WalthersMainline HO cylindrical covered hopper A 59-foot cylindrical covered hopper has been added to the WalthersMainline family of HO scale products. The ready-to-run car features an injection-molded plastic body with separate end sheets and one-piece end cages. The underbody is a separate piece with freestanding outlet gates and brake appliances. North of the border. The […]
Woodland Scenics HO scale Just Plug Police Car Price: $29.99 Manufacturer Woodland Scenics P.O. Box 98 Linn Creek, MO 65052 www.woodlandscenics.com Era: 1940s to 1950s Comments: As a modeler who has burned out more lightbulbs and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) than he has successfully wired, I was pleased when Woodland Scenics came out with its Just […]
Fox Valley Models N scale 7-post boxcar Price: $19.95 Manufacturer Fox Valley Models P.O. Box 1970 Des Plaines, IL 60017 www.foxvalleymodels.com Era: 1964 to present Road names: Wisconsin Central, Burlington Northern, BNSF Ry. (post-2005 scheme), Great Northern (Glacier Green), Montana Rail Link, Soo Line (three paint schemes). Three road numbers per scheme. Comments: Fox Valley […]
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, […]
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 […]
Kato N scale SDP40F diesel locomotive Price: Direct-current, $125; with ESU LokSound Digital Command Control and sound, $250 Manufacturer Kato USA Inc. 100 Remington Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173 www.katousa.com Era: 1988 to 1994 (as decorated) Road names: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (three road numbers) and BNSF Ry./Maersk (one number) Comments: Yes, we reviewed the […]
Wheels of Time HO 62-foot bulkhead flatcar Price: Bulkhead flat: $38.95; 3-pack, $116.85; 12-pack, $467.40. Plain deck (no bulkheads): $35.95; 3-pack, $107.85; 6-pack, $215.70. Manufacturer Wheels of Time P.O. Box 846 Mountain View, CA 94042 www.wheelsotime.com Era: 1966 to 1998 (as decorated) Road names: With bulkheads: Southern Pacific, Golden West Service, St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton […]
MTH HO scale New York City subway cars The MTH model includes working headlight, marker lights, and local and express indicators. The lead car in the four-car set is powered and houses the Digital Command System and Proto-Sound 3.0 electronics. The unpowered cars have a rudimentary interior and overhead lighting. Next stop, Dyer Avenue! You […]
Bachmann HO scale SoundValue USRA light 4-6-2 Pacific The HO scale model features many separate detail parts, including wire handrails and metal running gear. A SoundTraxx decoder and speaker are in the tender. A passenger workhorse of the steam era joins Bachmann Trains’ HO scale SoundValue lineup with this United States Railway Administration (USRA) light […]
