In Memoriam: John Flann, 1930-2018

JohnFlannmodelrailroader

John Flann developed a novel car-forwarding system for his Clark Fork RR that used playing cards. He wrote about the system in Great Model Railroads and Model Railroad Planning. John Flann, a noted British and North American model railroader, died in March. A native of England, John was an award-winning modeler and author. When he […]

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New model trains for the week of April 26, 2018

Rapido Trains HO scale Alco/Montreal Locomotive Works FA-2 and FPA-2 diesel locomotives

Rapido Trains HO scale Alco/Montreal Locomotive Works FA-2 and FPA-2 diesel locomotives HO scale locomotives Alco/Montreal Locomotive Works FA-2 and FPA-2 diesel locomotives. FA-2: Ann Arbor (delivery scheme); Burlington Northern (Spokane, Portland & Seattle patchout); Chicago & North Western (yellow and green); CP Rail (Action Red with Multimark); Erie Lackawanna (gray and maroon); Long Island […]

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Railroaders, public speak out against automated trains NEWSWIRE

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A Rio Tinto train completes an automated trip in October 2017. Rio Tinto WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration is seeking public input on the operation of driverless trains and, so far, it appears railroaders and the public are overwhelmingly against the idea. In March, the FRA announced it wanted public input about automated train […]

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Private car owners disappointed by new Amtrak policies NEWSWIRE

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Private cars bring up the rear on the westbound California Zephyr at Hinsdale, Ill. TRAINS: David Lassen WASHINGTON — Some private car owners say Amtrak’s new tariff rates and restrictions will make business more challenging and expensive, but at least they now have a written policy to work with. Amtrak announced an increase in tariffs […]

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New products from the June 2018 issue of Garden Railways magazine

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LGB anniversary items LGB roller car USA Trains flatcar with tank Egghaulers car Piko steam locomotive Piko boxcar Engines & rolling stock LGB (Märklin) is celebrating its 50th annniversary this year and the company has released a commemorative “Stainz” steam locomotive in a special paint scheme (#L20216, $289.99) and five add-on 50th Anniversary cars. These […]

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American Mainline high-cube boxcar

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Marc Horovitz 1:29 scale, gauge 1, high-cube boxcar American Mainline (AML) 33268 Central Ave. Union City CA 94587 Price: $179 Website: www.americanmainline.com Mostly plastic, gauge 1, 1:29-scale model of a Gunderson 50′ high-cube boxcar; non-opening plug doors; underbody detail; truck-mounted knuckle couplers; body-mount couplers also included; sprung roller-bearing trucks; metal wheelsets. Dimensions: length, 21 5/16″; […]

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Egghaulers freight cars

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Marc Horovitz “Egghauler” freight cars Egghaulers.com Prices: see text Website: www.egghaulers.com All plastic, eliptically shaped freight cars in bright colors, intended to go with Eggliners; supplied without wheels or couplers. Dimensions (gondola car): length over ends, 7″; width, 4 1/2″; height, 3″ Pros: Well-made whimsical product; fits well visually with Eggliners Cons: Some details not […]

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Mini-Lathe Tools & Projects for Home Machinists

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Mini-Lathe Tools & Projects for Home Machinists by David Fenner Published in the US by: Fox Chapel Publishing 903 Square St. Mount Joy PA 17552 5 3/4″ x  81/4″, softbound, 120 pages Price: $12.99 Website: foxchapelpublishing.com A metal lathe is one of the most versatile tools that a serious modeler can own. An amazing array […]

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MyLocoSound “Blue” diesel sound system

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Kevin Strong Digital/analog diesel sound MyLocoSound Available from: G Scale Graphics 5860 Crooked Stick Drive Windsor CO 80550 Price: $79 Website: www.gscalegraphics.net MyLocoSound “Blue” diesel sound system; suitable for track power or battery R/C; not DCC compatible. Dimensions: 2 1/4″x 1 3/8″ x 1/2″ Pros: Easy installation; sounds can be easily adjusted via handheld remote; […]

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