News & Reviews News 2018 National Train Show report part 2

2018 National Train Show report part 2

By Angela Cotey | August 15, 2018

| Last updated on November 3, 2020


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The 2018 National Train Show was held Aug. 10-12, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. Here are some of the items that were on display at the show. You’ll find additional model railroading products in part 1 of our report. You can also watch video highlights of the show.
Athearn HO scale American Car & Foundry 4,600-cubic-foot-capacity three-bay Center Flow covered hopper
Athearn HO scale American Car & Foundry 4,600-cubic-foot-capacity three-bay Center Flow covered hopper
HO scale freight cars
American Car & Foundry 4,600-cubic-foot-capacity three-bay Center Flow covered hopper. Pre-production sample shown. Kansas City Southern; Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Burlington Northern; General Chemical; Louisville & Nashville; Soo Line; and Western Pacific. Three body styles (early high brake wheel, early low brake wheel, and post-1971). Round or trough hatch covers as appropriate, photo-etched running boards, and 100-ton roller-bearing trucks with rotating bearing caps. Single car, $49.98; three-pack, $147.98. Genesis series. Athearn Trains, 800-338-4639, www.athearn.com
Greenbrier 7,550-cubic-foot-capacity “grid side” high-capacity boxcar. TBOX class 61B (663810-664998 and 638000-639770). Road names, additional features, release date, and price to be announced. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, www.atlasrr.com
Pullman-Standard 5,077-cubic-foot-capacity 50-foot boxcar. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Burlington Northern; Canadian Pacific; Chessie System (Baltimore & Ohio reporting marks); Chicago & North Western; Conrail; CSX; Montana Rail Link; Penn Central; Railbox (early and late versions); Seaboard System (Railbox patchout); Southern Ry. (Railbox patchout); St. Lawrence RR; Union Pacific; and Wisconsin Central. Seven road numbers per scheme (single car and two three-packs). Prototype-specific side sills, roofs, ends, doors, and hand brakes; 70-ton American Steel Foundries trucks with rotating bearing caps; and body-mounted Kadee couplers. Single car, $39.98; three-pack, $119.98. Produced by North American Railcar Corp., available exclusively from Pacific Western Rail Systems, 866-840-7777, www.pwrs.ca

Beilhack rotary snow blower. Conrail and CSX. Self-propelled model with light-emitting diodes, skidding front that raises and lowers automatically, factory-installed sound, and rotating blower wheels. Body can be rotated 180 degrees. $478.91. Price may vary based on exchange rate. Second half 2019. Roco, www.roco.cc

HO scale passenger equipment
Chicago & North Western Pullman bi-level cab-coach and coaches. Four-window cab-coach ($75) and four- and six-window coaches ($65 each). Interior details, green-tinted window glazing, and kinematic couplers. Lighting kits and dry transfer numbers sold separately. Kato USA Inc., 847-781-9500, www.katousa.com
HO scale structures
Gantlet bridge ties with stringers. Injection-molded plastic. Works with Micro Engineering code 70 and 83 rail (rail not included). Enough material for 25 scale feet. $11.95. Central Valley Model Works, 805-489-8586, www.cvmw.com
Bridge ties with stringers. Injection-molded plastic. Works with Micro Engineering code 100 and Atlas codes 83 and 100 rail (rail not included). Enough material for 25 scale feet. $11.95. Central Valley Model Works, 805-489-8586, www.cvmw.com
MRRNP1118_133
Central Valley Model Works HO scale dual-gauge bridge ties with stringers
Dual-gauge bridge ties with stringers. HOn3. Injection-molded plastic. Works with Micro Engineering or Peco code 70 and 83 rail (rail not included). Enough material for 25 scale feet. $11.95. Central Valley Model Works, 805-489-8586, www.cvmw.com
Central Valley Model Works narrow gauge bridge ties with stringers
Central Valley Model Works narrow gauge bridge ties with stringers
Narrow gauge bridge ties with stringers. HOn3. Injection-molded plastic. Works with Micro Engineering code 55 rail (rail not included). Enough material for 25 scale feet. $11.95. Central Valley Model Works, 805-489-8586, www.cvmw.com
Hunterline HO scale 50-foot queen post truss covered bridge
Hunterline HO scale 50-foot queen post truss covered bridge
50-foot queen post truss covered bridge. Kit includes strip basswood, white pine ties, nut-bolt-washer castings, and shake shingles. HO scale version measures 6-7/8” x 2-5/8” x 7-9/16”. HOn3 version measures 6-7/8” x 2-3/8” x 7-9/16”. $96 each. Hunterline, 866-934-4174, www.hunterline.com

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Albuquerque, N.M., station. Laser-cut medium-density fiberboard kit with peel-and-stick parts, laser-cut plastic details, laser-etched roof tiles, acrylic window glazing, and instructions. $299 plus shipping and applicable taxes; international orders contact manufacturer for shipping rates. Red River Models, www.redrivermodels.com

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe San Bernardino, Calif., station. Compressed façade kit with laser-cut medium-density fiberboard parts, 3-D printed domes and details, peel-and-stick parts, laser-cut plastic details, acrylic window glazing, and instructions. Footprint is 38-1/2” x 7-1/2” x 8-3/4”. $699 plus $12.50 shipping in United States; international orders contact manufacturer for shipping rates. Red River Models, www.redrivermodels.com

Texas & Pacific Marshall, Texas, depot. Laser-cut medium-density fiberboard kit with peel-and-stick parts, laser-cut plastic details, acrylic window glazing, and instructions. $225 plus shipping and applicable taxes; international orders contact manufacturer for shipping rates. Red River Models, www.redrivermodels.com

Alexander Scale Models HO scale Lufkin oil pump
Alexander Scale Models HO scale Lufkin oil pump
HO scale details and accessories
Lufkin oil pump. White-metal kit. $39.95. Alexander Scale Models, 269-944-5129, www.alexanderscalemodels.com
Alexander Scale Models HO scale passenger car vents
Alexander Scale Models HO scale passenger car vents
Passenger car vents. White-metal parts. Four-pack, $2. Alexander Scale Models, 269-944-5129, www.alexanderscalemodels.com
Alexander Scale Models HO scale screw machine
Alexander Scale Models HO scale screw machine
Screw machine. White-metal kit. $14.95. Alexander Scale Models, 269-944-5129, www.alexanderscalemodels.com
MRRNP1118_118
JL Innovative Design HO scale 45-foot flatbed trailer with wheel cradles and freight car wheels
45-foot flatbed trailer with wheel cradles and freight car wheels. $19.98. JL Innovative Design, 320-746-2358, www.jlinnovative.com
Farmyard small animal set. Includes pigs, sheep, ducks, and chickens. Twenty-four piece set, $10.95. JL Innovative Design, 320-746-2358, www.jlinnovative.com
Atlas Model Railroad Co. N scale Siemens ALP-45DP locomotive
Atlas Model Railroad Co. N scale Siemens ALP-45DP locomotive
N scale locomotives
Siemens ALP-45DP locomotive. Pre-production sample shown. NJ Transit. Four road numbers. Illuminated directional light-emitting-diode headlights, ditch lights, and red marker lights; positionable non-functioning pantograph; and five-pole skew-wound motor with dual flywheels. Direct-current model, $149.95; with ESU LokSound Digital Command Control sound decoder, $259.95. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, www.atlasrr.com
Broadway Limited Imports N scale Pennsylvania RR class T-1 4-4-4-4 Duplex steam locomotive
Broadway Limited Imports N scale Pennsylvania RR class T-1 4-4-4-4 Duplex steam locomotive
Pennsylvania RR class T-1 4-4-4-4 Duplex steam locomotive. Six road numbers and painted dark green but unlettered. Die-cast metal body and chassis; separately applied handrails, ladders, whistle, and brass bell; and dual-mode Paragon3 sound decoder with Rolling Thunder. $399.99. Broadway Limited Imports, 386-673-8900, www.broadway-limited.com
Athearn N scale American Car & Foundry 4,600-cubic-foot-capacity three-bay Center Flow covered hopper
Athearn N scale American Car & Foundry 4,600-cubic-foot-capacity three-bay Center Flow covered hopper
N scale freight cars
American Car & Foundry 4,600-cubic-foot-capacity three-bay Center Flow covered hopper. Pre-production sample shown. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Burlington Northern; General Chemical; Kansas City Southern; Louisville & Nashville; Soo Line; and Western Pacific. Three body styles (early high brake wheel, early low brake wheel, and post-1971). Round or trough hatch covers as appropriate, photo-etched running boards, 100-ton roller-bearing trucks with metal wheels, and body-mounted McHenry couplers. Single car, $29.98; three-pack, $84.98. N scale series. Athearn Trains, 800-338-4639, www.athearn.com
Atlas Model Railroad Co. N scale General American 4,180-cubic-foot-capacity Airslide covered hopper
Atlas Model Railroad Co. N scale General American 4,180-cubic-foot-capacity Airslide covered hopper
MRR-NP1118_119
General American 4,180-cubic-foot-capacity Airslide covered hopper. Pre-production sample shown. Three body styles (1965-66 with high-mounted brake wheel, 1966-68 with low-mounted brake wheel, and 1970-80 with end changes). Road names, additional features, release date, and price to be announced. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, www.atlasrr.com
Johnstown America Autoflood II five-bay hopper. Pre-production sample shown. BNSF Ry. (brown and green rotary ends, both with circle-cross herald), CIT Group/Capital Finance Inc. (NRLX marks), CSX (as-delivered scheme), Commonwealth Edison Co. of Illinois (KGLX marks), and Union Electric Co. (as-delivered scheme, “On Track for the Cure,” and “Honoring Ameren’s Military Veteran Employees” schemes). American Steel Foundries 100-ton Ride-Control trucks, CNC machined 36” metal wheelsets, and Micro-Trains no. 1015 couplers. Fall 2018. $29.99. ExactRail, 866-945-1701, www.exactrail.com
North American Railcar Corp. N scale National Steel Car potash service covered hoppers, available exclusively from Pacific Western Rail Systems.
North American Railcar Corp. N scale National Steel Car potash service covered hoppers, available exclusively from Pacific Western Rail Systems
National Steel Car potash service covered hoppers. 4,275-cubic-foot-capacity: Agrium NAHX reporting marks). Twelve road numbers (two six-packs), $179.98 each. 4,300-cubic-foot-capacity: K&S Potash Canada (NSCX reporting marks). One road number. $29.98. Models feature many separately applied detail parts, metal wheelsets, and Magne-Matic couplers. Produced by North American Railcar Corp., available exclusively from Pacific Western Rail Systems, 866-840-7777, www.pwrs.ca
North American Railcar Corp. N scale Pullman-Standard 5,077-cubic-foot-capacity 50-foot boxcar, available exclusively from Pacific Western Rail Systems.
North American Railcar Corp. N scale Pullman-Standard 5,077-cubic-foot-capacity 50-foot boxcar, available exclusively from Pacific Western Rail Systems
Pullman-Standard 5,077-cubic-foot-capacity 50-foot boxcar. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Burlington Northern; Canadian Pacific; Chessie System (Baltimore & Ohio reporting marks); Chicago & North Western; Conrail; CSX; Montana Rail Link; Penn Central; Railbox (early and late versions); Seaboard System (Railbox patchout); Southern Ry. (Railbox patchout); St. Lawrence RR; Union Pacific; and Wisconsin Central. Seven road numbers per scheme (single car and two three-packs). Two body styles; prototype-specific side sills, roofs, ends, doors, and hand brakes; and body-mounted Magne-Matic couplers. Single car, $29.98; three-pack, $89.98. Produced by North American Railcar Corp., available exclusively from Pacific Western Rail Systems, 866-840-7777, www.pwrs.ca
Atlas Model Railroad Co. N scale NJ Transit multi-level cab car, trailer coach, and trailer coach with toilet
Atlas Model Railroad Co. N scale NJ Transit multi-level cab car, trailer coach, and trailer coach with toilet
N scale passenger equipment
NJ Transit multi-level cab car, trailer coach, and trailer coach with toilet. Pre-production samples shown. Multi-level cab car in four road numbers, multi-level trailer with toilet in four numbers, and multi-level trailer without toilet in 16 numbers (12 in standard scheme, four with safety slogans). All models feature light-emitting-diode (LED) illuminated interior with seat detail; separately applied lift lugs, end barriers, and vinyl diaphragms; and free-rolling metal wheels. Cab car has illuminated, directional LED headlights and ditch lights and red marker lights. Multi-level cab car, $69.95; multi-level trailer with toilet, $54.95; and multi-level trailer without toilet, $54.95 ($59.95 with safety slogan). Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, www.atlasrr.com
Red River Models N scale Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Albuquerque, N.M., station
Red River Models N scale Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Albuquerque, N.M., station
N scale structures
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Albuquerque, N.M., station. Pre-production model shown. Laser-cut medium-density fiberboard kit with peel-and-stick parts, laser-cut plastic details, laser-etched roof tiles, acrylic window glazing, and instructions. Designed to fit standard single-width T-Trak module. $145 plus shipping and applicable taxes; international orders contact manufacturer for shipping rates. Red River Models, www.redrivermodels.com
Red River Models N scale Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe San Bernardino, Calif., station
Red River Models N scale Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe San Bernardino, Calif., station
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe San Bernardino, Calif., station. Pre-production model shown. Compressed façade kit with laser-cut medium-density fiberboard parts, 3-D printed domes and details, peel-and-stick parts, laser-cut plastic details, acrylic window glazing, and instructions. Footprint is 23-1/2” x 5” x 5-1/4”. $299 plus $8.50 shipping in United States; international orders contact manufacturer for shipping rates. Red River Models, www.redrivermodels.com
Red River Models N scale T-Trak bridge kit
Red River Models N scale T-Trak bridge kit
T-Trak bridge kit. Standard bridge (shown), $89; with custom logo, $130. Red River Models, www.redrivermodels.com
Red River Models N scale Texas & Pacific Marshall, Texas, depot
Red River Models N scale Texas & Pacific Marshall, Texas, depot
Texas & Pacific Marshall, Texas, depot. Pre-production model shown. Laser-cut medium-density fiberboard kit with peel-and-stick parts, laser-cut plastic details, acrylic window glazing, and instructions. Measures 5-1/2” x 6”. $99 plus shipping and applicable taxes; international orders contact manufacturer for shipping rates. Red River Models, www.redrivermodels.com
Jacksonville Terminal Co. N scale Flatrack containers with collapsible ends
Jacksonville Terminal Co. N scale Flatrack containers with collapsible ends
N scale details and accessories
Flatrack containers with collapsible ends. Pre-production models shown. Injection-molded plastic construction. 20- and 40-foot versions. Road names, release date, and price to be announced. Jacksonville Terminal Co., www.jtcmodeltrains.com

TT1 single module T-Trak kits. Includes laser-cut birch plywood parts, tab-and-slot construction, internal bracing and wire channels, interface for power pole connectors, threaded inserts and leveling feet, factory-drilled holes for track mounting screws and toggles, channels for track feeder wires, punch-outs for topside hex levelers, and instructions. Accepts skyboard mounting hardware. Measures 12-1/16” x 13” x 2-3/4” or 12-1/16” x 14” x 2-3/4”. $24.95 plus $8.50 shipping in United States; international orders contact manufacturer for shipping rates. T-Mod Modular Systems. Red River Models, www.redrivermodels.com

Des Plaines Hobbies S scale Thrall 2,743-cubic-foot-capacity gondola
Des Plaines Hobbies S scale Thrall 2,743-cubic-foot-capacity gondola
S scale freight cars
Thrall 2,743-cubic-foot-capacity gondola. RJ Corman; Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern; Gateway Western; Fluor Daniel Fernald (OHFX reporting marks); Oregon Steel Mills; and Union Pacific. Three road numbers per scheme. American Flyer-compatible trucks and couplers. Can be adapted to Kadee couplers. $59.95. S Scale America line. Des Plaines Hobbies, www.desplaineshobbies.com
Electronics/controls
SH2AB HO scale mainline signaling kit. Includes two single head A signals, two single head B signals, 4 SMP1s, eight spacers, and eight screws. Makes all signals plug-and-play with small 10-pin connectors. Can be used as basic HO scale signal. Mounting board and hardware included. Current-setting resistors built into the board. Intended for use with the SE8C and other Digitrax signaling products. $25. Digitrax, 850-872-9890, www.digitrax.com

SHABC HO scale turnout signaling kit. Includes one dual head A signal, one single head B signal, one single head C signal, three SMP1s, six spacers, and six screws. Makes all signals plug-and-play with small 10-pin connectors. Can be uses bas basic HO scale signal. Mounting board and hardware included. Current-setting resistors built into the board. Intended for use with the SE8C and other Digitrax signaling products. $25. Digitrax, 850-872-9890, www.digitrax.com

SN2AB N scale mainline signaling kit. Includes two single head A signals, two single head B signals, 4 SMP1s, eight spacers, and eight screws. Makes all signals plug-and-play with small 10-pin connectors. Can be used as basic N scale signal. Mounting board and hardware included. Current-setting resistors built into the board. Intended for use with the SE8C and other Digitrax signaling products. $25. Digitrax, 850-872-9890, www.digitrax.com

SNABC HO scale turnout signaling kit. Includes one dual head A signal, one single head B signal, one single head C signal, three SMP1s, six spacers, and six screws. Makes all signals plug-and-play with small 10-pin connectors. Can be uses bas basic N scale signal. Mounting board and hardware included. Current-setting resistors built into the board. Intended for use with the SE8C and other Digitrax signaling products. $25. Digitrax, 850-872-9890, www.digitrax.com

Fast Tracks Hobbyworks Inc. The Lumber Store rotating storage rack
Fast Tracks Hobbyworks Inc. The Lumber Store rotating storage rack
Scratchbuilding supplies
The Lumber Store rotating storage rack. Laser-cut wood kit with materials to build a 12” x 12” rotating rack. Base kit ($44.95) includes 25 14” long x 1” diameter clear plastic tubes and 25 self-adhesive labels. Stocked kits include plastic tubes with labels and 12 16” pieces of each size of stripwood: HO scale 1 x 2 through 4 x 12, $149.25; HO scale 6 x 6 through 12 x 24, $218.10; O scale 1 x 2 through 4 x 12, $195.80; O scale 6 x 6 through 12 x 24, $273.80; S scale 1 x 2 through 4 x 12, $195.80; and S scale 6 x 6 through 12 x 24, $268.50. Fast Tracks Hobbyworks Inc., 888-252-3895, www.handlaidtrack.com
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