I am curious: being in the beginning of a return to the hobby after so many years away I am noticing some significant differences in the themes and equipment for most of the layouts I see here and in other sites.  20 years ago, steam was king.  Logging and narrow gage were big. Western settings predominated. Model-building and kitbashing were proud occupations and talents.

Today, from what I can see, contemporary era East Coast and Mid-West diesel operations are the norm. Equipment is ready-to-run from the box.

Well, folks, it looks like Bachmann is coming out with a Mogul, an ALCO S-4 and ALCO FA2/FB2's in addition to the BeanO EM-1.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/2011_NMRA.pdf

The Mogul reminds me of a GB&W Mogul. It will be a nice addition considering that the steam locomotives usually announced are large ones.

Now, if only someone would do a Harriman Pacific (light or heavy, machts nichts to me).

Mike

I'll be in Portland, OR for a few days next week attending the National GTO Convention (my other hobby).  I would also like to visit a RR hobby shop or two.  I don't need anything special other than some Polly Scale paint and Floquil paint pens.  Could anyone recommend model railroad shops in Portland or the surrounding area that have a good selection of paint and other stuff?

Here are the official release dates for the July 2011 issue of MRH: