Atlas N U23B Atlas Model Railroad Co. has released a smooth-running and accurate N scale model of General Electric’s U23B, a 2,250-hp four-axle road switcher introduced in 1968. The ready-to-run model has roadname-specific cab, headlight, and truck styles and is available in both traditional DC and Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder-equipped versions. Last of the […]
MRC’s Prodigy Advance Squared and Drop-in Sound Decoder Two waves of Digital Command Control’s future are 28 functions and N scale sound, and Model Rectifier Corp.’s latest offerings feature both. The firm let us try its new upgraded DCC system, the Prodigy Advance Squared, and two of its new N scale sound decoders – all […]
Bachmann HO 4-4-0 Steam fans now have a superdetailed American-type to add to their HO scale rosters. Bachmann’s Spectrum modernized 4-4-0 American comes equipped with a factory-installed dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder, so the model is ready to run on DC or DCC layouts. American Standard. By the latter half of the 1800s, locomotives […]
We reviewed the Athearn N scale Challenger in the June 2007 issue of Model Railroader. Watch a video clip of this 4-6-6-4 steam locomotive in action. If you would like to view the video and are a Model Railroader subscriber, please log in below. […]
Walthers HO USRA 2-10-2 This massive HO USRA 2-10-2 is a big brute of a steam locomotive, designed for mainline freight ser-vice. Part of Walthers’ Proto 2000 Heritage Collection, it offers classic good looks and a powerful new mechanism capable of hauling prototype-length trains. Though it can negotiate curves as sharp as 18″ radius, the […]
Athearn N Challenger 4-6-6-4 For N scale fans of big articulated steam locomotives, what’s more exciting than a 1:160-proportion Challenger 4-6-6-4? How about one equipped with realistic onboard sound. The Challenger is the first DCC-and-sound-equipped N scale steamer in Athearn’s product line. The model’s dual-mode decoder, manufactured by Model Rectifier Corp., provides controllable sound effects […]
Electronics Solutions Ulm’s ECoS digital control system With two built-in throttles, a long list of features, an LCD touch screen, and ample possibilities for expansion, Electronic Solutions Ulm’s new ECoS digital control system is the most complete digital single-unit controller we’ve tested. Not only is it capable of sending commands in multiple formats (Digital Command […]
Atlas N code 80 wye turnouts An MR quick lookPrice: $10.50 (Custom-Line), $11.50 (Standard Manual), $17.50 (Standard Remote) ManufacturerAtlas Model Railroad Co.378 Florence Ave.Hillside, NJ 07205www.atlasrr.com Description: N scale turnouts with plastic ties and nickel-silver rail Comments: These easy-to-install wye turnouts are the latest additions to the Atlas code 80 N scale track line. The […]
An MR quick lookPrice: $44.95 ManufacturerWm. K. Walthers, Inc.P.O. Box 3039Milwaukee, WI 53201www.walthers.com Description: ready-to-run plastic and metal model Comments: A highly detailed parlor car based on Pullman plan 3416 is now available for HO scale passenger service. Parlor cars offered more space and more luxurious daytime accommodations than regular coaches. The model has rooftop […]
IN THE MIDST of the Great Depression, America’s railroads turned to fast trains to draw the public back to rail travel. In the Midwest, the Chicago & North Western was preparing to launch high-speed service between Chicago and Minneapolis. The Milwaukee Road’s response was to create a fast, reliable, and stylish express train. The name […]
AS THE REVIEW of the locomotive noted, the first car set for Hiawatha service was built in 1935. A second series of cars was built in 1937, and demand for the Hiawatha service was so dramatic that in 1938 a third group was built and entered service in 1939. There were several significant changes between […]
YEARS AGO, before joining CLASSIC TOY TRAINS magazine, I was an Air Force transportation officer. I found myself on a staff-assistance visit to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and stumbled upon a weed-choked rail yard full of diesels in varying shades of faded Air Force blue. Baldwins, Whitcombs, Plymouths, Alcos, you name it. There they […]
