Athearn N scale Challenger and Big Boy with SoundTraxx DCC

AthearnNscaleChallengerandBigBoysteamlocomotives

Athearn N scale Challenger and Big Boy steam locomotives Back on N scale rails, the Athearn Genesis 4-6-6-4 Challenger and 4-8-8-4 Big Boy each feature a revised sound system that includes a SoundTraxx Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder with a new array of realistic sound effects. The models use the same tooling as the MRC-DCC-equipped […]

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In-depth Product Review: Walthers HO scale C&NW bi-level cars

Walthers HO scale CNW bilevel cars

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Walthers has released a new version of the firm’s HO scale bi-level Pullman Standard commuter passenger cars decorated for the Chicago & North Western RR. The new models feature detailed interiors and lighting, and MR’s Jim Hediger makes a detailed survey of the […]

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Video: Sunset Models HO scale Z-8 Challenger 4-6-6-4

Steven Otte standing in front of a layout

The Sunset Models HO scale class Z-8 Challenger is a superdetailed brass locomotive that accurately models the Northern Pacific prototype. The HO scale 4-6-6-4 also features a QSI Titan Digital Command Control (DCC) stereo sound decoder. See and hear the Challenger haul a freight train on our club layout. […]

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2013 National Train Show new products report part 1

AthearnTrainsHOscaleElectroMotiveDivisionSDP45.Preproductionsamplesshown

Athearn Trains HO scale Electro-Motive Division SDP45. Pre-production samples shown. HO scale locomotives Electro-Motive Division SDP45. Erie Lackawanna, Great Northern (Big Sky Blue), and Southern Pacific. Four road numbers per scheme. Detailed cab interior, flat or pointed long hood end as appropriate, and railroad-specific brake cylinder placement on trucks. Direct-current model, $189.98; with SoundTraxx Digital […]

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O gauge United Aircraft TurboTrain by MTH

CTT-PR0913_50A

The 1960s were dark days for railroading in general, and passenger railroading in particular. Government regulation, unwise union contracts, mismanagement by railroad owners, and the transition from a manufacturing economy to an information economy were wreaking havoc in the transportation world. In spite of the fact that customers had largely fled the passenger train in […]

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S gauge American Flyer passenger cars by Lionel

passenger

With the invigoration of Lionel’s American Flyer product line and the sale of S-Helper Service to MTH Electric Trains, the S gauge market appears to be entering a new epoch that may permanently divide old school and new school S gaugers. Before we step through the looking glass into this brave new world, I wanted […]

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Kato USA HO scale GE P42 diesel locomotive

KatoUSAHOscaleGEP42diesellocomotive

Kato USA HO scale GE P42 diesel locomotive Are two motors better than one? A typical HO scale locomotive uses a single direct-current (DC) motor mounted on the chassis. Earlier this year, Kato introduced a new approach on one of its HO scale Japanese locomotives by using two compact coreless motors mounted in the trucks. […]

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Bachmann HO scale hi-rail truck

BachmannHOscalehirailtruck

Bachmann HO scale hi-rail truck Price: $109.99 Manufacturer Bachmann Trains 1400 E. Erie Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19124 www.bachmanntrains.com Era: 1980s to present Comments: This HO scale hi-rail truck from Bachmann Trains features a dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder that operates on both direct-current (DC) and DCC layouts. The truck’s plastic body shell doesn’t represent […]

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Atlas Model Railroad O scale Budd short dome car

AtlasModelRailroadOscaleBuddshortdomecar

Atlas Model Railroad O scale Budd short dome car Mention Vista-Dome and most modelers immediately think of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy’s Zephyr fleet. Of these trains, the California Zephyr was the most famous, with five Vista Domes in its regular all stainless-steel consist. Three railroads participated in the CZ’s daily service between Chicago and […]

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