David has a guest? A virtual guest, that is. But he’s certainly no stranger to MRVP! By way of virtual meeting software, Off The Rails host Gerry Leone checks out the Underground action, lets us know about his new layout progress, and even offers up a great tip. […]
More work on On30 gondola trucks and wheelsets… at least until David gets tripped up by a new coupler installation that doesn’t quite measure up to the NMRA standards. Follow along, as he works out this and other issues in the fine details of his freight car project. […]
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Hitachi Rail has released final designs for a $70 million factory to be built on a 41-acre site in Washington County, Md., which will begin operations by building a 256-car order for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The factory, projected to open in the first quarter of 2024, will employ up […]
MONTREAL — An independent consultant’s inspection requested by VIA Rail Canada management has prompted the company to immediately assign non-revenue buffer cars at the rear of all trains that utilize HEP-1 and HEP-2 stainless steel equipment manufactured more than 60 years ago. The action was taken unilaterally by VIA last week as a safety precaution, […]
SALT LAKE CITY — If you’ve ever wanted your own Comet, here’s your chance. A Comet commuter coach, that is. KSTU-TV reports the Utah Transit Authority is selling its 25 ex-NJ Transit Comet commuter cars at auction. TNT Auction is offering the cars in an online auction through Nov. 1, with an opening bid of […]
Gunderson Auto-Max articulated auto rack Scale: N (1:160) Price: $54.99 Era: 1999+ to 2016+ (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Gunderson Auto-Max articulated auto rack cars feature: Separate, factory-applied brake wheel and brake details Simulated corrugated roof Full articulation with flexible diaphragm Safety striping 70-ton […]
Pullman-Standard 5,277-cubic-foot capacity waffle-side boxcar Scale: N (1:160) Price: $29.99 Era: 1974 to present (depending on scheme) Manufacturer: ExactRail, 525 E. 1860 S., Provo, UT 84606; 866-945-1701; exactrail.com Pullman-Standard 5277 boxcar features: Factory-installed Micro-Trains No. 1015 couplers Body-mounted draft-gear box American Steel Foundries 70-ton Ride Control trucks CNC-machined 33” metal wheelsets Road names: Southern Ry. (1976 […]
MIAMI — With track damage caused by Hurricane Ian flooding in the Kissimmee, Fla., area repaired by CSX maintenance forces, Amtrak is restoring service beyond Jacksonville, Fla., to two New York-Florida trains this weekend. However, the addition of the second “Silver Service” train will result in a net loss of sleeping-car capacity. The Silver Meteor, […]
General Steel Castings 58’-4” depressed-center flatcar with 21-foot long lower deck Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $64.99 Era: 1950s to 1990s (depending on scheme) Manufacturer: ClassOneModelWorks.com, 8610 NW 107th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153; 816-243-0044; ClassOneModelWorks.com General Steel Castings heavy duty flatcar features: Dual-end brake system components See-through etched-metal grating on upper decks as appropriate Road-specific body, […]
Gunderson Auto-Max articulated auto rack Scale: HO (1:87:1) Price: $74.99 Era: 1999+ to 2016+ (varies depending on paint scheme) Manufacturer: Athearn Trains, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; 800-338-4639; athearn.com Gunderson Auto-Max articulated auto rack cars feature: Separate, factory-applied ladders, brake rigging, stirrup steps, and handbrake details Simulated corrugated roof Full articulation with flexible diaphragm […]
Custom-decorated refrigerator cars Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $50 + shipping Manufacturer: Produced by InterMountain Railway Co., available from Three Notch Rail, HOI@hotmail.com, threenotchrail.blogspot.com Features: Based on Pacific Car & Foundry R-70-15 prototype Etched-metal side screens and roofwalk supports 33” InterMountain metal wheelsets Metal knuckle couplers Minimum radius: 22” Release Date: Available now Road name: Sun […]
WASHINGTON — The Federal Transit Administration has announced the availability of $600 million for new subway, light rail, and commuter railcars under its Rail Vehicle Replacement Program, part of $1.5 billion over the next five years under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “One-third of subway and commuter rail vehicles are more than 25 years old,” FTA […]
