Engines & rolling stock
PIKO America, 4610 Alvarado Canyon Rd., Ste. 5, San Diego CA 92120 has three new versions of their GE 25-ton diesels (#38503, #38504, #38505). They are factory-equipped, battery powered locomotives with the PIKO America radio control system. One 8-channel R/C remote is included with each engine. Price: $284.99. Visit piko-america.com for more information.
USA Trains, PO Box 100, Malden MA 02148, released several Halloween-themed pieces of rolling stock, including a bunk car (R18300, $109.95) and three simulated steel boxcars. Two of the boxcars feature glow-in-the-dark graphics. Prices for boxcars: Have a Spooky Halloween (R19120), $109.95; Have a Happy Halloween (R19121), $119.95, and Have a Scary Halloween (R19125), $119.95. Website: usatrains.com.
Electronics & software
Remote Control Systems, PO. Box 578, Casino NSW 2470, Australia, has a new six channel 2.4 GHz receiver available in three types: The Basic (AB-EM or AB-RA, US $27 each), the Live Steam (AB-EM-5v or AB-RA-5v, US $30 each) for engines using 5 volt R/C batteries, and the Live Steam (AB-EM-6v or AB-RA-6v, US $30 each) for engines using 6 volt R/C batteries. Each receiver is available as either End Mount (EM) or Right Angle Mount (RA). All have automatic binding with a failsafe option that can be disabled, and have been designed specifically for live steam radio control and battery R/C. Website: rc-rcs.com
Books and media
Kalmbach Media, PO Box 1612, Waukesha WI 53187-1612, has Big Boy: Western Steam Giants Flashcards. Each card in this set of 36 contain impressive facts, stunning photography, and thrilling trivia about one of America’s biggest and most beloved steam locomotives. Price: $9.99. Website: KalmbachHobbyStore.com
The two-day event is timed to allow for great photos featuring Nevada Northern No. 40. The 1910 Baldwin Locomotive Works product has become an icon of this railroad that is a time capsule of standard gauge Western U.S. railroading in the early 20th Century. The locomotive will pull a mixed train on Saturday, and a passenger train on Sunday while 2-8-0 No. 93 does the honors on a freight. As of May 31, the engine will be sidelined for an undetermined amount of time for the federally required 1,472-day boiler inspection and while the restoration of Nevada Northern 2-8-0 No. 81 is completed later in 2020.
“We are excited to work with Trains Magazine on raising awareness of the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark and especially locomotive 40,” says Mark Bassett, president of the railroad. “Locomotive 40 is in a class by herself,” Bassett explains. “She is an official locomotive of the State of Nevada. While this is her farewell year, like a Phoenix, she will raise again, and be returned to service!”
To ensure the longevity of No. 40, its sister steam locomotives, diesels in the Nevada Northern fleet, and other rolling stock, the railroad has launched the Phoenix Dare to raise money to restore and maintain this amazing preserved railroad. Revenues generated from the photo event will help restore No. 81 and give the railroad the opportunity to bring No. 40 back to life, as well.
“TRAINS magazine and its readership have long admired the Nevada Northern as one of the great steam railway preservation stories in North America, and at the heart of that affection is No. 40, one of the most graceful 4-6-0s we’ve ever seen,” says Editor Jim Wrinn. “Set in the ruggedness of Nevada, No. 40 casts a spell any time she runs. Now is a great time to enjoy this magnificent iron horse before it takes a rest of two years or more.”
Trains and Nevada Northern are offering something new with this event. In addition to 54 standard tickets, four VIP experience half day cab rides in No. 40 and two VIP experience cab rides in No. 93 will be available. Lunch is included in the purchase of all tickets. Bassett will provide an executive director’s overview of the railroad and its preservation efforts on Saturday evening. And everyone gets to meet the railroad’s famous roundhouse mascot, Dirt the Cat.
Tickets are available at the following links or at 800-424-2473.
Standard ticket
VIP Cab ride No. 40 ticket
VIP Cab ride No. 93 ticket
Wow. Are the Halloween cars USA Trains or Bachmann!!? Either Bachmann or USA Trains must love this page. Where was the editor?