MAJESTY IN MOTION: Atlas O’s much anticipated F7 diesels have arrived, and these are some of the most striking locomotives to ride the three-rails. The O gauge models have two can-style motors, a die-cast metal chassis, and a smoke unit. A-units include a scale pilot and operate on O-36 or wider-diameter track. B units require O-45 or wider-diameter track. The Lionel TrainMaster-equipped models are compatible with Lionel’s Legacy command-control system and have cruise commander speed control from the Electric Railroad Co. Current run road names include Amtrak, Erie-Lackawanna, Milwaukee Road, Pennsylvania RR, Rio Grande, and Santa Fe (shown left). Undecorated units are also available. Powered units cost $499.95, while unpowered units sell for $219.95. See your Atlas O retailer or go to www.atlaso.com for more information.
TURN THE LIGHT ON: The first new Classic Toy Trains billboard in decades is available now. The illuminated sign is powered by your track power or transformer and is made by Town & Country Hobbies. The design is an iconic Lionel postwar F3 diesel. The sign costs $10 plus shipping. This is a perfect item for any O or S gauge railroad. Order online at the Kalmbach Hobby Store at https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/product/layout-accesory/69014.
BUILD YOUR CONTAINER FLEET: Menards has introduced the first container car for its O gauge lineup. The no. 279-3688 17-inch-long double-stack intermodal car (with two containers) features metal trucks, add-on car detailing, and two containers with graphics for Yang Ming (a Taiwanese shipping firm). The car cost $49.99 plus shipping or in the no. 279-3689 four-pack for $179.96 plus shipping. Order online at www.menards.com and select free shipping to your local Menards store.
HOW THE NATION ONCE MOVED PARCELS: The Railway Express Agency was how significant quantities of less-than-carload traffic once moved around the U.S. The American Heritage Models product line has introduced a series of five O gauge-compatible die-cast metal Railway Express and REA Express vehicles available as set no. AHM-SET-REA. The set includes three step-vans (two Railway Express Agency and one REA Express) and two REA Express cargo trucks (one green and one gray) for $79.95. The vehicles are also available separately for $19.95 each. Order at www.diecastdirect.com.
