UNDER THE ARCHES: Bridgeboss announces a viaduct bridge that just may be perfect for bridging that valley on your O gauge layout. The modular arch structure consists of 15-inch-long modules and is available in single- or double-track versions. You can opt to have a railroad name inscribed on the arches (see “New York Central” on the viaduct). The kits are available sanded and painted, and they can be ordered assembled for an additional charge. To order or to find out additional information, go to www.bridgeboss.com.
A STORM OF STEEL COILS: Pikesville Models has introduced S gauge flatcars with either hemispherical or five-sided coil covers. The models are available undecorated or in Burlington Northern/McLouth Steel, Chesapeake & Ohio/Youngstown Sheet & Tube, Chicago & North Western, Illinois Central/Inland Steel (shown), and Pennsylvania RR/Lukens Steel. The coil cars are priced at $45 each plus shipping and can be ordered from Pikesville Models, 3315 Timberfield Ln., Pikesville, MD 21208 or at www.americanflyertrains.com.
GRAB A TRAIN TO THE COAST: MTH Electric Trains offers a new five-car set of O gauge 70-foot smooth-side streamlined passenger cars in the Northern Pacific’s two-tone green paint scheme. The Premier line set has four Vista-Dome observation cars and a rear observation car. The cars require O-42 curves for operation and have interior illumination and detailing as well as end-of-car diaphragms. The entire set measures approximately 95 inches long and costs $449.95. See your MTH retailer or go to www.mthtrains.com to see the MTH product line.
CRUSH FREE ORANGES: Williams by Bachmann has released the no. 47467 Golden Eagle Oranges 40-foot steel refrigerator car. The car features O-27 operation, die-cast metal trucks and couplers, and attractive graphics. The O gauge car costs $64.95. See your Williams retailer or for more information go to www.bachmanntrains.com.
BYGONE BEANTOWN BREW: Weaver Models salutes a Boston tradition with the no. U3163 Pickwick Ale wood-side refrigerator car. The O gauge model comes with decoration for the Haffenreffer Brewery, which operated in Boston from 1870 to 1965. The car features O-31 operation and die-cast metal trucks and is available in three numbers for $47.95 each. See your Weaver Models retailer or go to www.weavermodels.com for more information.
SHIP TO THE ISLAND: The Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers is offering a limited-edition Lionel Standard O double-sheathed boxcar in Long Island RR colors. The car, which features die-cast metal trucks and couplers and underframe detailing, costs $67 each plus $9 shipping for the first car and $4 per additional cars. New York State residents add $6.50 tax per car. Canadian orders add $7, and Alaska and Hawaii orders add $10. Orders must be received no later than April 30, 2014. Send your order to Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers, P.O. Box 343, Levittown, NY 11756 or to www.nloe.org.
HIGH AND INDEED, MIGHTY: The O gauge world has long had a shortage of industrial-strength cranes to facilitate urban expansion – but no longer! NZG models has released a 1:50 scale model of a Hartlinger Liebherr LTM11200-9.1 mobile crane. The die-cast metal rig is approximately 20 inches long and features a detailed cab interior, an extendable boom with working hydraulics, realistic cabling, and extendable outriggers. The Hartlinger Liebherr is imported by b2b Replicas. Hobbyists can find more information about the crane and purchase the model at www.3000toys.com.
TUNE IN: Korber Models will help the residents of your TrainTown get the low-down via radio with the no. 703 O scale Radio Station and Tower kit. The tower measures 24 inches tall and features laser-cut and injection molded parts. The tower also has warning lights that flash 30 times per minute. The kit costs $85 and is also available built-up. To see the entire line of O scale Korber structure kits go to www.korbermodels.com.
LUBRICATION FOR THE NATION: The Canadian Toy Train Association continues to explore Canadian-branded rolling stock. The latest offering is an Marvelube Motor Oil 8,000-gallon tank car custom made by Atlas. The limited-run O gauge model comes in four road numbers, features die-cast metal trucks and couplers, and sells for $75 plus $12 shipping per car. For ordering information email the CTTA at mlhorne@shaw.ca or call 604-560-4028.
SUGARLAND EXPRESS: The Rocky Mountain Division of the Train Collectors Association is offering an S gauge American Flyer covered hopper in Spreckels Sugar colors. This white car is a companion to a gray Spreckels car previously offered. The car costs $54.95 each plus $10 shipping for the first car and $6 per additional car. A limited number of the gray cars are available for $64.95 each. Car sales are limited to members of the Train Collectors Association. Send your order to Jim Marski, RMD-TCA, P.O. Box 63, Pine, CO 80470 or go online to www.shop.mtts.com.
MOVE BOXES IN STYLE: The latest addition to Diecast Direct’s Railyard Truck Series is the no. AM-1955-11 Railway Express Agency 1955 Chevrolet pickup truck. This 1:43 scale die-cast metal vehicle is one of 70 trucks decorated for railroads as famous as the Canadian Pacific and as obscure as the Montour. The O gauge models are selling for $12.95 each plus shipping. Go to www.diecastdirect.com to see the entire Railyard Series of vehicles.
POWER FOR THE POWER HOUSE: The latest limited-edition car available from the Maine 3-Railers is an O gauge depressed-center flatcar with a transformer load from MTH. The RailKing model has die-cast metal trucks and couplers and is lettered for the Maine 3-Railers. The cargo load is decorated for Central Maine Power. The cost is $49 plus $10 shipping. Order from Peter Hansen, 21 Norway Dr., Chelsea, ME 04330-1023.
I love the articles and great ideas that so many fellow hobbyists share with all of us and the stories about new products. I am a AF fan, but the ideas and visions of my fellow hobbyists transcend all scales. Keep up the good work!