For the first time in plastic, ready-to- run models representing Union Pacific’s first two classes of 4-6-6-4 Challenger locomotives are available in HO scale from Athearn Trains. Part of the firm’s Genesis series, these steam locomotives feature prototype-specific detail that rivals brass models. No shelf queens, these locomotives are also available with an ESU LokSound […]
Accurail HO scale 36-foot Fowler boxcar The Accurail HO scale Fowler boxcar kit includes an enhanced underframe with KC brake detail. Price: $17.98 Manufacturer Accurail Inc. P.O. Box 278 Elburn, IL 60119 www.accurail.com Era: 1910s to 1950s Road names: Soo Line; Baltimore & Ohio; Bangor & Aroostook; Canadian National; Canadian Pacific; Chicago Great Western; Erie; […]
Walthers HO scale Plymouth ML-8 with ESU LokPilot DCC Chassis with cab and hood removed It wasn’t long ago that we reviewed the Plymouth ML-8 locomotive from WalthersMainline (June 2017). But Walthers has reissued the switcher equipped with an ESU LokPilot Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder, so we put this version through its paces. The […]
Bachmann HO Sound Value Baldwin 2-8-0 Removing the plastic tender shell reveals the Sound Value decoder and speaker. A wiring harness connects the decoder to the locomotive’s electronics. The Bachmann locomotive includes working front and rear knuckle couplers. Details include well-defined rivet seams, a coal load, and a separately applied tender ladder. A steam-era freight […]
PIKO America SmartControl WiFi DCC system Touchscreen train control via a Smartphone app over a WiFi connection has been around for several years now. What I miss when using my smartphone as a throttle, though, is that my smartphone isn’t a throttle. PIKO America has taken the app-control concept to the next level with its […]
Walthers N scale EMD SW1200 diesel Electro-Motive Division’s SW1200 was its last switcher powered by the 567-series diesel engine, and Walthers has re-released the model in N scale in seven paint schemes. The direct-current (DC) models are equipped with Micro-Trains couplers and are upgraded to accept Digitrax or Train Control Systems Digital Command Control (DCC) […]
Kato HO scale Amtrak Superliner II transition sleeper Price: $90 Manufacturer Kato USA Inc. 100 Remington Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173 www.katousa.com Era: 2002 to present (as decorated) Road name: Amtrak (Phase 6 [also known as phase 4b] paint scheme). Comments: Kato has released a new run of HO scale Amtrak Superliner II passenger equipment, including […]
Atlas Master Line N scale EMD GP7 A tried-and-true N scale model of one of the most popular early diesel-electric locomotives has been upgraded with the addition of an NCE Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder. Atlas Model RR Co. is also issuing its N scale Electro-Motive Division GP7 road switcher in new road names. History. […]
On our sound-equipped sample, the Tsunami2 decoder is mounted above the motor and flywheels. Lighting leads run from decoder to bulbs in the body shell. Athearn Trains has added an ES44DC version of its HO scale GEVO locomotive to its top-of-the-line Genesis series. In addition to capturing the subtle external differences between the DC and […]
Kato N scale Johnstown America BethGon protein gondola Price: Eight-pack, $155 Manufacturer Kato USA Inc. 100 Remington Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173 www.katousa.com Road names: Wells Fargo Rail Corp. (SBTX reporting marks) and Burlington Northern. Two eight-packs per name. Era: April/May 2009 to present Comments: Bring the modern era to your N scale layout with protein […]
ScaleTrains.com HO scale covered hopper A Greenbrier (Gunderson) 5,188- cubic-foot-capacity covered hopper has been added to the ScaleTrains.com HO scale Rivet Counter line. The modern three-bay hopper is offered in four body styles. It features see-through stainless steel running boards and crossover platforms, prototype-specific hatch covers and outlet gates, and American Steel Foundries Ride-Control trucks […]
Walthers HO scale 50-foot refrigerator car Price: $27.98 Manufacturer Wm. K. Walthers Inc. 5601 W. Florist Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53218 www.walthers.com Era: 1963 to 1974 (as decorated) Road names: Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Canadian Pacific; Erie Lackawanna; Milwaukee Road; Pacific Fruit Express (Southern Pacific and Union Pacific heralds); and Santa Fe Refrigerated Despatch. Two road […]
