SURVEYORS OF THE SEA LANES: Menards has bolstered its O gauge product line with two more flatcars with helicopter loads. The no. 279-3398 is a U.S. Navy flatcar with Navy MH60R anti-submarine warfare helicopter onboard. The no. 29-3396 U.S. Coast Guard flatcar with general-purpose MH65 rescue and patrol helicopter will handle operations closer to shore. These are long, scale-length railcars, and the loads are removable. Each model costs $39.99 plus shipping. Order online at www.menards.com and select free shipment to your local Menards location.
BIG ORANGE: In O gauge operation, the most colorful hoppers may be the vibrant Waddell Coal Co. cars. Williams by Bachmann offers the no. 48208 Waddell Coal two-bay hopper. The car, which features die-cast metal trucks and couplers and a removable coal load, is priced at $79.95. See your hobby retailer or go to www.bachmanntrains.com to order.
LOCOMOTIVE TEST TRACK: GooddealsDCC has a compact solution for your test track needs, with its O and S gauge test tracks made with a non-warping PVC platform and installed wired track. Each one is available as a 36-inch-long section or as a two-unit set spanning 72 inches. Quick connect latches make longer runs possible. O gauge modelers will want the nos. TT-4 test track for $46.95 plus shipping and TT-4XL extended-length track for $99.95 plus shipping. S gaugers will prefer the nos. TT-6 test track for $46.95 and the TT-6XK extended-length track for $99.95. For more information visit the website or email gary@gooddealsdcc.com. Order online at www.gooddealsdcc.com or call 224-703-0111.
GET FRESH FRUIT FAST: The Lowell Smith Signature Collection has released its third custom-run refrigerator car from Atlas O. The O gauge model comes decorated for American Fruit Packers and the Independent Brand Northwest Pears livery. The car, which has scale dimensions and detailing as well as superb graphics, is available in two- and three-rail versions. The latter is priced at $89 plus shipping and is available from www.lowellsmith.net.
