Bachmann K-27 locomotive

Dave Goodson 1:20.3 scale, gauge 1, K-27 2-8-2Bachmann Industries1400 E. Erie AvenuePhiladelphia PA 19124Price: $1,400Web site: www.bachmanntrains.com Plastic and metal model of D&RGW K-27 2-8-2; illuminated headlight, classification lights, cab light, firebox; DCC and sound ready; knuckle and hook-and-loop couplers provided; review sample, #83097-pre-wreck Nº 455, green boiler; 19V Pittmann motor with flywheel; engineer and […]

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MTH Electric Trains HO Erie Triplex

MTH Electric Trains HO Erie Triplex

MTH Electric Trains HO Erie Triplex One of the more unusual prototypes to grace North American rails is now available to HO modelers. The 2-8-8-8-2 Triplex is the second HO scale offering from MTH Electric Trains. An accurate replica of the prototype, the model operates with realistic sound in DC, Digital Command Control (DCC), and […]

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Bachmann K-27 locomotive modifications

Don’t miss these cosmetic fixes for the K-27! Dave Goodson To do this modification, you must lock #1 and #4 axles! Photo 1 shows the magnets in place (set them where you want them), and the screws pre-threaded into the lower firebox holes provided. Dave Goodson Photo 2 shows a Sierra reed attached to the […]

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Video Extra: Norfolk & Western Steam

Steam locomotive pointed away from camera

In the Spring 2008 issue of Classic Trains we look at the last weeks of steam on the N&W. See three clips of N&W 0-8-0’s and 2-8-8-2’s in action from the Herron Rail Video program Pocahontas Glory, Vol. 6. Norfolk & Western Steam – Episode 1 Norfolk & Western Steam – Episode 2 Norfolk & […]

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Video Extra: Norfolk & Western Steam

Steam locomotive pointed away from camera

In the Spring 2008 issue of Classic Trains we look at the last weeks of steam on the N&W. See three clips of N&W 0-8-0’s and 2-8-8-2’s in action from the Herron Rail Video program Pocahontas Glory, Vol. 6. Norfolk & Western Steam – Episode 1 Norfolk & Western Steam – Episode 2 Norfolk & […]

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Customize your Bachmann K-27 with these modifications

Dave Goodson Note: These modifications are optional. They do not change the runability or performance of the locomotive. Modification #1: Front couplerThe couplers that come installed with some of these locomotives are short-shank units. The front coupler, if the jaw is open, has about a 1″ throw, side-to-side. With the jaw closed, it is about […]

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Atlas O Industrial Rail 4-4-2 Atlantic

Atlas O Industrial Rail 4-4-2 Atlantic

The new Industrial Rail 4-4-2 Atlantic by Atlas O is the firm’s first attempt to bring a nicely detailed, smoothly operating steam locomotive to the O gauge entry-level market. Its direct competition in the marketplace is Lionel’s 4-4-2 starter set and MTH’s old RailKing 2-6-0 starter set. All three are designed to provide a reliable, […]

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Lionel’s O gauge Hogwarts Express Train Set

We’re amidst another pop-culture craze, this one involving the adventures of a group of young student wizards. I’ve never seen the Harry Potter movies or read the books, but to me, the important thing about Lionel’s new O gauge Hogwarts Express set, based on the train from the movies, is that it is tied into […]

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MTH RailKing O gauge 2-8-0 starter set

EVEN CONSIDERING THE fact that most kids (and adults) have never gotten closer to a steam locomotive than, say, an episode of Petticoat Junction, a steam-powered starter set is tough to beat. The visual elements of moving side rods and puffing smoke, combined with the gift-giving mood around the holidays, make a steam-engine starter set […]

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Accucraft’s K-37 locomotive

Kevin Strong 1:20.3 scale, gauge 1, ready-to-run 2-8-2Accucraft Trains33268 Central Ave.Union City CA 94587Price: $3,685Web site: www.accucraft.com Brass and steel model of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad’s famous K-37 steam locomotive; electrically powered; minimum radius, 4′ (8′ diameter). Dimensions: length, 43″; width: 6.25″; height 8.25″. In 1:20.3, this works out to 72’9″ x […]

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