BIG RED: MTH’s Premier line of Electro-Motive Division SD9043MAC diesel locomotives includes the Indiana Rail Road paint scheme. The Indiana-based carrier operates approximately 225 miles of track formerly owned by the Illinois Central or the Milwaukee Road. The line also operates between Chicago and Louisville through trackage rights or haulage agreements. This O gauge model, no. 20-20296-1, features two can-style motors, coil couplers, and MTH’s ProtoSound 3.0 sound and command system, and it costs $459.95. See your MTH retailer or go www.mthtrains.com for more information.
S-Helper parts and repair: Dave’s Twacks & Twains has purchased the parts inventory and shop tools from the former S-Helper Service repair department. The sale includes all the remaining parts from the Cliffwood, N.J., facility as well as the shop tools and fixtures.
The shop owners anticipate being ready with SHS parts as well as repair and customer service on March 1, 2013. The service will include repairs to all S-Helper items, along with DCC and sound installs.
For more information on parts or repairs, go to www.davestnt.com.
MIXTURE OF BUSINESSES: The second run of O scale Built-&-Ready landmark structures from Woodland Scenics is in stores now. Shown are the no. BR5844 Corner Emporium (top) and the Deuce’s Bike Shop (above). Both structures are already assembled and painted and feature intricate detailing on the structures and add-on details around the building. The illuminated structures come ready to connect with your layout’s power supply. The Corner Emporium is priced at $139.99, and the Bike Shop costs $149.95. See your hobby retailer or go to www.woodlandscenics.com for more information.
FREIGHT FROM THE NORTHERN TIER: The Northern Michigan Railroad Club is offering a custom-run Escanaba & Lake Superior RR 50-foot plug-door boxcar. Available in three road numbers, the O gauge car has three-rail die-cast metal trucks and couplers and is made by Weaver Models and custom-decorated by Buffalo Creek Graphics. Cars are $67 each, or $190 for a three-car set. Shipping is $10 for one car, $12 for two, and $14 for a three-car set. Michigan residents add 6 percent tax. A custom-run O gauge Manistee & Northeastern 40-foot boxcar produced for the club is also available for $64 or $185 for a three-car set. You can download an order form at www.nmrrc.org and send the completed sheet, with payment, to Don Wrobel, 7973 S. Shoreside Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684.
THE ROUTE OF SMOOTH SAILING: The Maine 3-Railers are advertising an O gauge boxcar with graphics for the Maine Eastern RR. The Maine Eastern operates freight and tourist service on approximately 70 miles of state-owned right-of-way. The car is made by Weaver Models and features a colorful paint scheme, 1:48 scale detailing, and die-cast metal trucks and couplers. It costs $69 plus $10 shipping. Send check or money order payable to the Maine 3-Railers to Peter Hanson, 21 Norway Dr., Chelsea, ME 04330-1023; call 207-622-4256, or email pvhan@roadrunner.com.
LONG HAULER: The Atlas Trainman line offers a handy O gauge car for hauling plywood, lumber, pipes, or any long object needing end support. The 62-foot bulkhead flatcar is available undecorated and in BNSF, Canadian Pacific (Shown), Illinois Central, Trailer Train, and Union Pacific road names for $46.95 each. The car has side-stake pockets, simulated tie-loops, and die-cast metal trucks and couplers. To see the entire Atlas O gauge line, go to www.atlaso.com.
JUMBOTRONIC FREIGHTER: Add the New York Central to the lineup of road names for the famed Schnabel flatcar by MTH. The no. 20-98918 car is 26 inches long and has 1:48 scale detailing and die-cast metal trucks and couplers. You’ll need O-72 or wider-diameter track to operate it. The car costs $119.95. See your hobby retailer or go to www.mthtrains.com for more information.
FUN – FLYER STYLE: Diane’s Attic offers reproduction circus trucks and wagons ready to be loaded on your American Flyer flatcar of choice. Trucks and wagons are made of plastic and have moving wheels. The pieces come in a variety of colors and can be bought individually for $35 per truck or wagon or as a set for $95, plus shipping. Order from Diane’s Attic, Box 1221, Hebron, OH 43025; call 740-928-0031 or order online at www.dianesattic.net.
A BOOK OF BIG POWER: Classic Toy Trains contributor Stan Trzoniec had released his latest volume of railroad photography: Prime Mover! The Diesel Locomotive in America. He presents the story of the modern locomotive through its evolution by Alco, Baldwin, and Fairbanks-Morse, along with giants Electro-Motive and General Electric. The 260-page book features more than 200 color and black-and-white photos and costs $100 plus $5 shipping. Order direct from Stan online at
www.outdoorphotographics.com or by mail from Outdoor Photo Graphics, 562 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
www.outdoorphotographics.com or by mail from Outdoor Photo Graphics, 562 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
