Engines & rolling stock
LGB (Märklin) is offering a digital version of the DEV Spreewald steam locomotive (#L24742) in a limited edition to celebrate the prototype’s 100th anniversary. The model is presented as it currently exists on the museum railroad from Bruchhausen–Vilsen to Asendorf. The paint scheme and lettering are prototypical for Era VI. The engine is equipped with a Bühler motor mounted in ball bearings and has traction tires. It has a built-in mfx/DCC decoder with sound and light functions, as well as a smoke unit. Sounds also work in analog operation. Price: $874.99. Website: www.lgb.com
Steven L. Bittinger & Associates has announced a Piko two-bay hopper car in Western Maryland Railway livery. Cars will be available in four different road numbers and will have plastic wheels and standard European couplers. These cars will be available from Star Hobby, 1564 Whitehall Rd., Annapolis MD 21409, and also at the East Coast Large Scale Show, March 30 and 31, 2018. Price for a four car set: $250.
Bridges & structures
Garden Metal Models, 5806 Miriam Drive, Sykesville MD 21784, has a new concrete viaduct. The bridge is 900mm long (357/16″) with piers. The assembled viaduct is fabricated of thick, durable, tough plastic, painted with primer and concrete color to provide UV protection. A connecting-and-alignment plate that aligns and locks together multiple viaduct sections is included. Shown is the single-track model; multiple-track versions are available upon request. Prices: 36″ viaduct with matching piers (#V01900), $349.95; 36″ concrete viaduct only (#V01900A), $299.95; 14″-high concrete pier set (2 pcs., #V01900B), $59.95. Website: www.garden metalmodels.com
Accessories & details
Burl Rice is offering an AAR type-H coupler in 1:29 scale. This is a working knuckle coupler with a one-piece manual trip pin that can be pulled from the top with a cut lever. It has a Kadee-style shank for locomotive applications that includes an insert for slack-less operation. The unit comes pre-assembled in chemically blackened brass. It couples with Kadee #1-scale couplers and can be mounted in a Kadee #1-scale coupler box. Price per pair: $30. Order from http:// burlrice.com/_LS_Coupler/
Classic Construction Models, 6590 SW Fallbrook Place, Beaverton OR 97008, has several new diecast models of modern construction machinery in 1:24 scale. These include a Cat 287D Multi-Terrain Loader ($299.95), a Cat 416F2 Backhoe Loader ($419.95), a Cat D5K2 LGP Dozer (shown, price TBD), and a Cat 308E2 Mini Hydraulic Excavator (price TBD). Website: https://ccmodels.com
Electronics & software
G-Scale Graphics, Windsor, Colorado, is the US distributor for MyLocoSound of Adelaide, Australia. The company is releasing MyLocoSound Blue, a major upgrade with a faster processor, expanded memory, and many new software features. The steam soundcard replicates a wide range of North American, European, and Australasian locomotives. Sixteen pre-selected whistles are included, all of them adjustable in pitch and volume. Other sounds include a bell, “all aboard,” safety-valve blowoff, live-steam injectors, Westinghouse brake pump, and brake squeal. Chuff can be set for two-, three-, and four-cylinder units. The diesel soundcard includes several different adjustable horns. Engine sounds from a variety of manufacturers are also selectable and adjustable. Other sounds include a bell, “all aboard,” airbrake release, turbocharger, and brake squeal. Both Blue soundcards are designed for battery power/R/C and analog DC track power (but not DCC). A simple $10 TV remote control is used for volume control and sound selection. A tiny IR receiver on a flying lead is included so that users can adjust soundcards that are totally enclosed within the locomotive. Price: $79. Website: www.GScaleGraphics.net or www.MyLocoSound.com
Keithco Inc., PO Box 1860, Lake Oswego OR 97035, is introducing its new LOCOLINC Series 200 Radio Control System. Based on 2.4 GHz, the system has less interference, more reliability, and a range of 300′. Routers may be used to extend the range even further. The Series 200 employs a WiFi scheme to identify and command the entire inventory of locomotives and devices on the railroad, allowing control of locomotive direction, speed, MU operation, sound-system volume, bell, whistle, chuff, engine RPM, turnouts and other trackside features, and more. The system features Automatic Device Discovery, automatically identifying all operational devices on the line; scroll to the locomotive, turnout, or other device you want to control, and go. Conversion to the Series 200 from older products is easy. For complete information, visit the company’s website at http:// locolinc.com
Miscellaneous
LGB (Märklin) is offering free catalogs, brochures, and small giveaways, such as LGB stickers, to hand out to the public at your club’s special events, open houses, or wherever you are displaying your trains. Materials can be shipped in advance if the company is notified about a month ahead of time. Also, a single, one year, complimentary LGB Club membership is being offered to your club. This includes four issues per year of The Depesche magazine, two DVDs, annual LGB Catalog, new-item brochures, a free gift, and the opportunity to purchase the annual LGB Club car. If your garden- railroad club would like to take advantage of this offer, send the name, mailing address, and e-mail address of the person in your organization who should receive it on your club’s behalf. To request a supply of handouts for your show or club event, or to take advantage of the LGB Club offer, contact Brenda Hensleigh, LGB Club Coordinator, brenda@marklin.com, 800-321-8811.
