A LONG TRAIN FOR A LONG JOURNEY: Atlas continues the California Zephyr series with two new cars: a streamlined dining car (Silver Banquet shown) and a 16-section sleeping car (Silver Aspen). Each O gauge car features scale detailing, interior detailing and LED lighting, and window treatments. Both cars are available undecorated, or in Amtrak, Burlington Route, or Western Pacific road names for $149.95 each. See your hobby retailer or go to www.atlaso.com to see the entire product line.
FAST FREIGHT TO VANCOUVER: The Canadian Toy Train Association has announced a Pacific Great Eastern (now BC Rail) flatcar with a British American Oil Co. trailer load. The O gauge trailer has Fisk Tire graphics, in addition to the BA Oil logo. It comes in three road numbers and costs $80 plus $10 shipping per car. For ordering information email mlhorne@shaw.ca or call 604-560-4028.
GET YOUR BACKDROP ROLLING: SceniKing’s Roll Outs line of O scale-compatible backdrops is designed for maximum flexibility in mating them to create a unique back scene. Shown below are connected scenery panels (left to right) nos. K105, K102, and K103. Roll Outs are all 72 inches long and 16½ inches wide, and each scene links to the next with a ¼ -inch overlap. Two scenes together cover 11¾ feet in length. The suggested retail price per basic section is $49.95. For more information on the full line of SceniKing products, visit your local hobby retailer or go to www.sceniking.com.
FOR DO-IT-YOURSELFERS: The Woodland Scenics line of Built-&-Ready O scale structures has proved to be popular, but many hobbyists would like to erect and decorate for themselves. In response to customer feedback, Woodland Scenics is releasing the previously produced O scale structures in kit form. You get the building, all the detail pieces, and even the decaling and signage. Shown is the no. PF5894 kit for the Country Store Expansion building for $94.99. See your hobby retailer or go to www.woodlandscenics.com for more information.
GET READY TO ROAR: TM Books & Video will take your kids on a wild toy train ride with I Love Toy Trains – The Roar of the Rails, which features a dazzling array of special effects showing electric trains in the most unusual places. The DVD also includes five new songs by toy trains tune master James Coffey. The 42-minute DVD costs $12.99. Check your hobby retailer or go to www.tmbv.com to order.
SHEETS AND SOUNDS: Robert Osterhoff continues to share the history of Lionel one sheet at a time! Two new searchable DVDs cover instruction sheets, and a third DVD documents promotional records. Lionel Postwar Instruction Sheets Vol. III (revised version 2.0) includes 400 pages of Lionel instruction sheets and documentation, rare service bulletins from 1960-69, and 155 different track, transformer, and HO instruction sheets for $14. Lionel Postwar Dealer Displays Instruction Sheets Vol. IV contains more than 150 pages of instruction sheets, including 57 different dealer display instruction sheets, for $18. Lionel Postwar Audio Records has audio tracks of Lionel and Colber train sound-effects records from the postwar years for $16. Shipping is $2.50 for one DVD or $3.50 for two or more. Order online at www.trainpaper.com.
A PUZZLE TO SOLVE: Ceaco/Gamewright has introduced two new jigsaw puzzles (more than 1,000 pieces each) with train themes that are sure to challenge any railroad enthusiast. The nos. 3361-01 Stainless (shown above) features a streamlined train and 3361-02 Morning Run (not shown) features a steam train. The puzzles, which retail at less than $25, can be found in hobby, crafts, and gift shops, or order online at www.ceaco.com.
MAKE SOUND HAPPEN: Dallee Electronics is marketing two new AC sound controller boxes for operating standard sound systems in AC-powered trains. Both the nos. 1101 and 1102 are three-button controllers for managing direction, whistle/horn, and bell operation. The box is wired between the transformer and the track, and both can handle a 10-amp load. The 1101 (priced at $89.95) has a slight decrease in power output when the whistle or bell is activated, while the 1102 (priced at $109.95) has a steady output. Shipping is approximately $15. Order online at www.dallee.com or call 717-661-7041.
A SHOCKING KIT: Does your 1:48 scale delivery truck need a new battery? Let us suggest you call Town Line Tire & Battery. The O scale laser-cut craftsman kit from BarMills Models includes detailed resin castings, laser-etched walls and windows, and colorful graphics. The structure can easily be converted to another business or industry. Scenery, figures, and vehicles not included. The kit costs $99.95 plus shipping. See your hobby retailer or order online at www.barmillsmodels.com.
THE FOUR-ONE-ONE ON FREIGHT CARS: The latest book from The Train Shop at Brentwood Antiques documenting the production of MTH Electric Trains may be the most handy volume yet. The Comprehensive Guide to MTH Premier Rolling Stock, Vol. 1 by Richard Ridolfo covers Premier line rolling stock from 1996 through the 2013 catalog no. 1. The book contains 221 pages of color catalog images of multiple-car sets, cabooses, boxcars, refrigerator cars, and stockcars. Each entry includes basic product information, such as minimum curves for operation and car dimensions. The book costs $44.95 plus shipping. Order at www.thetrainshop.com or call 603-929-1441.
BAG THAT EXPRESS CARGO: The Woodland Scenics no. A2766 assorted freight set will add shape and color to your O scale loading dock or passenger station platform. The assortment of cargo and small express pieces will fit into any modeling era since the 1900s. It costs $25.99 and is available at your hobby retailer, or directly from www.woodlandscenics.com.
