THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE IN O: Lionel has created a salute to both the American bicentennial celebration held in 1976 and one of the most famous locomotives of Lionel’s MPC-era. The no. 82427 Patriot LionChief Remote U36B diesel freight set is powered by a colorful U36B saluting Lionel’s no. 1776 Seaboard Coast Line. Also in the O gauge set are a Boston & Maine boxcar, a Norfolk & Western hopper, and a caboose mirroring the locomotive’s paint scheme. The diesel locomotive has two can-style motors and the RailSounds RC sound package. The set includes track, a wall-mounted power supply, and a LionChief remote control. The outfit costs $359.99. See your Lionel retailer or go to www.lionel.com for more information.
TRADITIONAL TRANSPORTATION: Trainworld offers a custom-run bump-and-go trolley car from MTH Electric Trains. The no. 30-5144 trolley features interior illumination, a movable power pole, and automatically reversing bumpers. The car, which operates on O-27 curves and comes decorated in Long Island RR colors, is priced at $69.99 plus shipping and can be ordered at www.trainworld.com.
MERCI TRAIN IN COLOR: The Merci Train, boxcars sent to each of the United States to thank Americans for the re-construction of France after World War II, now come in a variety of colors. Czech train-maker ETS offers the O gauge lithographed boxcar in blue, brown, gray, green, and white. The 1:45 scale cars can be ordered with European or American-style couplers and cost $49 each plus shipping. To order, go to www.ets-trains.com.
FIRST CLASS FUNERAL SERVICE: Diecast Direct has developed a stylish retro vehicle for O scale funeral services. The O scale 1937 Studebaker service vehicle is based on photos from the era. The company offers three different hearse variations based on a 1937 Studebaker model. The variations available are the nos. red AHM43-103 red (shown), AHM43-104 silver, and AHM43-105 white. All vehicles have an opening rear door. These vehicles are part of Diecast Direct’s American Heritage Series. The 1937 Studebaker hearses are $29.95 each. To view the American Heritage Series or to order, go to www.diecastdirect.com.
