Kato USA HO scale Electro-Motive Division SD40-2 diesel locomotive
HO scale locomotives
Electro-Motive Division SD40-2 diesel locomotive. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (blue and yellow warbonnet) and Burlington Northern (as-delivered scheme). Two road numbers per scheme. Factory-installed Digital Command Control motor and light decoder, handrails, grab irons, and number boards; directional golden-white light-emitting-diode headlights; and working ditch lights (modeler-selected alternating or constant). Based on mid-production prototype. $265. October 2019. Kato USA Inc., 847-781-9500, katousa.com
Electro-Motive Division SD40-2 diesel locomotive. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (blue and yellow warbonnet) and Burlington Northern (as-delivered scheme). Two road numbers per scheme. Factory-installed Digital Command Control motor and light decoder, handrails, grab irons, and number boards; directional golden-white light-emitting-diode headlights; and working ditch lights (modeler-selected alternating or constant). Based on mid-production prototype. $265. October 2019. Kato USA Inc., 847-781-9500, katousa.com
Atlas Model Railroad Co. HO scale American Car & Foundry 33,000-gallon tank car
HO scale freight cars
American Car & Foundry 33,000-gallon tank car. New paint schemes: GLNX Corp. (blue), Canadian National (safety training car, one road number), American Car & Foundry (white), and Penn Central (Deepwater Green and white, fictional scheme). New paint schemes: Cal Gas (red, gray, white, and black) and Continental Tank Car Corp. (black). Two numbers per scheme unless noted; also available undecorated. Separate factory-applied handrails, 100-ton roller-bearing trucks, and Accumate couplers. $42.95 (undecorated, $34.95). Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
American Car & Foundry 33,000-gallon tank car. New paint schemes: GLNX Corp. (blue), Canadian National (safety training car, one road number), American Car & Foundry (white), and Penn Central (Deepwater Green and white, fictional scheme). New paint schemes: Cal Gas (red, gray, white, and black) and Continental Tank Car Corp. (black). Two numbers per scheme unless noted; also available undecorated. Separate factory-applied handrails, 100-ton roller-bearing trucks, and Accumate couplers. $42.95 (undecorated, $34.95). Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
HO scale Thrall 3,564-cubic-foot-capacity gondola. Produced by ExactRail, available exclusively from TrainLife.com
Thrall 3,564-cubic-foot-capacity gondola. TTX (new logo in 12 numbers, 2005 “Gold Crown” scheme, and as-delivered scheme), Norfolk Southern (Thoroughbred scheme), and Union Pacific (“Building America” scheme). Six numbers per scheme unless noted. American Steel Foundries 100-ton Ride Control trucks, CNC-machined 36” metal wheelsets, and Kadee no. 58 couplers. $44.95. November 2019. Produced by ExactRail, available exclusively from TrainLife.com, trainlife.com
Atlas Model Railroad Co. HO scale 8-section, 1-drawing-room, 2-compartment heavyweight sleeper
HO scale passenger equipment
8-section, 1-drawing-room, 2-compartment heavyweight sleeper. Canadian Pacific (Explorer and Mountaineer), CP Rail (Trapper [maintenance-of-way scheme]), Pennsylvania RR Centhill and Centfaun, Pullman (Illinois Central-assigned Centford and John McLoughlin, Texas & Pacific Eagle-assigned Centway and George W. Holdrege, New York Central-assigned Centdoya and Onaluska Pass, and Union Pacific-assigned Centavon), and Southern Pacific (Centgarde and DeYoung). Also available painted Pullman Green but unlettered. Separate, factory-applied underbody details, sprung diaphragms, and Accumate couplers. $79.95. Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
8-section, 1-drawing-room, 2-compartment heavyweight sleeper. Canadian Pacific (Explorer and Mountaineer), CP Rail (Trapper [maintenance-of-way scheme]), Pennsylvania RR Centhill and Centfaun, Pullman (Illinois Central-assigned Centford and John McLoughlin, Texas & Pacific Eagle-assigned Centway and George W. Holdrege, New York Central-assigned Centdoya and Onaluska Pass, and Union Pacific-assigned Centavon), and Southern Pacific (Centgarde and DeYoung). Also available painted Pullman Green but unlettered. Separate, factory-applied underbody details, sprung diaphragms, and Accumate couplers. $79.95. Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
Atlas Model Railroad Co. HO scale 8-section, 1-drawing-room, 2-compartment heavyweight sleeper
HO scale details and accessories
40-foot high-cube refrigerated intermodal container. “K” Line, Hamburg Süd, CP Ships, NYK Logistics & Megacarrier, and United Arab Shipping Co. Two three-packs per paint scheme. Injection-molded plastic with Daikin refrigeration unit and five hinge/four door with out-style handles. Three-pack, $56.95. Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
40-foot high-cube refrigerated intermodal container. “K” Line, Hamburg Süd, CP Ships, NYK Logistics & Megacarrier, and United Arab Shipping Co. Two three-packs per paint scheme. Injection-molded plastic with Daikin refrigeration unit and five hinge/four door with out-style handles. Three-pack, $56.95. Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
Bowser Manufacturing Co. Inc. HO scale assorted locomotive detail parts
Assorted locomotive detail parts. Brake wheel (20” diameter “kidney bean” profile and cast eight-spoke) two-packs, $2.95; lift bolster (20” x 7” and 20” x 8-3/4”) four-packs, $2.95; poling pocket (8-1/2” scale diameter), $2.95; and sand filler hatch (.130” x .112” x .054”) two-pack, $2.95. Injection-molded plastic parts. Bowser Manufacturing Co. Inc., 570-368-2379, bowser-trains.com
Showcase Miniatures HO scale General Railway Signal upper quadrant semaphore signal
General Railway Signal upper quadrant semaphore signal. Kit includes painted roundels. Can be built static or operational. If latter, requires sunny white light-emitting diode (sold separately). $17.95. Showcase Miniatures, 334-750-3276, showcaseminiatures.net
Atlas Model Railroad Co. N scale General Electric U25B diesel locomotive
N scale locomotives
General Electric U25B diesel locomotive. New paint schemes. Phase IIa: Rock Island (red and yellow). New road numbers. Phase IIa: Southern Pacific (scarlet and gray); Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (pinstripe scheme); and Union Pacific (Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray with “Dependable Transportation” slogan). Phase IIb: Conrail (blue), Erie Lackawanna (gray, maroon, and yellow), and Great Northern (Omaha Orange and Pullman Green). Two road numbers per scheme; both body styles also available undecorated. Directional golden-white light-emitting-diode headlights, blackened metal wheels, and Accumate couplers. Direct-current model, $124.95 (undecorated, $114.95); with NCE Digital Command Control motor and light decoder, $159.95 (undecorated, $149.95). Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
General Electric U25B diesel locomotive. New paint schemes. Phase IIa: Rock Island (red and yellow). New road numbers. Phase IIa: Southern Pacific (scarlet and gray); Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (pinstripe scheme); and Union Pacific (Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray with “Dependable Transportation” slogan). Phase IIb: Conrail (blue), Erie Lackawanna (gray, maroon, and yellow), and Great Northern (Omaha Orange and Pullman Green). Two road numbers per scheme; both body styles also available undecorated. Directional golden-white light-emitting-diode headlights, blackened metal wheels, and Accumate couplers. Direct-current model, $124.95 (undecorated, $114.95); with NCE Digital Command Control motor and light decoder, $159.95 (undecorated, $149.95). Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
Kato USA N scale Electro-Motive Diesel SD70ACe diesel locomotive
Electro-Motive Diesel SD70ACe diesel locomotive. CSX (dark blue and yellow in two road numbers, direct current and Digital Command Control motor and light decoder only), Norfolk Southern (Thoroughbred scheme, three numbers), and Union Pacific (George Bush 41 Presidential Library and Museum, Powered by Our People, and The Spirit of the Union Pacific in one number each). Directional headlight, illuminated number boxes, and prototype-specific body style. Direct-current model, $130 to $138; with Digital Command Control (DCC) motor and light decoder, $200 to $218; and with ESU LokSound DCC sound decoder, $335 to $340. September 2019 through April 2020. Kato USA Inc., 847-781-9500, katousa.com
Atlas Model Railroad Co. N scale Difco side-dump car
N scale freight cars
Difco side-dump car. New paint schemes: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (brown); Burlington Northern (brown); Florida East Coast (brown, two road numbers); Kansas City Southern (brown, two numbers); Louisville & Nashville (blue and black, two numbers); Norfolk Southern (orange); and Northern Pacific (black). Three numbers per scheme unless noted. Model features 100-ton trucks and truck-mounted couplers. $34.95. Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
Difco side-dump car. New paint schemes: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (brown); Burlington Northern (brown); Florida East Coast (brown, two road numbers); Kansas City Southern (brown, two numbers); Louisville & Nashville (blue and black, two numbers); Norfolk Southern (orange); and Northern Pacific (black). Three numbers per scheme unless noted. Model features 100-ton trucks and truck-mounted couplers. $34.95. Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
Atlas Model Railroad Co. N scale New York, New Haven & Hartford class NE-5 caboose
New York, New Haven & Hartford class NE-5caboose. New paint schemes: Boston & Maine (blue and white); Chicago Great Western (maroon, orange, and yellow); Chicago & North Western (yellow and green); New York, New Haven & Hartford (red and white); Penn Central (Deepwater Green); and Wisconsin Central (maroon and yellow, one road number). Two numbers per scheme unless noted; also available undecorated. Brake line detail, solid- or roller-bearing trucks as appropriate, and Accumate couplers. $32.95 (undecorated, $22.95). Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
Kato USA N scale Operation North Pole Christmas trains
N scale train sets
Operation North Pole Christmas trains. The 2015 set features Electro-Motive Division (EMD) F40PH diesel locomotive with Train Control Systems (TCS) Digital Command Control (DCC) motor and light decoder, two Nippon Sharyo gallery bi-level coaches, and Nippon Sharyo gallery bi-level cab-coach with FL 12 DCC decoder, $380. The 2016 set includes EMD F40PH with TCS DCC motor and light decoder, three gallery bi-level coaches, two gallery bi-level cab-coaches (one with FL 12 DCC decoder), and bookcase-style packaging with specially decorated slipcover, $380. The 2017 set has EMD F40PH with TCS DCC motor and light decoder, four gallery bi-level coaches, gallery bi-level cab-coach with FL 12 DCC decoder, and bookcase-style packing with specially designed slipcover, $380. Locomotive has directional light-emitting-diode headlight and taillight functions; bi-level cars have blackened metal wheels with all-wheel electrical pickup. November 2019. Kato USA Inc., 847-781-9500, katousa.com
Operation North Pole Christmas trains. The 2015 set features Electro-Motive Division (EMD) F40PH diesel locomotive with Train Control Systems (TCS) Digital Command Control (DCC) motor and light decoder, two Nippon Sharyo gallery bi-level coaches, and Nippon Sharyo gallery bi-level cab-coach with FL 12 DCC decoder, $380. The 2016 set includes EMD F40PH with TCS DCC motor and light decoder, three gallery bi-level coaches, two gallery bi-level cab-coaches (one with FL 12 DCC decoder), and bookcase-style packaging with specially decorated slipcover, $380. The 2017 set has EMD F40PH with TCS DCC motor and light decoder, four gallery bi-level coaches, gallery bi-level cab-coach with FL 12 DCC decoder, and bookcase-style packing with specially designed slipcover, $380. Locomotive has directional light-emitting-diode headlight and taillight functions; bi-level cars have blackened metal wheels with all-wheel electrical pickup. November 2019. Kato USA Inc., 847-781-9500, katousa.com
The N Scale Architect Roadside Eats
N scale structures
Roadside Eats. Features barbecue smoker and food trailer castings, two photo-etched picnic table and umbrella kits, full-color sign sheet, and 10” of photo-etched picket fence and gates. $45.95. Additional picnic table and umbrella kits and picket fences available separately. The N Scale Architect, 607-746-8416, thenarch.com
Roadside Eats. Features barbecue smoker and food trailer castings, two photo-etched picnic table and umbrella kits, full-color sign sheet, and 10” of photo-etched picket fence and gates. $45.95. Additional picnic table and umbrella kits and picket fences available separately. The N Scale Architect, 607-746-8416, thenarch.com
Noch GmbH & Co. N scale Edelweiss guest house
Edelweiss guest house. Laser-cut kit with advertising sign, flagpole, sheet of stickers with various national flags and names for guest house, and laser-cut adhesive. Measures 3-11/32” x 2-51/64” x 2-3/64”. $99.99. Price may vary based on exchange rate. Noch GmbH & Co., +49-75 22-97 80-29, noch.com
N scale freight cars
Conrail maintenance-of-way gondolas. Three factory-weathered gondolas with tie loads. Tie loader kit includes resin, 3-D printed, and etched-metal parts and window decals. Three-pack, $99.95. Micro-Trains Line Co., 541-535-1755, micro-trains.com
Conrail maintenance-of-way gondolas. Three factory-weathered gondolas with tie loads. Tie loader kit includes resin, 3-D printed, and etched-metal parts and window decals. Three-pack, $99.95. Micro-Trains Line Co., 541-535-1755, micro-trains.com
Department of Defense flatcars with containers. Three-pack includes six 20-foot tall containers, four 20-foot short containers, and two 20-foot generators. Containers and container pedestals are painted cast resin. $139.95. Micro-Trains Line Co., 541-535-1755, micro-trains.com
Jacksonville Terminal Co. N scale 20-foot standard height intermodal container
N scale details and accessories
20-foot standard height intermodal container. Ocean Network Express, Evergreen, Hanjin, JTC holiday container (single unit, $18.95), Lotus, Maersk Sealand, MOL, and Triton. Injection-molded plastic with inter-box connecting pins and JTC magnetic connecting system. Two-pack, $29.65. Jacksonville Terminal Co., 904-233, 9526, jtcmodeltrains.com
20-foot standard height intermodal container. Ocean Network Express, Evergreen, Hanjin, JTC holiday container (single unit, $18.95), Lotus, Maersk Sealand, MOL, and Triton. Injection-molded plastic with inter-box connecting pins and JTC magnetic connecting system. Two-pack, $29.65. Jacksonville Terminal Co., 904-233, 9526, jtcmodeltrains.com
Jacksonville Terminal Co. N scale 40-foot high-cube intermodal container
40-foot high-cube intermodal container. Available now: Maersk Sealand and Ocean Network Express. Coming soon: Hapag-Lloyd and “K” Line. Injection-molded plastic with inter-box connecting pins and JTC magnetic connecting system. Two-pack, $29.95. Jacksonville Terminal Co., 904-233, 9526, jtcmodeltrains.com
Atlas O Baltimore & Ohio 40-foot wagontop boxcar
O scale freight cars
Baltimore & Ohio 40-foot wagontop boxcar. Baltimore & Ohio (Boxcar Red and white, red and white, and Railway Express Agency green and yellow), Pennsylvania RR (brown and white with circle keystone herald), and Seaboard Air Line (brown and white with “Route of the Silver Meteor” slogan). Two road numbers per paint scheme; also available undecorated. Die-cast metal trucks and couplers; prototype-specific doors; and separate, factory-installed grab irons. $81.95 (undecorated, $76.95). Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas O, 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
Baltimore & Ohio 40-foot wagontop boxcar. Baltimore & Ohio (Boxcar Red and white, red and white, and Railway Express Agency green and yellow), Pennsylvania RR (brown and white with circle keystone herald), and Seaboard Air Line (brown and white with “Route of the Silver Meteor” slogan). Two road numbers per paint scheme; also available undecorated. Die-cast metal trucks and couplers; prototype-specific doors; and separate, factory-installed grab irons. $81.95 (undecorated, $76.95). Second quarter 2020. Master Line. Atlas O, 908-687-0880, atlasrr.com
Z scale freight cars
Assorted freight cars. BNSF Ry. 60-foot bulkhead flatcar with pipe load (two road numbers), $27.90. CSX 60-foot bulkhead flatcar with steel beam load (two road numbers), $27.90. Nash-Underwood Co. 40-foot double-sheathed refrigerator car, $27.95. Injection-molded plastic models with plastic wheelsets and Magne-Matic couplers. Micro-Trains Line Co., 541-535-1755, micro-trains.com
Assorted freight cars. BNSF Ry. 60-foot bulkhead flatcar with pipe load (two road numbers), $27.90. CSX 60-foot bulkhead flatcar with steel beam load (two road numbers), $27.90. Nash-Underwood Co. 40-foot double-sheathed refrigerator car, $27.95. Injection-molded plastic models with plastic wheelsets and Magne-Matic couplers. Micro-Trains Line Co., 541-535-1755, micro-trains.com
Noch GmbH & Co. Fir trees
Scenery
Fir trees. 3-15/16” to 5-1/2” (HO scale) eight-pack, $21.99; 16-pack, $39.99. 5-1/2” to 7-1/16” (HO and O scales), six-pack, $21.99. 1-9/16” to 3-15/16” (Z, N, and HO scales), 16-pack, $28.99. Prices may vary based on exchange rate. Noch GmbH & Co., +49-75 22-97 80-29, noch.com
Fir trees. 3-15/16” to 5-1/2” (HO scale) eight-pack, $21.99; 16-pack, $39.99. 5-1/2” to 7-1/16” (HO and O scales), six-pack, $21.99. 1-9/16” to 3-15/16” (Z, N, and HO scales), 16-pack, $28.99. Prices may vary based on exchange rate. Noch GmbH & Co., +49-75 22-97 80-29, noch.com
Noch GmbH & Co. large scale fir trees
Large scale fir trees. 9-13/16”, $23.99; 11-13/16”, $28.99; 13-3/4”, $34.99; 15-3/4”, $41.99. Snowy fir trees: 9-13/16”, $25.99; 11-13/16”, $30.99; 13-3/4”, $35.99; 15-3/4”, $42.99. Prices may vary based on exchange rate. Noch GmbH & Co., +49-75 22-97 80-29, noch.com
Noch GmbH & Co. Mixed forest
Mixed forest. 3-15/16” to 5-1/2” (HO scale) eight-pack, $24.99; 16-pack, $44.99. 5-1/2” to 7-1/16” (HO and O scales), six-pack, $24.99. 1-9/16” to 3-15/16” (Z, N, and HO scales), 16-pack, $31.99. Prices may vary based on exchange rate. Noch GmbH & Co., +49-75 22-97 80-29, noch.com
Noch GmbH & Co. Snowy fir trees
Snowy fir trees. 3-15/16” to 5-1/2” (HO scale) eight-pack, $23.99; 16-pack, $41.99. 5-1/2” to 7-1/16” (HO and O scales), six-pack, $23.99. 1-9/16” to 3-15/16” (Z, N, and HO scales), 16-pack, $31.99. Prices may vary based on exchange rate. Noch GmbH & Co., +49-75 22-97 80-29, noch.com
I have always had problems with the realism of “bottle-brush” fir trees, as sold by Noch. They resemble a tightly trimmed Christmas tree, not a “wild” tree in any forest. With scissors or clips you can shorten random branches, but never lengthen them to kill the stark conical shape. I normally use them toward the back of a scene, with better shaped trees in the foreground, to mask that sharp “A” look.