Large scale freight cars
Flatcars with removable stakes. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (red and brown schemes), and Union Pacific (yellow and brown schemes). Hook-and-loop couplers; plastic wheelsets; and factory-applied brake wheel, brake cylinder, grab irons, and stirrup steps. Two-pack, $137.99. July 2021. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com
Two-bay hopper with exterior posts. Denver & Rio Grande Western (black with Flying Grande lettering, “The Action Road” slogan, and “Main Line Thru the Rockies” herald) and Pennsylvania RR (Freight Car Color with circle keystone). Plastic wheelsets, hook-and-loop couplers, and lightweight coal load. $73.99. July 2021. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com
Tools
Model Builders saw tool kit. Includes compact coping saw with five blades, combination file and rasp, and sanding stick. Saw bow is 7” long and 4.5” deep. Cuts wood, plastic, PVC pipe, and thin metals. $33.99. Produced by Excel Blades, available from Kalmbach Hobby Store, KalmbachHobbyStore.com
Straight Lexan scissors. Soft-grip handles. Use with paper, decals, light cardstock, stencils, film, photographs, tape, plastic, cork, and cloth. $10.99. Produced by Excel Blades, available from Kalmbach Hobby Store, KalmbachHobbyStore.com
Books
Western Wheeled Scraper Company: Western Dump Cars. Reproduction of Western Wheeled Scraper Co. catalog on its Western dump cars. Catalog looks at how the cars were used in railroad service, open-pit mining, coal storage, pit and quarry haulage, and more. Softcover, 82 pages. $35. Manufacturers’ Catalog Archive series. SilverLake Images LLC and Ron’s Books, 914-967-7541, ronsbooks.com
