are being built in Korea by Boo-Rim Precision and are scheduled to arrive this summer.
Prince Edward Express Company is available as a limited-edition S scale kit from Grand River Models. The structure consists of a brick freight office with an attached board-and-batten shed with a loading dock. Production will be limited to just 100 of these kits which features cast resin and laser-cut wood construction. The back wall of the brick structure is fully detailed so the shed can be placed in alternate positions. The doors of the shed can also be repositioned. The finished complex as seen here has a footprint of approximately 7 by 22-inches.
Additional details include laser-cut crossbucks, wheelstops and derail, as well as a sheet of printed signs. The front sign is a waterslide decal. The kit comes with six pages of assembly instructions including painting and weathering tips. For additional information visit http://www.grandrivermodels.com.
Highball Graphics ( http://www.mgdecals.com) has new decal lettering sets for HO and N scale cylindrical hoppers for both Pullman Standard 4427 and ACF 3500 for W.H. Shurtleff-WHSX. Also Penn Central class H44/A and 915H 3500 cu ft ACF-built cylindrical hoppers. Each Penn Central set will letter one gray and one jade green car.
InterMountain ( http://www.imrcmodels.com) plans to make a production run this fall of Red Caboose 42-foot fish-belly flat cars decorated for ATSF, D&RGW, Northern Pacific, Nickel Plate Road, Chicago North Western and Union Pacific. In reviewing the heritage of the HO scale version, freight car historian Richard Hendrickson said the Red Caboose model is based on New York Central flat cars numbered 49600-49299 that NYC built at it’s Avon, Pennsylvania shops in 1930. With the notable exception of the unevenly spaced stake pockets, the NYC design and the Red Caboose model, is similar to the USRA 42-foot flat car that was owned by several railroads.
Initial response to Kadee’s new HO scale split-bolster, self-centering, equalized trucks has been very positive. Since mentioning the Arch Bar, 50-ton ASF A-3 Ride Control, 50-ton Bettendorf-type and 70-ton Barber S2-B trucks here last month, MRH has learned that Kadee plans to retool all of it’s HO scale trucks to the new design. The equalization provided by the split-bolster design ends the need for the troublesome lightweight springs that in addition to lacking the hefty appearance of the prototype often failed to actually function. Plus they had a nasty habit of dislodging and flying around a workbench or layout. When a car equipped with Kadee’s clever self-centering trucks is lifted off the tracks, the trucks automatically center, i.e., the trucks line up with the side of the car which minimizes the difficulty placing a car on the rails. The new trucks are molded in HGC (high gravity compound) a relatively heavy thermoplastic that results in a plastic truck with a weight comparable to Kadee’s metal versions.
In other news from Kadee, three new HO scale cars will be introduced in May including a 50-foot NH boxcar with 15-foot door, an EJ&E PS-1 channel-side 2-bay covered hopper and a 50-foot DTI boxcar with 9-foot door and a functioning cushion underframe. Each of these new models will be equipped with Kadee series 2100 coupler and appropriate two-piece self-centering equalized trucks.
This impressive high-rise is available now from Lunde Studios ( http://www.lundestudios.com).
The HO scale cast resin McAdam Building features a terra cotta cut-stone front with gray-tan random stone sides and back. Recessed doors, the building sign, clear window glazing, chimney backs and printed name sign are separate items with all other details, including windows, cast in place.
Detailed instructions include construction tips and photos. The building is 9.2-inches tall and has a footprint of 4 x 5-inches.
Micro-Trains has developed a new N scale 33-inch wheel-set with a modified flange that is reported to look more like the prototype and operates well on code 55 rail. Micro-Trains began equipping all of it's new rolling stock with the improved wheel sets in March and will release separate packages of trucks with the new wheels beginning in June.
The Missouri Pacific Historical Society has commissioned American Model Builders to created two new MP drover caboose kits. The HO scale kits include an as-built 1930 drovers caboose that operated from 1930 to the early 1960's, and a side-door caboose that was modified for LCL and merchandise service on branch lines in the late 1940s. Both kits utilize laser-scribed sides with tab and slot construction, peel and stick door and windows with color shades, resin steps with laser-cut sills and end railings, laser-cut ladders and brake wheel and a cast white-metal smoke jack. Tichy brake detail parts are included along with a special bending jig for forming grab-irons. Also included are special decals designed under the guidance of the MP Historical Society for this project. Trucks and couplers are not included. For more information or to order visit http://www.mopac.org.
John Frantz of Mount Vernon Shops has decals for HO scale PRR class FM flat cars. The set covers the entire service life of the FM cars and is suitable for lettering either brass cars imported by Railworks or resin cars from F&C or Sunshine Models. Each set includes six different numbers and eight different repack/reweigh dates. For more information or to order visit http://www.mountvernonshops.com/FM.html. If John receives sufficient inquiries he will consider preparing a similar set for N scale.
M.T.H. expects to begin shipping its HO scale SD70ACe and SD70M-2 diesels to dealers in late April. The ready to run models will be fitted with the company’s newly-developed NMRA DCC-compliant circuit board. Other special features include directionally controlled constant headlights, illuminated number boards and operating ditch lights. The SD70Ace DCC-ready diesels will be available decorated for Union Pacific, Missouri Pacific, Western Pacific, Katy, Denver & Rio Grande Western, Chicago North Western, Southern Pacific, George H Bush, CSX, Kansas City Southern, BNSF, EMD Demonstrator and Montana Rail Link. Paint schemes for the SD70M-2 diesel will include Norfolk Southern, Electro Motive Division, Florida East Coast, Canadian National and Florida East Coast. For additional information visit http://www.mthhotrains.com.
