HERITAGE HURRAH: Williams by Bachmann offers another entry in its line of Norfolk Southern Heritage locomotives with the General Electric C44-9W. The O gauge diesel has new windshield wiper detail and upgraded window tooling, O-31 operation, die-cast metal trucks and couples, two can-style motors and the True Blast Plus sound system. Norfolk Southern Heritage C44-9W paint schemes include the nos. 20430 Central of Georgia, 20431 Southern Ry., 20432 Lehigh Valley, 20433 Pennsylvania RR, and 20434 Nickel Plate Road (shown above). The locomotive costs $489.95. See your Williams by Bachmann retailer or go to www.bachmanntrains.com for more information.
BRING IT ALL TOGETHER: T-tracker II helps you mate various gauges of sectional track as tightly as possible! The industrial-quality tool clamps on to track and holds it securely; by pulling a lever you force a tight fit for maximum electrical connectivity. The T-tracker II works with O/O-27 tubular track, GarGraves track, Standard gauge track, and Lionel FasTrack and MTH RealTrax systems. The tool comes with the jaw set of your choice, with additional sets available for $25 each. The T-tracker II costs $175 plus $20 shipping. Check or money order payment only – in U.S. funds and made payable to T-tracker II. Order from Richard Dodd, 3735 N.E. Shaver St., Portland, OR 97212. For more information email Ttracker2@aol.com.
A MARX CLASSIC: The New York Central’s streamlined Commodore Vanderbilt had a reputation for design that was picked up by the Louis Marx Co. for its O gauge train line. James Pekarek digs into the history and workings of this diminutive O gauge icon with The Marx Mechanical Commodore Vanderbilt, examining the variations of the O gauge windup model offered by Marx from 1935 to 1948. The 36-page book uses photos and old advertisements to document its, in addition to providing tips for keeping your clockwork locomotive running. The book can be purchased for $12.99 through www.amazon.com or createspace.com.
MOBBED UP BREW: Pikesville Models has introduced a custom-run no. 78023 Manhattan Brewing Co. wood-side refrigerator car made by MTH Electric Trains. The S gauge car salutes the Chicago-based brewing company connected to gangsters Al Capone and Frank Nitti. The prewar reefer features die-cast metal trucks and couplers and costs $60 plus shipping. Order from Pikesville Models at 443-834-2871 or online at www.americanflyertrains.com.
