New model trains for the week of April 5, 2018

MRRNP0818_11jpeg

HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division SD40-2 diesel locomotive. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (“Kodachrome” scheme, four road numbers); BNSF Ry. (Heritage III scheme, four numbers [two each with 88” and 123” nose]); Norfolk Southern (high short hood, two numbers); RJ Corman (three numbers, two with 88” nose and one with 123” nose), and Union Pacific […]

Read More…

Nitrogen blankets

Q I heard the term “nitrogen blanket” in reference to a tank car. Could you explain what this is and what types of tank cars have these nitrogen blankets? – Mike Riley, Manchester, Mo. A The term “nitrogen blanket” refers to a padding (or a layer) of nitrogen gas put into a tank car to: […]

Read More…

Private-car groups respond to Amtrak plans on charters, excursions NEWSWIRE

AAPRCO_Special_Gunnoe

Three Amtrak GE P42DCs lead the American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners’ Chattanooga Limited convention train across the James River near Lynchburg, Va., in September 2012. AAPRCO’s annual convention and mid-year specials are at risk with Amtrak’s new policy. Chase Gunnoe WASHINGTON — The two organizations representing the private-car industry say they’re doing their […]

Read More…

New model trains for the week of March 29, 2018

MRRNP0818_02

Atlas Model Railroad Co. HO scale AEM-7 electric locomotive HO scale locomotives AEM-7 electric locomotive. New road numbers: Amtrak (as delivered or Acela) and NJ Transit. Three numbers each. New fictional paint schemes: Milwaukee Road, Pennsylvania RR, and Reading Co. Two road numbers each. Operating pantographs, separately applied wire grab irons, and Accumate couplers. Direct-current […]

Read More…

Realistic weathering tips for freight car models

Pelle Soeborg freight car weathering tips

This view of the Daneville Yard on Pelle Søeborg’s HO scale Union Pacific layout shows a variety of equipment with weathered roofs. He completed all of the weathering with powdered pastels, hobby paints, and an airbrush Years ago, when I became interested in weathering model trains, I found it extremely difficult to find roof photos, […]

Read More…

Grandt Line to close

Grandt Line, a manufacturer of architectural details, structure kits, and freight cars in several popular modeling scales, will close in June after more than 60 years in business. The company was founded by the late Cliff Grandt in the San Francisco bay area. His children Dave, Liz, and Phyllis operated the business after Cliff’s passing […]

Read More…

New model trains for the week of March 22, 2018

Atlas Model Railroad Co HO scale Electro-Motive Division GP39-2 diesel locomotive

Atlas Model Railroad Co HO scale Electro-Motive Division GP39-2 diesel locomotive HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division GP39-2 diesel locomotive. New paint schemes: Wisconsin & Southern (35th anniversary lettering, one road number), CSX (dark blue and yellow), Delaware & Hudson (blue, gray, and yellow), Reading Co. (green and yellow), and Union Pacific (red sill stripe). Two […]

Read More…