Pullman-Standard PS-2CD 4427 three-bay covered hopper Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $54.99 Era: 1964 to 1980s (varies based on paint scheme) Manufacturer: ExactRail, 525 E. 1860 S., Provo, UT 84606, 866-945-1701, exactrail.com Features: CNC-machined 36” metal wheelsets ExactRail 100-ton ASF Ride Control trucks Injection-molded plastic body and underbody Kadee no. 58 scale couplers Minimum radius: 22” […]
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Cody Grivno explains what the part is for on this model in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions on parts of model railroad equipment, or would you like to learn more about prototype trains? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular video feature of Trains.com for magazine subscribers and […]
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Johnstown America BethGon coal gondola Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Five-pack, $234.99 Era: 1990s to 2000s (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822, 800-338-4639, athearn.com Features: Injection-molded plastic body Separate, factory-installed brake wheel, wire grab irons, and etched-metal crossover platforms 36” machined metal RP-25 contour wheels Body-mounted McHenry scale couplers […]
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40-foot high-cube intermodal container Scale: O (1:48) Price: $26.95; eight-pack, $215.60 Era: Present day Manufacturer: Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205, 908-687-0880, shop.atlasrr.com Features: Detailed door rods, landing pads, and corner posts Based on International Organization for Standardization Type 45G1 Available fourth quarter 2022 Road Names: ZIM (Z Factor, brown and […]
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Guide to Electro-Motive E and F units Book: Guide to Electro-Motive E and F units Author: Jeff Wilson Price: $27.99 Manufacturer: Kalmbach Media, 21027 Crossroads Circle, P.O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612, 262-796-8776, KalmbachHobbyStore.com Topics covered: How E and F units came to be Introduction to freight Post-war passenger boom Freight dieselization Demise of E […]
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Big Boy locomotive models: Union Pacific’s 25-strong fleet of 4-8-8-4 Big Boy steam locomotives evoke images of fast freight, vast Western scenes, and the pinnacle of steam railroading in North America during and just after World War II. Model makers over the years have helped model railroaders capture the essence of that special 1940s to […]
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As the author of Model Railroader’s “Ask MR” column, I get a lot of questions from readers. Usually I either know the answers or at least where I can find the answers for them. Sometimes, though, I get a question that stirs my imagination and prompts me to compose a more involved response. Such was […]
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Power-LOC figure eight expander set Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $59.98 Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218, 414-527-0770, walthers.com Power-LOC figure eight expander set features: Nickel silver rail, brown ties, and gray plastic roadbed Snaps together without tools or rail joiners Set includes two 9” straight sections, six 18” radius […]
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Diesel servicing kits Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Diesel sanding tower, $17.98; Modern diesel fueling facility, $37.98 Era: 1950s to present (sanding tower); present day (modern diesel fueling facility) Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218, 414-527-0770, walthers.com Diesel sanding tower features: Injection-molded plastic kit Detailed safety cage ladder and supply […]
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Funnel-Flow tank car Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $49.98 Era: 1973 to present (era varies depending on paint scheme). Manufacturer: Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., 5601 W. Florist Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218, 414-527-0770, walthers.com Funnel-Flow tank car features: Etched-metal walkways and platforms Factory-installed grab irons Train pipe and brake rigging underbody details Prototype-specific manway and safety valve […]
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Cody Grivno answers “Where can I find information on the correct style and size of lettering for specific railroads?” in this video of Ask Trains. Do you have questions about re-lettering your model trains, or would you like to know more about prototype railroading? Send us an email at: AskTrains@trains.com ………………………………… Ask Trains is a regular […]
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Burlington Northern caboose prototype: If you’ve been involved with model railroading for a while, you’ve most likely heard the expression “There’s a prototype for everything.” On my way to the National Model Railroad Association Thousand Lakes Region convention in Grand Forks, N.D. back in 2004, I made a stop in Hillsboro, N.D. The community of […]
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