Product news
Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. Here are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of September 23, 2021.
HO scale locomotives
4-6-6-4 Challenger steam locomotive. Denver & Rio Grande Western (coal burner with dual smoke stacks, one road number) and Union Pacific (modern excursion version and coal burner with dual smoke stacks and smoke lifters in one number each, coal burner with dual smoke stacks and tender bunker coal extensions in two numbers, and two-tone gray with yellow lettering and striping in one road number). Pivoting front and rear engines, directional light-emitting-diode lighting, and McHenry couplers. Direct-current model, $699.99; with dual-mode SoundTraxx Tsunami 2 sound decoder and dual sugar cube speakers, $769.99. October 2022. Genesis series. Athearn Trains, 800-338-4639, athearn.com
Electro-Motive Division SD39 diesel locomotive. Dakota & Iowa (yellow and black, two road numbers); Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (blue-and-yellow warbonnet); Boston & Maine (Primed for Grime Guilford-patched ex-Norfolk & Western units); Copper Basin Ry. (gray); and Southern Pacific (Primed for Grime scarlet-and-gray scheme with Roman lettering). Three road numbers per scheme unless noted. Railroad-specific details, directional light-emitting-diode lighting, and see-through dynamic brake and radiator fans. Direct-current model with 21-pin NEM plug, $179.99; with dual-mode SoundTraxx Econami sound decoder, $249.99 (add $10 for Primed for Grime models). October 2022. Athearn Trains, 800-338-4639, athearn.com
HO scale passenger equipment
North County Transit District Sprinter diesel multiple unit. Red and white directional lighting and newly tooled large rooftop air conditioners. Without sound, $299.99; with PIKO SmartSound 5.1 sound decoder, $399.99. October 2022. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com
HO scale freight cars
American Car & Foundry 4,600-cubic-foot capacity three-bay Center Flow covered hopper. ACF Leasing (gray); The Andersons Inc. (blue in one road number and Primed for Grime Grand Trunk Western patchout in two numbers); Chicago & North Western (yellow); Detroit, Toledo & Ironton (brown [two single cars] and gray [three-pack only]); Grand Trunk Western (blue and white); and Gulf, Mobile & Ohio (gray). Five road numbers per scheme [two single cars and one three-pack] unless noted. Three body styles (early, mid, and late); separate, factory-applied wire grab irons and stirrup steps; and McHenry couplers. Single car, $64.99 (add $5 for Primed for Grime); three-pack, $164.99. October 2022. Genesis Series. Athearn Trains, 800-338-4639, athearn.com
Three-window double-sheathed caboose. Burlington Northern (green and yellow); Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (orange and green); Grand Trunk & Western (orange and brown); Soo Line (red and black); Union Pacific (yellow and red); and Western Pacific (orange and silver). Two road numbers per scheme. Wire truss rods as appropriate, machined RP-25 contour 33” metal wheels, and body-mounted McHenry couplers. $36.99. October 2022. Roundhouse line. Athearn Trains, 800-338-4639, athearn.com
HO scale structures
Brick millworks. Injection-molded plastic kit with roof-mounted cyclone dust collector, loading dock with crane, and signs. Measures 12-3/4” x 7 x 5-1/2”. $49.98. February 2022. Cornerstone Series. Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 414-527-0770, walthers.com
HO scale details and accessories
Ford F-100 pickup. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (dark blue); Canadian Pacific (yellow and black); Chesapeake & Ohio (yellow and blue); custom (two-tone blue and gray and black with flames); Pennsylvania RR (yellow); Southern Ry. (green); and Union Pacific (yellow). Injection-molded plastic with cab interior; separate, factory-applied steering wheel, clear window glazing, and vinyl tires. $32.99. October 2022. Athearn Trains, 800-338-4639, athearn.com
N scale freight cars
36-foot old-time stockcar. Canadian National; Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (“S. Kraus Livestock Commission Merchant Kansas City Stock Yards” lettering); Canada Cattle Car Co; Rock Island; St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern; St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt); and Union Pacific. Three road numbers per scheme. Separate, factory-applied running board; molded truss rods with turnbuckles; and truck-mounted couplers. $34.99. October 2022. Athearn N. Athearn, 800-338-4639, athearn.com
DVDs
EMD Streamliners presented by Trains magazine. DVD features an overview of the history of EMD streamliners and why they are fan favorites, exclusive footage of streamliners operating today, behind-the-scenes footages of engine rooms, the operator’s viewpoint, and exclusive cab rides and tours. 80 minutes. $24.99. Kalmbach Hobby Store, kalmbachhobbystore.com
Calendars
Trains magazine Amazing Trains 2022 daily calendar. Features 75 years of steam, diesel, and electric trains. Includes more than 300 facts and photos from the Trains archives. National holidays and occasions are highlighted. Reverse side of each page is blank for note taking and reminders. Measures 5-1/4” x 4-14”. $19.99. Kalmbach Hobby Store, kalmbachhobbystore.com
