FROM NORMANDY TO BERLIN: An unheralded hero of the war in Europe was the US Army Transportation Corps 0-6-0T switcher. That little steam engine moved war freight on British and continental railways, and after the war a few stayed in service until the 21st century. ETS is offering the S100-class 0-6-0T in Granite Rock Company, French Railways (SCNF Le Bourget station), and the Czech Republic’s Kladno-Nučice Railway road names, in two- or three-rail versions, with your choice of flange size, AC or DC motors, and coupler type. The stamped-metal O gauge model costs $499 plus shipping and is available at www.ets-trains.com.
THREE TIMES A FAN FAVORITE: In addition to being a successful freight locomotive design, the Reading Co. T1-class 4-8-4 was a public favorite during the running of the Reading Iron Horse Rambles (1959-64), the American Freedom Train (1975-76) and the Chessie Steam Special (1977). The locomotive is returning to the Lionel lineup in four Reading cab numbers (2100, 2102, 2119, and 2121), as American Freedom Train no. 1, and as Chessie System 2101. The O gauge model is made with new tooling and requires O-54 or wider-diameter curves. It is equipped with Lionel Legacy command and sound systems, the whistle steam feature, and a kinematic rear coupler for $1,699.99. American Freedom Train exhibit cars are also available, sold separately. Go to www.lionel.com for more information.
QUEEN OF THE RAILS: The California Zephyr was one of the great postwar streamliners, it ran from Chicago to San Francisco between 1949 and 1970. Amtrak relaunched the Zephyr in 1983, and it continues to run today. Atlas O is providing an opportunity to purchase three four-car sets that when combined complete the 12-car train set. The cars are available in Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Denver & Rio Grande Western; and Western Pacific road names. The Commemorative Edition “A” and “B” four-car car sets cost $639.95 each, and the “C” four-car set costs $659.95. Golden Spike Club members may buy a single 12-car Burlington Route set with the unique Silver Rapids 10-6 sleeper used by Pennsylvania RR passengers to travel without changing cars. The 12-car set costs Club members $1,595. Matching Phase I and II diesels are available in CB&Q, D&RGW, and WP road names for $519.95 each. Delivery is expected in the fourth quarter of 2016. Go to www.atlaso.com for more information.
THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN: Back in the Williams by Bachmann locomotive lineup is the scale GG1 electric locomotive. The O gauge model features the True Blast Plus 16-bit polyphonic sound, including electric locomotive sounds, horn, and bell. Other features include O-42 operation, two can-style motors and six-wheel power trucks with traction tires, all-metal gears, and electronic 6-amp reverse board with directional lockout. The ABS plastic shell has twin operating pantographs and die-cast trucks, truck sides, pilots, and fuel tanks. The model is available in in four classic Pennsylvania RR paint schemes: nos. 41850 Brunswick green five-stripe (cab no. 4859), 41851 Tuscan red five-stripe (cab no. 4909), 41852 Brunswick green single-stripe (cab no. 4885), and 41853 silver single-stripe (cab no. 41853). The locomotive costs $699.95. Go to www.bachmanntrains.com for more information.
