Recently Model Railroader senior editor Dana Kawala had a chance to examine and operate a preproduction sample of Walthers new HO scale Plymouth ML-8 switcher. The model includes a SoundTraxx Digital Command Control (DCC) motor decoder with a CurrentKeeper capacitor system. See the switcher in action as it works a yard on the Model Railroader […]
The Athearn Trains HO scale Southern Pacific SD40 features prototypical details and realistic sound effects thanks to a Ready to Roll SoundTraxx decoder. Watch the diesel locomotive model as it hauls a freight train on the Model Railroader staff’s Milwaukee, Racine & Troy model train layout. […]
Spring Mills Depot HO wagontop hopper An AB brake system with metal piping highlights the details that include metal grab irons and plastic and metal ladders. The hopper is available in several different versions, including this early postwar scheme. The Baltimore & Ohio wagontop hoppers are rounded up and heading out. These transition-era covered hoppers […]
WalthersMainline HO Plymouth ML-8 switcher Small switchers, such as this Plymouth ML-8 modeled by Walthers, toiled away for decades at various trackside industries and railroad shops. The WalthersMainline model captures the look of its prototype “critter” and features impressive power for such a diminutive locomotive. The model is available in direct-current (DC) or Digital Command […]
Athearn HO Southern Pacific EMD SD40 diesel locomotive The Southern Pacific SD40 features many prototype specific details and see-through fan grills. Second-generation diesel modelers looking for a heavy-duty six-axle road engine would do well to take a look at Athearn’s new Electro-Motive Division SD40. The model has prototype-specific details, wire grab irons, see-through fan grills, […]
No. 83071 remote FEATURES: 1 POWER LIGHT 2 ON/OFF SWITCH 3 THROTTLE 4 HORN 5 UNCOUPLER 6 UNCOUPLER 7 BELL PRICE: $49.99 Lionel’s LionChief and later LionChief Plus command-control systems signaled a revolutionary approach to digital operation of trains. LionChief is a basic way to start and stop trains, control speed and direction, and trigger […]
O gauge AEM7 electric locomotive from MTH Electric Trains Price: $459.95 (no. 20-5688-1) Min Curve: O-42 Cmd Low: 1.8 smph Cnv Low: 4.02 smph High: 68.9 smph Drawbar pull: 1 lb., 3 oz. Features: Two can-style motors, ProtoSound 3.0 command and sound system, coil couplers Current production road names: Amtrak (two livery variations), SEPTA, and […]
THREE O GAUGE BUILT-&-READY SHEDS FROM WOODLAND SCENICS Price: $41.99 each (nos. BR5856, BR5857, and BR5858) Footprint: BR5856 tin shack approx. 2½ x 3½ inches, BR5857 work shed approx. 3¾ x 3½ inches, BR 5858 wood shack approx. 3¾ x 2½ inches Features: Fully assembled and weathered. Personalization is one thing that makes an O […]
Chicago-America’s Railroad Capital Kalmbach Publishing, P.O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612. Approx. 60 minutes kalmbachhobbystore.com Generations of railfans have been impressed at the magnitude of railroad operations in and around the Windy City. Currently, the Chicago area sees 25 percent of US rail traffic and almost half of the nation’s intermodal shipments. Chicagoland, of course, […]
An Electro-Motive Division E7A passenger diesel joins the Bachmann Trains’ SoundValue line of HO scale locomotives. This detailed model features a dual-mode SoundTraxx decoder. See the E7A in action hauling a passenger train along the main line of the Model Railroader staff’s Milwaukee, Racine & Troy layout. […]
Digitrax Evolution advanced DCC starter set Digitrax adds another advanced command station, the DCS210, and a new DT500 throttle to its Digital Command Control (DCC) lineup. The new throttle and command station are also key components of the firm’s Evolution DCC starter set. [Another new Digitrax product, the DCS240 advanced command station, was reviewed in […]
Bachmann SoundValue HO scale EMD E7A Our review sample is sharply decorated in the Pennsyvlania RR Tuscan five-stripe paint scheme. Separate detail parts include handrails, horns, and windshield wipers. For those modeling passenger service in the last half of the 20th century, General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division E-units are essential. This EMD E7A from Bachmann Trains […]
