THE CTT WHIMSEY Department is always looking for new products, and this cute little American-made “Duchess” 2-4-0 fits the bill. Indiana-based Hartland Locomotive Works has been quietly laboring to build a good reputation in the large scale market. Its goal seems to be to produce well made, fun to operate trains made in the United […]
THIS IS JUST what toy train folks have wanted for some time: a locomotive packing some offensive firepower. Trust me, the snowplow gives this engine a whole different personality from your run-of-the-mill light steamer. At last we have a locomotive that just begs to have Lincoln Log obstacles built across the track, herds of large […]
USA TRAINS CONTINUES to crank out well-made large scale diesels. The company’s locomotives have earned a reputation for realism, quality components, top notch decoration, and value. USA Trains’ latest venture is the 44-ton diesel switcher, and it appears to fit right in to the company’s line of good running engines. The 44-tonner is an engine […]
ALTHOUGH PRE-1900 railroading has never caught on with fans in S or O gauges, there are plenty of enthusiasts of the “olden days” in large scale. Old timey engines are available from several manufacturers and there is plenty of rolling stock for just about every type of railroad, whether a mining or logging road or […]
CABOOSES ARE HISTORY. They’re dead, gone, finito, kaput. They symbolize featherbedding rascals sleeping at the rear of the train rather than at the controls of an engine generating revenue for the parent company! Then if that’s the case, why are so many utterly fantastic caboose models making their way to market? Guess there must be […]
A two-lane road takes traffic through town on the author’s railway. Roads constructed by this method are durable, permanent, and realistic. Ken Correa I have seen many beautiful railways in all scales that were authentic in every detail, with realistic scenes and scenery, but were lacking one major detail-roads. Roads running through a railway add […]
Kevin Strong 1:24-scale water towerKamloops Junction Wood Products850 Ida LaneKamloops, British Columbia V2B 6V1 CanadaPrice: $119.99 Can.Note: Manufacturer is no longer in business Craftsman-level kit; pre-cut cedar stripwood; Sonotube section for the tank substructure; corrugated plastic sub-roof material; sandpaper roofing material; resin castings for the water spout, counterweights, and nut-bolt-washers; steel wire for the tank […]
Vance Bass 1:20.3 scale, Howe pony truss bridgeLone Star Bridge & AbutmentPO Box 122041Arlington TX 76012Price: Bridge, $395; abutments cost $95/pair. Prices include shipping in mainland US.Web site: www.lonestarbridge.com Howe pony truss bridge; made of mahogany with brass hardware and castings; based on the D&RGW bridge over Hermosa Creek, near Durango, Colorado; timber abutments optional. […]
Marc Horovitz Miniature, flashing, crossing signalNorthwest Railroad Foundry and Supply6281 Oak Bay RoadPort Ludlow WA 98365Price: four-light unit (reviewed), $375; two-light unit, $239; wall-hung unit, $229; all prices + s&hWeb site: www.nwrfs.com Miniature flashing-light crossing signal kit (partially assembled); suitable for display or miniature railroad; metal, wood, and plastic components; lighting and wiring included; transformer […]
Marc Horovitz Rail bender for code-332 railEmpire Builder Railroad Designs4418 E. Lariat LanePhoenix AZ 85050Price: $130 + $14 s&h Heavy-duty rail bender; brass, aluminum, and steel construction; case-hardened steel rollers; larger adjustable roller; mounting holes. Dimensions: 3″ x 3″ x 3″ (not including handle)Pros: Excellent, high-quality unit; easily adjustable with wrench; large crank makes rolling […]
This railtruck is constructed primarily out of old tin cans. Here it awaits its driver for a trip down the rails of the author’s Ogden Botanical Railway. Marc Horovitz The underbody detail was supposed to be made of wooden shapes (according to the plan), but ended up here rendered in tinplate. The differential was turned […]
Marc Horovitz 1:20.3-scale figuresFine FolkAvailable from your local dealer or from:Mike’s Backshop12129 Gay Rio DriveLakeside CA 92040Price: $9 each, unpainted; $35 painted + s&hWeb site: www.mikesbackshop.com Unpainted, cast resin, seated figures in 1:20.3 scale; fireman Clem, engineer Chet, and Miss JennyPros: Superbly modeled figures; no cleanup necessary; ready to paintCons: Difficult to modify due to […]
