News & Reviews News 2012 National Train Show final report

2012 National Train Show final report

By Angela Cotey | August 9, 2012

| Last updated on November 3, 2020


The 2012 National Train Show was held in Grand Rapids, Mich., Aug. 3-5. Below are items that weren’t featured in our preliminary show report. We’ve added new photos to our preliminary report, so be sure to click on the link at the bottom of this page

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HO scale locomotives

Denver & Rio Grande Western class C-19 2-8-0 steam locomotive. HOn3. Denver & Rio Grande Western (Flying Grande lettering, Royal Gorge Route herald, or flared top tender), Denver & Rio Grande, Rio Grande Southern (“Rising Sun” herald or “41” on tender), painted black but unlettered with diamond stack, flared top tender, and Russian Iron boiler, and painted black but unlettered with straight side tender. Includes SoundTraxx Digital Command Control sound decoder and Kadee no. 714 knuckle couplers. $499.95 (weathered, $554.95). Ready-to-run. Blackstone Models, 907-259-0690, www.blackstonemodels.com

MTH Electric Trains HO scale Alco PA-1 and PB-1 diesel locomotives
MTH Electric Trains HO scale Alco PA-1 and PB-1 diesel locomotives
Alco PA-1 and PB-1 diesel locomotives. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Delaware & Hudson; Denver & Rio Grande Western; Erie; New York Central; New York, New Haven & Hartford; and Southern Pacific (Daylight). Injection-molded plastic body, die-cast metal chassis, and directional headlights. Direct-current models: A unit $189.95, B unit $169.95, and A-A or A-B sets $349.95 each; with Proto-Sound 3.0: A unit $249.95, B unit $229.95, and A-A or A-B sets $449.95 each. Ready-to-run. MTH Electric Trains, 410-381-2580, www.mthhotrains.com
Overland Models HO scale General Electric AC6000CW diesel locomotive
Overland Models HO scale General Electric AC6000CW diesel locomotive
General Electric AC6000CW diesel locomotive. General Electric lease unit. Factory-painted and lettered brass model with detailed underframe and working ditch lights. $1,025. Ready-to-run. Overland Models Inc., 765-289-4257, www.overlandmodels.com
Blackstone Models HO scale East Broad Top three-bay covered hopper
Blackstone Models HO scale East Broad Top three-bay covered hoppers
HO scale freight cars

East Broad Top three-bay covered hopper. 1930s lettering, 1940s era herald, 1940s rock car, and painted black but unlettered. Injection-molded plastic model with Vulcan-style trucks and factory-installed knuckle couplers. $54.95 (weathered, $59.95). Ready-to-run. Blackstone Models, 907-259-0690, www.blackstonemodels.com

BLMA Models HO scale TrinityRail 64-foot mechanical refrigerator car. Pre-production model shown
BLMA Models HO scale TrinityRail 64-foot mechanical refrigerator car. Pre-production model shown.
TrinityRail 64-foot mechanical refrigerator car. Pre-production model shown. New paint scheme: CIT Group (CEFX reporting marks). Twenty-four road numbers. Injection-molded plastic model with Thermo King reefer unit, prototype-specific doors, 36” metal wheelsets, and body-mounted knuckle couplers. $32.95. Ready-to-run. BLMA Models, 562-712-7085, www.blmamodels.com
Funaro  Camerlengo HO scale New York New Haven  Hartford 36foot boxcar
Funaro & Camerlengo HO scale New York, New Haven & Hartford 36-foot boxcar
New York, New Haven & Hartford 36-foot boxcar. Cast-resin kit. Available with steel doors and ends or wood doors and braced ends. Both versions feature one-piece body and decals. Trucks and couplers not included. $44.99 each. Funaro & Camerlengo, 570-224-4989, www.fandckits.com
Funaro  Camerlengo HO scale Pennsylvania RR class G28 526 steel war emergency gondola
Funaro & Camerlengo HO scale Pennsylvania RR class G28 52’-6” steel war emergency gondola
Pennsylvania RR class G28 52’-6” steel war emergency gondola. Cast-resin kit with drop ends, AB brakes, and decals. Trucks and couplers not included. Flat kit, $36.99; one-piece body, $44.99. Funaro & Camerlengo, 570-224-4989, www.fandckits.com
Pennsylvania RR class G29 46-foot gondola. Cast-resin kit with decals. Trucks and couplers not included. Flat kit, $36.99; one-piece body, $44.99. Funaro & Camerlengo, 570-224-4989, www.fandckits.com
Funaro  Camerlengo HO scale Pennsylvania RR class X26 40foot singlesheathed boxcar
Funaro & Camerlengo HO scale Pennsylvania RR class X26 40-foot single-sheathed boxcar
Pennsylvania RR class X26 40-foot single-sheathed boxcar. Cast-resin kit based on modernized car with Hutchins universal roof, “booted” ribs, AB brakes, and decals. Available with side ladders or grab irons and Youngstown or car builder’s doors. Trucks and couplers not included. $44.99. Funaro & Camerlengo, 570-224-4989, www.fandckits.com
HO scale Canadian 4000cubicfootcapacity coal gondola by North American Railcar Corp distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems Also available in N scale
HO scale Canadian 4000-cubic-foot-capacity coal gondola by North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems. Also available in N scale.
Canadian 4,000-cubic-foot-capacity coal gondola. N scale samples shown. BC Rail (three paint schemes), Canadian National (four schemes), Canadian Pacific (two schemes), CSX, Herzog, Procor (two schemes), and Sultran. Multiple road numbers per paint scheme. Prototype-specific sides, ends, and underframes; wire uncoupling levers; etched-brass crossover platforms; Barber S-2 trucks with .088″ tread metal wheels; and Kadee no. 58 semi-scale wheels. Price to be announced. Ready-to-run. North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems, 866-840-7777, www.pwrs.ca

Government of Saskatchewan 4-bay cylindrical covered hopper. Canadian National (SKNX reporting marks) and Canadian Pacific (SKPX marks). 2008 version with exclamation mark and 2011 version without. Twelve road numbers per scheme. Prototype-specific details, North American Railcar Corp. low-friction trucks with metal wheelsets, and Kadee knuckle couplers. $39.95. Early 2013. Ready-to-run. North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems, 866-840-7777, www.pwrs.ca

HO scale Hawker Siddeley 4550cubicfootcapacity trough hatch covered hopper by North American Railcar Corp distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems
HO scale Hawker Siddeley 4,550-cubic-foot-capacity trough hatch covered hopper by North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems.
Hawker Siddeley 4,550-cubic-foot-capacity trough hatch covered hopper. Canadian Pacific (Multimark paint scheme), Government of Canada (CNWX or CPWX reporting marks), Saskatchewan Grain Car Corp. (SKNX or SKPX marks), and Wheat Board of Canada (CNWX marks). Twelve car numbers each. Etched-metal running boards and crossover platforms, metal wheelsets, and Kadee no. 58 knuckle couplers. $36.95. Ready-to-run. North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems, 866-840-7777, www.pwrs.ca
HO scale Hawker Siddeley 4550cubicfootcapacity round hatch covered hopper by North American Railcar Corp distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems
HO scale Hawker Siddeley 4,550-cubic-foot-capacity round hatch covered hopper by North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems
Hawker Siddeley 4,550-cubic-foot-capacity round hatch covered hopper. Canadian National (www.cn.ca without herald, boxed or unboxed reporting marks, six car numbers each), Canpotex, and Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan. Twelve car numbers each unless noted. Etched-metal running boards and crossover platforms, metal wheelsets, and Kadee no. 58 knuckle couplers. $36.95. Ready-to-run. North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems, 866-840-7777, www.pwrs.ca
Tangent Scale Models HO scale PullmanStandard PS2CD 4750cubicfootcapacity covered hopper
Tangent Scale Models HO scale Pullman-Standard PS-2CD 4750-cubic-foot-capacity covered hopper
Pullman-Standard PS-2CD 4,750-cubic-foot-capacity covered hopper. Michigan Elevator Exchange (two road numbers); Illinois Central Gulf (with stiffener, 12 numbers); Farnhamville, Iowa (two numbers); Milwaukee Road (12 numbers); Penn Central (six numbers); Pillsbury (two numbers); Tri-County Grain Inc., Cynthiana, Ind. (two numbers); undecorated hybrid (fully assembled except for etched-metal parts, three versions); and undecorated kit (two versions). Prototype-specific details, wire grab irons and uncoupling levers, and Kadee scale knuckle couplers. $42.95. Ready-to-run. Tangent Scale Models, 828-279-6106, www.tangentscalemodels.com
Blackstone Models HO scale Denver  Rio Grande Western Chili Line Jackson  Sharp passenger cars
Blackstone Models HO scale Denver & Rio Grande Western “Chili Line” Jackson & Sharp passenger cars
HO scale passenger cars

Denver & Rio Grande Western “Chili Line” Jackson & Sharp passenger cars. Detailed interiors, bay windows, and underbody brake details. Three-pack, $280. Ready-to-run. Blackstone Models, 907-259-0690, www.blackstonemodels.com

The Coach Yard HO scale Atchison Topeka  Santa Fe heavyweight business cars
The Coach Yard HO scale Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe heavyweight business cars
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe heavyweight business cars. Pre-production sample shown. ATSF no. 20 (Pullman Green or shadow line); Cyrus K. Holiday; green with solid platform; Coast Lines general manager; Pecos, Valley, or Los Angeles Division superintendent’s car (Santa Fe Green or shadow line); Western Division superintendent’s car (Santa Fe Green). Factory-painted ready-to-run brass models. Price to be announced. The Coach Yard, www.thecoachyard.com
The Coach Yard HO scale Pullman business cars. Pre-production model shown
The Coach Yard HO scale Pullman business cars. Pre-production model shown.
Pullman business cars. Pre-production model shown. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
no. 20 (Santa Fe Green or shadow line); Central of Georgia Savannah; Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Blackhawk; New York Central no. 19; Pullman (Henry Standley, David Livingston, Defense Special, Marco Polo, second Pioneer, or Robert Peary); and Seaboard Air Line Jacksonville. Factory-painted ready-to-run brass models. Price to be announced. The Coach Yard, www.thecoachyard.com
MTH Electric Trains HO scale New York Central Empire State Express
MTH Electric Trains HO scale New York Central Empire State Express
New York Central Empire State Express. Five-car set (baggage car Alonzo B. Cornell, parlor car Samuel J. Tilden, diner John Jay, coach Hamilton Fish, and observation car Franklin D. Roosevelt), $379.95. Two-coach set (David B. Hill and Charles S. Whitman) or parlor and diner set (Alfred E. Smith and George Clinton), $159.95 each. Tavern-lounge-baggage car Grover Cleveland, $69.95. All cars featured injection-molded plastic body, metal wheels and axles, and Kadee-compatible knuckle couplers. Ready-to-run. MTH Electric Trains, 410-381-2580, www.mthhotrains.com
Bar Mills Scale Model Works HO scale Bulls Salvage
Bar Mills Scale Model Works HO scale Bull’s Salvage
HO scale structures

Bull’s Salvage. Laser-cut wood kit with white-metal castings, color signs, and detail parts. $44.95. Bar Mills Scale Model Works, 207-929-3400, www.barmillsmodels.com

The office at Cranberry Yard in HO scale Bar Mills Scale Model Works
The office at Cranberry Yard in HO scale by Bar Mills Scale Model Works
The office at Cranberry Yard. Laser-cut wood kit includes yard office, crossing shanty, and grade-crossing platforms. White-metal and cast-resin details also included. $44.95. Bar Mills Scale Model Works, 207-929-3400, www.barmillsmodels.com

Assorted laser-cut wood and plastic kits. Bartlett freight house ($39.95), Bartlett roundhouse ($120), Carrigain dwelling section house ($32.95), The Dairy Association building annex ($21.95) and building no. 1 ($67.95), Frank J. Schultz & Son Precision Manufacturing Co. ($30.95), garage ($11.95), hotel ($34.95), houses (two styles, $29.95 or $30.95), Larry’s Welding ($32.95), Locust Grove Barn ($99.95), log cabin (two styles, $22 or $23.95), long barn ($54.95), Lyndon freight house ($65.95), Maine Central motorcar shed ($14.95), Mitchell dwelling section house ($35.95), motorcar shed ($10.95), New England barns (three barns, $28.95), New England farm house ($69.95), New England sugar house ($22), Quincy station ($15.95), Teamster’s barn ($5.95), and Vern’s Repair ($28.95). Creative Laser Design Inc., 802-626-9254, www.creativelaserdesign.com

Dome Oil Co. Wood craftsman kit. Based on prototype in Takoma Park, Md. $95 Canadian. Winter 2012. The Diamond Series. Rail Scale Miniatures, 604-466-9750, www.railscaleminiatures.com
TrainCat Model Sales HO scale straight deck-girder bridge
TrainCat Model Sales HO scale straight deck-girder bridge
Straight deck-girder bridge. Etched-brass kit with rivet detail. Available in 90- and 120-scale foot versions. 90-foot bridge with one walkway, $129.95, 120-foot bridge with optional walkway, $189.95. TrainCat Model Sales, traincat2.com
Wild West Scale Model Builders HO scale firehouse. Shown with N scale model
Wild West Scale Model Builders HO scale firehouse. Shown with N scale model.
Firehouse. Shown with N scale model. Laser-cut wood kit with etched floorboards, one-piece removable roof with trusses, positionable doors and windows, laser-cut shake shingles, and laser-cut window glazing. Footprint is 2.1” x 3.8”. $46.95. Wild West Scale Model Builders, 303-842-6106, www.wildwestmodels.com
Ballast King HO scale ballast spreader
Ballast King HO scale model railroad ballast spreader
BLMA Models HO scale pipe loads. Pre-production samples shown
BLMA Models HO scale pipe loads. Pre-production samples shown.
HO scale details and accessories

Pipe loads. Pre-production samples shown. Factory-assembled injection-molded plastic pipes with prototypical load configuration and simulated metal banding and wood cradles. Two versions available. For BLMA’s PTTX class F89-J 89-foot flatcars. Price to be announced. BLMA Models, 562-712-7085, www.blmamodels.com

Ballast King ballast spreading car. Steel and brass construction with flow control. Works on code 83 and 100 track. $239. Track protectors (for covering rails while scenery glue is applied). Two three-foot sections and one foot section, $6.95. Russ Boersma, ogaugeconnection.com

City Classics HO scale window awnings
City Classics HO scale window awnings
Window awnings. One-piece injection-molded plastic details. Available in a variety of sizes. Availability and price to be announced. City Classics, 412-276-6006, www.cityclassics.biz
Sylvan Scale Models HO scale 1939-40 GMC highway tractor
Sylvan Scale Models HO scale 1939-40 GMC highway tractor
1939-40 GMC highway tractor. Cast-resin kit. $16.95. Sylvan Scale Models, 519-294-6601, www.isp.ca/Sylvan
Sylvan Scale Models HO scale 1949 Olds Rocket 88s
Sylvan Scale Models HO scale 1949 Olds Rocket 88s
1949 Olds Rocket 88s. Convertible, coupe, four-door, and two-door. Cast-resin kits. $13.95 each. Sylvan Scale Models, 519-294-6601, www.isp.ca/Sylvan
Sylvan Scale Models HO scale 1936 Reo Flying Cloud two-door sedan
Sylvan Scale Models HO scale 1936 Reo Flying Cloud two-door sedan
1936 Reo Flying Cloud two-door sedan. Cast-resin kit. $13.95. Sylvan Scale Models, 519-294-6601, www.isp.ca/Sylvan
TrainCat Model Sales HO scale Southern Pacific two-track signal bridges
TrainCat Model Sales HO scale Southern Pacific two-track signal bridges
Southern Pacific two-track signal bridges. Early ($54.95) and late ($59.95) versions. Etched-brass kits with rivet detail, laser-cut wood walkways, and brass railings, ladders, and bracing. TrainCat Model Sales, traincat2.com
TrainCat Model Sales N scale Wilscons Auto ramp
TrainCat Model Sales HO scale Wilson’s Auto ramp
Wilson’s Auto Ramp. Etched-metal kit. Based on Wilson’s Manufacturing prototype. Ramp measures 83 scale feet. Price to be announced. TrainCat Model Sales, traincat2.com
N scale locomotives
Alco S-2 diesel locomotives. All-wheel drive and electrical pickup, motor with dual flywheels, 6-pin plug for Digital Command Control decoder, directional lighting, prototype-specific grills, and Accumate knuckle couplers. Road names and price to be announced. Ready-to-run. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, www.atlasrr.com
N scale train sets
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Silver Streak passenger train. Electro-Motive Division E5A and five-car bookcase set. Car names, details, and price to be announced. Kato USA Inc., 847-781-9574, www.katousa.com
BLMA Models N scale TrinityRail 64-foot mechanical refrigerator car. Pre-production model shown
BLMA Models N scale TrinityRail 64-foot mechanical refrigerator car. Pre-production model shown.
N scale freight cars

TrinityRail 64-foot mechanical refrigerator car. Pre-production model shown. New paint scheme: CIT Group (CEFX reporting marks). Twenty-four road numbers. Injection-molded plastic model with Thermo King reefer unit, prototype-specific doors, 36” metal wheelsets, and body-mounted knuckle couplers. $24.95. Ready-to-run. BLMA Models, 562-712-7085, www.blmamodels.com

Canadian 4,000-cubic-foot-capacity coal gondola. BC Rail (three paint schemes), Canadian National (four schemes), Canadian Pacific (two schemes), CSX, Herzog, Procor (two paint schemes), and Sultran. Multiple road numbers per paint scheme. Prototype-specific sides, ends, and underframes; metal grab irons; etched-brass crossover platforms; Magne-Matic body-mounted couplers; and BLMA trucks. Price to be announced. Ready-to-run. North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems, 866-840-7777, www.pwrs.ca

Government of Saskatchewan 4-bay cylindrical covered hopper. Canadian National (SKNX reporting marks) and Canadian Pacific (SKPX marks). 2008 version with exclamation mark and 2011 version without. Twelve road numbers per scheme. Prototype-specific details, Micro-Trains trucks, and Magne-Matic knuckle couplers. 2008 version, $26.95; 2011 version (available in early 2013), $29.95. Ready-to-run. North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems, 866-840-7777, www.pwrs.ca

N scale Hawker Siddeley 4550cubicfootcapacity round and trough hatch covered hoppersjpg
N scale Hawker Siddeley 4,550-cubic-foot-capacity round and trough hatch covered hopper by North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems
Hawker Siddeley 4,550-cubic-foot-capacity trough hatch covered hopper. Canadian Pacific (Multimark paint scheme), Government of Canada (CNWX or CPWX reporting marks), Saskatchewan Grain Car Corp. (SKNX or SKPX marks), and Wheat Board of Canada (CNWX marks). Twelve car numbers each. Micro-Trains trucks and Magne-Matic knuckle couplers. $26.95. Ready-to-run. North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems, 866-840-7777, www.pwrs.ca

Hawker Siddeley 4,550-cubic-foot-capacity round hatch covered hopper. Canadian National (www.cn.ca without herald, boxed or unboxed reporting marks, six car numbers each), Canpotex, and Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan. Twelve car numbers each unless noted. Micro-Trains trucks and Magne-Matic knuckle couplers. $26.95. Ready-to-run. North American Railcar Corp., distributed by Pacific Western Rail Systems, 866-840-7777, www.pwrs.ca

N scale structures

Billing’s Baked Goods. Laser-cut wood kit. Limited run of 100 kits. Direct-orders only. $89.95. Bar Mills Scale Model Works, 207-929-3400, www.barmillsmodels.com

Assorted laser-cut wood and plastic kits. Bartlett freight house ($23.95), Bartlett roundhouse ($40.95), Carrigain dwelling section house ($15.95), The Dairy Association Building annex ($12.95), Frank J. Schultz & Son Precision Manufacturing Co. ($22), garage (two styles, $9.75 or $10.75), hotel ($18.95), Laplant’s sugar house ($12.95), Larry’s Welding ($18.95), log cabin (two styles, $15.95 or $16.95), long barn ($26.95), Lyndon freight house ($27.95), motorcar shed ($6.95), Maine Central motorcar shed ($6.95), Mitchell dwelling section house ($16.95), New England farm house ($21.95), New England barns (three barns, $16.95), New England sugar house ($13.95), store ($13.95), Quincy station ($11.95), Teamster’s barn ($3.95), and Vern’s Repair ($16.95). Creative Laser Design Inc., 802-626-9254, www.creativelaserdesign.com

Wild West Scale Model Builders HO scale firehouse. Shown with N scale model
Wild West Scale Model Builders N scale firehouse. Shown with HO scale model.
Firehouse. Shown with HO scale model. Laser-cut wood kit with etched floorboards, one-piece removable roof with trusses, positionable doors and windows, laser-cut shake shingles, and laser-cut window glazing. $36.95. Wild West Scale Model Builders, 303-842-6106, www.wildwestmodels.com
BLMA Models N scale pipe loads Preproduction samples shown
BLMA Models N scale pipe loads. Pre-production samples shown.
N scale details and accessories

Pipe loads. Pre-production samples shown. Factory-assembled injection-molded plastic pipes with prototypical load configuration and simulated metal banding and wood cradles. Two versions available. For BLMA’s PTTX class F89-J 89-foot flatcars. Price to be announced. BLMA Models, 562-712-7085, www.blmamodels.com

MNP Inc. N scale motorized track cleaning car
MNP Inc. N scale motorized track cleaning car
Motorized track cleaning car. Micro-Trains 40-foot hi-cube boxcar with high-torque electric geared motor, pressure-sensitive cleaning disk, speed and direction control, and Magne-Matic knuckle couplers. $119.95. Ready-to-run. MNP Inc., 757-596-2309, www.mnpinc.com
TrainCat Model Sales HO scale straight deck-girder bridge
TrainCat Model Sales N scale straight deck-girder bridge
Straight deck-girder bridge. Etched-brass kit with rivet detail. Available in 90- and 120-scale foot versions. Includes grated walkways on both sides of bridge. 90-foot bridge, $74.95; 120-foot bridge, $104.95. TrainCat Model Sales, traincat2.com
O scale structures

Assorted laser-cut wood and plastic kits. The Dairy Association Building annex ($71.95), garage ($24.95), hotel ($61), Larry’s Welding ($59.95), Mitchell dwelling section house ($94.95), motorcar shed ($21.95), New England barns (three barns, $58.95), New England sugar house ($42-$49), Quincy station ($32.95), store ($45.95), Teamster’s barn ($13.95), and Vern’s Repair ($59.95). Creative Laser Design Inc., 802-626-9254, www.creativelaserdesign.com

Dome Oil Co. Wood craftsman kit. Based on prototype in Takoma Park, Md. Price to be announced. Early 2013. The Diamond Series. Rail Scale Miniatures, 604-466-9750, www.railscaleminiatures.com
Wild West Scale Model Builders O scae Harveys Hardware
Wild West Scale Model Builders O scae Harvey’s Hardware
Harvey’s Hardware. Laser-cut wood kit with etched floorboards, interior walls, removable second floor, and exterior staircase. Footprint is 5-1/4” x 9-1/4”. $115.95. Wild West Scale Model Builders, 303-842-6106, www.wildwestmodels.com
Wild West Scale Model Builders O scale trackside warehouse
Wild West Scale Model Builders O scale trackside warehouse
Trackside warehouse. HO scale model shown. Laser-cut wood kit with etched floorboards, resin and injection-molded plastic detail parts, loading ramp, stairs, and optional extension platform. Footprint is 5.7” x 11.3” without platform (19” with). $146.95. Wild West Scale Model Builders, 303-842-6106, www.wildwestmodels.com
S Scale America Electro-Motive Division SD45 diesel locomotive. Pre-production model shown
S Scale America Electro-Motive Division SD45 diesel locomotive. Pre-production model shown.
S scale locomotives

Electro-Motive Division SD45 diesel locomotive. Pre-production model shown. Injection-molded plastic body shell with photo-etched-metal fans, plastic truck sideframes, and a prototype-specific cab and short hood. Road names, availability, and price to be announced. Ready-to-run. S Scale America, 847-297-2118, www.desplaineshobbies.com

S Scale America Bangor  Aroostook 50foot boxcar
S Scale America Bangor & Aroostook 50-foot boxcar
S scale freight cars

Bangor & Aroostook 50-foot boxcar. State of Maine scheme. Four numbers. Injection-molded plastic model. Factory-installed American Flyer knuckle couplers and wheels; scale wheels included. Ready-to-run. S Scale America, 847-297-2118, www.desplaineshobbies.com

S Scale America Chicago  Eastern Illinois 40foot express boxcars
S Scale America Chicago & Eastern Illinois 40-foot express boxcars
Chicago & Eastern Illinois 40-foot express boxcars. Five numbers. Injection-molded plastic model. Factory-installed American Flyer knuckle couplers and wheels; scale wheels included. Ready-to-run. S Scale America, 847-297-2118, www.desplaineshobbies.com

S scale structures


Assorted laser-cut wood and plastic kits. Bartlett freight house ($72.95), Carrigain Dwelling section house ($52.95), hotel ($51.95), log cabin ($38.95), motorcar shed ($15.95), New England barns (three barns, $43.95), New England sugar house ($33), Quincy station ($23.95), and Vern’s Repair ($43.95). Creative Laser Design Inc., 802-626-9254, www.creativelaserdesign.com

Wild West Scale Model Builders O scale trackside warehouse
Wild West Scale Model Builders S scale trackside warehouse. HO scale model shown.
Trackside warehouse. HO scale model shown. Laser-cut wood kit with etched floorboards, resin and injection-molded plastic detail parts, loading ramp, stairs, and optional extension platform. Footprint is 4.3” x 8.5” without platform (14.3” with). $110.95. Wild West Scale Model Builders, 303-842-6106, www.wildwestmodels.com

Z scale structures

Assorted laser-cut wood kits. Laplant’s sugar house ($12.95) Vern’s Repiar ($11.95). Creative Laser Design Inc., 802-626-9254, www.creativelaserdesign.com

TrainCat Model Sales HO scale straight deck-girder bridge
TrainCat Model Sales Z scale straight deck-girder bridge
Straight deck-girder bridge. Etched-brass kit with rivet detail. Available in 90- and 120-scale foot versions. Includes grated walkways on both sides of bridge. 90-foot bridge, $42.50; 120-foot bridge, $58.50. TrainCat Model Sales, traincat2.com
CVP Products T5000 wireless throttle
CVP Products T5000 wireless throttle
Electronics/controls

T5000 wireless throttle. Bright graphical liquid-crystal display screen, 16 frequencies, 28 functions, and 11 transmit power levels. Works with T9000 and RF13000 throttles and is compatible with AirWire900 decoders, Linkers, and drop-in decoders. Requires two AAA batteries. $159 (with backlight, $179). Belt clip with mounting screws, $6. CVP Products, 972-238-9966, www.cvpusa.com

The Converter. Ultra-miniature radio receiver and Digital Command Control booster circuit connects to any National Model Railroad Association-compliant Digital Command Control decoder and converts it to an AirWire900-compatible decoder. Can be controlled from any AirWire900 wireless throttle. Uses any addresses from 1 to 9,999; 1.5 amp protected DCC output; and 16 frequencies. Convtr (standard version with built-in internal antenna), $99; Convtrex (with antenna jack for use with included plug-in 3” wire antenna or optional external plug-in antenna), $105. CVP Products, 972-238-9966, www.cvpusa.com

Digitrax UP6Z
Digitrax UP6Z
UP6Z. LocoNet universal panel and 3 amp Z scale voltage reducer. Includes six LocoNet jacks for connection to other LocoNet devices for all scales. Reduces track voltage 4 to 6V at 3 amps for Z scale operation. $29. Digitrax, 850-872-9890, www.digitrax.com

Z scale Digital Command Control decoder replacement boards. DZ123MK0 (Fits Märklin Mini Club 88455), $44; DZ123MK1 (Fits Märklin Z 88584), $44; and DZ123Z0 (Fits American Z Lines GP30 and others), $39. One amp, two-function boards. Digitrax, 850-872-9890, www.digitrax.com

LokSound Select 8-ohm micro speakers. 14mm x 16mm with self-adhesive speaker, $9.97. 16mm x 35mm with enclosure, $7.49. ESU LLC, www.loksound.com

LokSound 4.0XL. Sound and motor decoder for O and large scale locomotives. $244.90.
ESU LLC, www.loksound.com

Sound files. Alco 16-cylinder 251 engine; Electro-Motive Division SD50 diesel locomotive and 16-cylinder 645 (non-turbocharged) and 710 engines; Motive Power Industries MP36; and Southern Pacific Cab-Forward steam locomotive. Works with all LokSound Select V4.0 decoders. Free download. ESU LLC, www.loksound.com

Logic Rail Technologies Grade Crossing Pro with TrueLamp2
Logic Rail Technologies Grade Crossing Pro with TrueLamp2
Grade Crossing Pro with TrueLamp2. Prototypical control of grade crossing flashers and gates. Uses four sensors (included) for proper bi-directional behavior. Can also be triggered by other electronic circuits. TrueLamp2 provides realistic fading in and out of lamps (common anode/positive light-emitting diode or bulbs) while flashing. Works with all scales. $42.95 (infrared, $54.95). Logic Rail Technologies, 281-251-5813, www.logicrailtech.com

QSI Emulator sound decoder software upgrade. Prototypical sound and lighting effects and motor control for diesel and steam locomotives. Compatible with direct current and Digital Command Control in multiple scales (large scale locomotives have some limitations on DC). Additional information and price to be announced. Produced by QSI, available from Tony’s Train Exchange, 800-978-3472, www.tonystrains.com

Kadee Quality Products Co. RC remote uncoupling system
Kadee Quality Products Co. RC remote uncoupling system
Kadee RC remote uncoupling system. For large (G) scale trains. Starter kit (handheld transmitter, body-mount coupler kit, and receiver kit), $379.99; handheld transmitter, $269.99; receiver kit (radio receiver, four-cell AAA battery holder, and wiring harness), $169.99; body-mount coupler kit (no. 906 coupler, trip pin linkage collars, linkage rods, shims, large servo kit, and mounting screws and hardware, and receiver kit), $49.99; and large servo kit (hobby servo, servo tray, and mounting screws and hardware), $26.99. Kadee Quality Products Co., www.remoteuncoupling.com

Adapt-A-Board. For converting USA Trains diesel locomotives to Digital Command Control or radio control. Boards are available for Alco PA and PB diesel locomotives and Electro-Motive Division GP7 and GP9, GP38-2, F3A and B, SD70MAC, SD40-2, and GP30. $39.95 each. Adapt-A-Board with light-emitting diode kit for EMD GP7 and GP9, $64.95. Price for other locomotives to be announced. Traintek LLC, 888-339-8734, www.traintekllc.com

LaserActive. Handheld laser for activating switch machines, couplers, building lights, sound effects, and animation. Sensors may be hid in scenery or rolling stock. No control panels necessary. Works for N through large scales. Laser pointer, $18; LA-10 sensor, $24; and LA-10-C sensor, $27. Unionvilledepot.com, www.unionvilledepot.com

Hunterline Weathering Mix
Hunterline Weathering Mix
Pan Pastel model railroad weathering kit
PanPastel model railroad weathering kit
Weathering supplies

Weathering Mix. New colors: Driftwood, Cordovan Brown, Hunter Green, Yellow Cream, and “Greige”. Eight-ounce bottle, $7. Hunterline, 866-934-4174, www.hunterline.com

PanPastel weathering kit. Rust and earth colors; grays, grime, and soot; and scenery. Each kit contains seven colors in pan (cake-like) format, palette tray with cover, and Sofft applicators. $49.99 each. Individual colors (9ml pans), $6.99 each. Assorted Sofft applicators, $2.99 to $11.99 each. Colorfin LLC, 484-646-9900, www.modelingcolors.com

Blackstone Models ProTraxx HOn3 snap-together track
Blackstone Models ProTraxx HOn3 snap-together track
Track

ProTraxx HOn3 snap-together track. Code 70 nickel silver rail, molded plastic roadbed, and Kato UniJoiners. Four-pack 9” straight track or four-pack 19”-radius curves, $18.25 each. Starter set (four straight sections, 16 curved sections), $89.95. Blackstone Models, 907-259-0690, www.blackstonemodels.com

Custom Trax flexible three-foot straight track
Custom Trax flexible three-foot straight track
Flexible 3-foot straight track. Code 83 nickel silver rail spiked to weathered wood ties. Track now features tie plate detail. Without roadbed: $14.70 each, ten-pack $118. Ballasted with flexible roadbed: $16.50 each, ten-pack $132. Custom Trax, 515-961-4108, www.custmtrax.com

Decals

Illinois Central boxcars. 50-foot single-door PS-1 (1968+) and 50-foot combination-door PS-1 (1967+). Each set completes one car. $7 each. Daniel Kohlberg, paducah.home.mindspring.com

DVDs
Building an HO Layout: From Benchwork to Running the Trains. Topics include track plan and benchwork, scenery, track, ballast, wiring, building a trestle bridge, and more. 70 minutes. $14.99. TM Books & Video, 219-879-2822, www.tmbv.com

One thought on “2012 National Train Show final report

  1. I am glad to see the Pro-traxx 'snap-together' track for HOn3. This is has been talked about since the 1960s and brings HO narrow gauge modeling within the skills capability of anyone who can create an HO layout using the modern track systems from Atlas, Walthers and Bachmann. Good choice on the curve radius too — it should handle anything up through the D&RGW K-series Mikados!

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