Locomotives & rolling stock
Menards has also released American Car & Foundry two-bay Center Flow covered hopper cars. Shown here is CN in a 1971 promotional paint scheme (2759230). The cars have die-cast couplers, navigate O-27 curves, and each is uniquely numbered. Cost: $34.99. Order from menards.com/trains
Atlas O has announced new paint schemes for their Premier-line 8,000 gallon tank car. Paint schemes include GATX “Service Driven” (3001630, two road numbers), UTLX (3001633, two road numbers, shown), and CGTX (3001629, two road numbers). The cars feature separate metal handrails, metal wheels and axles, a detailed brake wheel, and more. Delivery expected in second quarter of 2024. Price: $79.95. Website: shop.atlasrr.com
Atlas O has also announced new paint schemes for their Premier-line 50-foot Gunderson High-Cube boxcar. Paint schemes include Burlington Northern (3001635, two road numbers), Montana Rail Link (3001636, two road numbers), York Rail (3001637, two road numbers), TTX (3001639, two road numbers), and CSX heritage (3001642). The cars feature separate metal handrails, metal wheels and axles, a detailed brake wheel, and more. Delivery expected in second quarter of 2024. Price: $79.95. Website: shop.atlasrr.com
Menards has released 40-foot container cars in four new names: Menards (275-9420), One Ocean Network (275-9242), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (279-9244), and Hyundai (279-9246). The containers are compatible with most brands of container cars. Two packs are $24.99; eight packs cost $84.96. Website: menards.com/trains
Ready-Made-Trains (RMT) has released tank cars in more than 24 road names (96899-43 shown in photo). They operate on O-31 curves, have die-cast metal trucks with metal wheels and couplers, and have different road numbers for each railroad. Price: $29.95. To learn more and see available road names, visit readymadetoys.com
The New Jersey Hi-Railwers and the Metropolitan Division of the national Train Collectors Association (METCA) are offering a custom-run Lionel Legacy GP9 in a New York & Greenwood Lake Railway paint scheme. The scale-sized engine will feature die-cast trucks, a smoke unit, and multiple bell and horn sounds. Price: $575, including shipping. Orders are due by February 15, 2024. More information available njhirailers.com or metca.org.
The Train Loft has a custom-run Lionel VisionLine Triplex locomotive, available in two paint schemes: Norfolk & Western 1959 Tuscan Stuart T. Saunders (2431880) or N&W 1963 Tuscan Herman H. Pevler (2431840). Delivery is expected in February or March 2024. Price: $2,499.95. To order, visit trainloft.com or call 336-760-9817.
Details & accessories
Menards sells the Calamity Caboose Works (2759250), a model featuring a fire-damaged building, caboose, and fire truck. This structure measures 8” x 10” and features a water-based vapor unit to add “smoke.” The vapor unit features auto shut-off after 15 minutes. The O gauge structure costs $89.99 and requires a 4.5-volt power supply (sold separately, 279-4061, 4062, or 4050). Order from menards.com/trains
Books & media
Kalmbach Media has released Guide to Prairie Railroading by Tony Koester. Prairie railroads have a different feel and character compared to railroads in the mountains. This book is filled with both modeling tips and prototype information, including how to model farm fields and local businesses in the area. This 112-page book includes many inspirational photos. Price: $21.99. Order from Kalmbachhobbystore.com
Kalmbach Media has also released several new downloadable PDF packages, with topics including Build the Sandy Harbor Terminal (by Dennis Brennan), Scenes by Chris Montagna, and more. See these and many more in our online store.
Have a new product you’d like to see in our online news? Email editor@classictoytrains.com with your information and a photograph.
