Engines & rolling stock
USA Trains, PO Box 100, Malden MA 02148, offers Christmas-themed items: The “Santa Express Railroad” GP38-2 diesel locomotive (R22234, $559.95) and two versions of a 2019 Christmas Refrigerator Car (R13037), $119.95; with lights and sound, (R13037S), $209.95). Website: usatrains.com
Accucraft, 3260 Central Ave, Union City CA 94587, has announced three new live-steam engines. The first is a London and North Eastern Railway Class B1 4-6-0 in 1:32 scale. This engine will be alcohol fired and available in both kit and R-T-R versions. Price: $3,800 (kit) and $4,600 (R-T-R). Price: The second engine is Sabrina, an 0-4-0ST in 1:19 scale. Sabrina will be butane fired and available in four colors. Price: $1,100. Last but not least is Talgarth, an 0-4-0T in 1:19 scale. Talgarth will also be butane fired and available in three colors. Price: $1,100. See the website for more information. Website: accucraft.com
The Train Department, 26 Coral Dr, Hazlet, NJ 07730, has partnered with Bowande UK to produce an M7 Class tank engine in live steam. It will feature a butane ceramic burner and Stephenson link valve gear. It expected to be delivered by the end of the year. Price: $1,995. Website: thetraindepartment.com
Details & accessories
Noch has released fir trees in four different heights: 25, 30, 35, and 40 cm. It is available in regular fir (#68036, 68037, 68038, 68039) and a snowy fir (#68046, 68047, 68048, 68049) version. The manufacturer notes that the trees are not suitable for outdoor use. Visit your local hobby shop or their website at noch.de
USA Trains, PO Box 100, Malden MA 02148, released a Christmas Operating Shanty (R1940C). The structure has new graphics and an improved fan-driven smoke unit which simulates the smoke from a pot belly stove. It also includes a Santa figure. Price: $169.95. The firm also has two kinds of smoke fluid: unscented (for use with the shanty, R50003) and Christmas pine (R50005). Price: $17.95. Website: usatrains.com
Books and media
Kalmbach Media, PO Box 1612, Waukesha WI 53187-1612, has Great Train Stations, a new special issue from Classic Trains magazine. This 108-page publication explores the enduring beauty of big city train stations from railroading’s golden age, and includes maps, floor plans, and rare color photos. Price: $11.99. Website: KalmbachHobbyStore.com
Gardening
Garden Works, 3680 SW 74th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474, has Comfort Pro gardening gloves made from washable synthetic leather. These longer-style gloves feature padded knuckles and palms, and have reinforced fingertips for extra protection and durability. Price: $35.95. The Pro Grip gloves have a textured foam latex palm for added gripping power. Price: $9.95. The Bamboo Fit gloves have a bamboo seamless liner for breathability. Price: $9.95. Website: gardenworksusa.com
Fiskars Brands, Inc. offers a Stand-up Weed Puller (#339950). This 39” tool prevents the need to kneel, and its four serrated claws grab weeds and roots for easy removal. Price: $52.99. Fiskars also sells Multipurpose Garden Snips (#399220). This cutting tool has stainless steel blades can cut wire, twine, boxes, bags, and more. Price: $24.99. See your local retailer or visit Fiskars.com.
