SWOON FOR MAROON: Lehigh Valley F3s return to the MTH Premier line with the no. 20-20401 F3 A-B-A set. The O gauge outfit features can-style motors, coil couplers, directional lighting, a smoke unit, and ProtoSound 3.0. The set will operate on O-31 curves. The current MTH catalog also lists the nos. 20402-1 Great Northern, 20403-1 Lackawanna, and 20404-1 Soo Line A-B-A sets, each of which is priced at $799.95. Matching unpowered B units cost $199.95. Go to www.mthtrains.com to see the entire product line.
GREENER ACRES: The latest fully assembled and detailed O gauge wood structure from Menards is the Red Barn. It features a rigid plastic base, exterior LED lights, traditional barn signage, and farm figures such as cows and Jack the German shepherd. LEDs are powered by a 4.5-volt AC adaptor (not included). The structure measures 11 x 6 inches, and is 7 inches high. The barn is $79.99 and will be available through www.menards.com in July and in Menards stores this fall.
RIGHTSIZED 44-TONNER: Williams by Bachmann has unveiled a prototype of its new 1:48 scale General Electric 44-ton diesel switcher. This locomotive, owned by countless shortline and industrial railroads, offered thrifty freight operations and unparalleled visibility for the crew. The O gauge model features a die-cast metal frame and trucks, dual flywheel-equipped motors, LED lighting, and a TrueBlast Plus polyphonic sound system with prime mover, horn, and bell sounds. The switcher measures 9 inches from coupler to coupler and is 31/3 inches tall. The first four road names are Denver & Rio Grande Western, Pennsylvania, Santa Fe, and Southern Ry., for $399.95 each. To track model availability go to www.bachmanntrains.com.
