Rapido HO lightweight passenger cars These new HO passenger cars from Rapido Trains are among the best-detailed mass-produced models we’ve ever seen. Each plastic model comes assembled and ready-to-run with McHenry magnetic knuckle couplers, interior and underbody details, lighting, removable marker lights, and an end gate across the vestibule. The two samples reviewed here are […]
Walthers HO 2-8-4 Berkshire with sound This classic Nickel Plate 2-8-4 Berkshire by Walthers is an accurate, medium-sized locomotive that delivers smooth performance with excellent sound. It’s an upgraded version of the Life-Like Proto 2000 model that was reviewed in the March 2004 Model Railroader. The new model includes different prototype-specific details and a dual-mode […]
As model railroading moves deeper into the digital era, manufacturers are offering more opportunities for hobbyists to improve their equipment via software and/or hardware updates. One of the newest update packages is from QSI, manufacturer of the Quantum DC/Digital Command Control (DCC) sound systems found in many new locomotives from Atlas, Broadway Limited, Life-Like, and […]
Athearn’s model has a highly detailed plastic superstructure that’s nearly filled with a two-piece weight that supports and encloses the mechanism. Precision Craft’s locomotive is made of die-cast metal with excellent detail throughout. This model includes a smoke unit and engine crew. Two impressive new HO scale models of the Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 […]
N MRC and Aztec sound and DCC system The wait is over for N scale modelers who’ve been dreaming of miniature sound decoders for Digital Command Control (DCC) operation. Model Rectifier Corp. (MRC) has teamed up with Aztec Manufacturing to offer a one-two punch for easy installation of a DCC sound decoder in most Atlas […]
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Walthers HO Proto 2000 EMD GP20 with sound and DCC A high-nose version of Electro-Motive Division’s GP20 road switcher is now available in the Proto 2000 series from Walthers. The ready-to-run HO scale model is offered with and without Digital Command Control (DCC) and QSI Quantum sound, and it features railroad-specific detailing. Though production of […]
Walthers HO AT&SF heavyweight chair car The distinctive look of Santa Fe heavyweight passenger cars is accurately represented in this HO chair car from Walthers. The assembled car includes a detailed interior, six-wheel trucks with metal wheels and sideframes for electrical pickup, and a removable clerestory roof to allow installation of a lighting kit (not […]
Broadway Limited HO F7 A ready-to-run sound-equipped HO replica of Electro-Motive Division’s classic bulldog-nosed F7 has been released by Broadway Limited Imports. The hard-pulling, well-detailed model also features a dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder that operates on DC or DCC layouts. The prototype. Electro-Motive manufactured approximately 7,500 Fs, starting with the FT in 1939 […]
SoundTraxx HO Tsunami DCC decoder The Tsunami line of 16-bit DC/DCC sound decoders from SoundTraxx is the latest group of sound systems to join the HO scale market, and it’s a formidable entry. Its very robust set of features includes 22 steam sounds and a full range of motor and other operating controls. The decoder […]
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