I purchased the DCC-equipped version of Bachmann’s HO scale EMD GP40 diesel locomotive as a replacement for the DC models that came with each of my Bachmann McKinley Explorer starter sets when the GP40 from the older set began to lurch along the track while running under DC power. Bachmann offers this model in several […]
Athearn HO scale SD70ACe diesel locomotive I just received my Athearn Genesis SD70ACes this week. Wow! For me, Christmas came early, literally! These units were not due until mid-to-late December. The Model Railroader review of the MTH SD70Ace, by Dana Kawala, has the history and numbers behind this locomotive model from EMD which first hit […]
Atlas HO dash 8-40C diesel Locomotive I just purchased two Atlas Series Dash 8-40C diesel electric locomotives in Direct-Current version in Union Pacific colors. I went shopping for a mixture of second and third generation Union Pacific motive power to handle coal trains and manifest freight cars on my Bayou Division, since UP has trackage […]
AnyRail Track Planning Software (screen shot) In designing my current layout, I wanted to move away from hand drawing track plans with all the attendant problems involved with making changes, edits, etc. I looked at several track-planning software products but found them too complicated for my needs and level of skill. Much like my attitude […]
Sievers Benchwork I was looking for benchwork that was easy to assemble. Siever’s Benchwork is a regular advertiser in Model Railroader, so I figured it had to be a good product. When I received the benchwork, it looked nice, it was sturdy, and it could possibly be transportable (modular capability). It’s nice that the benchwork […]
Atlas HO scale GP40-2 diesel locomotive The third run of Atlas GP40-2s has arrived and these are the phase 2 versions, which were purchased by roads such as Southern Pacific/ St. Louis Southwestern, Burlington Northern, and others. My review centers on the model of the SP/SSW version. Atlas once again has made a smooth running […]
Bachmann N scale GP40 diesel locomotive I purchased this locomotive to replace an F9-A that came with my N scale starter set when the coupler broke off the F9. It runs at low speeds with my DC power pack, but could derail if placed on anything sharper than a 9¾-inch radius curve. In order to […]
Proto 2000 HO scale GP-18 The Proto 2000 GP-18 is a great model to have. It features eight-wheel electrical pick-up, separately applied grab irons, lift rings, m.u. hoses and many more details. The engine has a fairly powerful Proto 2000 motor with a lot of weight for improved performance. The model is priced at about […]
Just when you think things can’t get any better, they do! Allow me to back up just a bit. One aspect of our hobby that I really enjoy is building all kinds of bridges. Big bridges, small bridges, wood, metal or “other” construction all get my attention. I’m always on the lookout for new bridge […]
Micro Mark HO scale Wheel Tuner For around $10, I can’t think of anything that improves the rolling characteristics of freight cars better. I’ve recently upgraded some of my older rolling stock to metal wheelsets. Invariably the replacements are slightly different in width causing some binding, similarly some RTR stuff also has varying degrees of […]
Unpainted Atlas HO scale RSD-12 diesel locomotive Blane Pebesma The Atlas RSD-12 has some detail; molded-on grab irons, separately applied brake wheel, clear window glazing, places for M.U. hoses, and it sells for about $70.00. Although this model is a discontinued product, it has a Kato motor, twelve-wheel electrical pick-up, twelve-wheel drive, non-directional headlights, and […]
Athearn Trains HO scale yard tractor Athearn has recently released the Yard Goats, which are used to move Trailer chassis and Trailers from one spot to another in warehouses, container yards, etc. This is a model that has been a long time in the making and the final result is that it is outstanding. Anyone […]
