Athearn N Challenger 4-6-6-4 For N scale fans of big articulated steam locomotives, what’s more exciting than a 1:160-proportion Challenger 4-6-6-4? How about one equipped with realistic onboard sound. The Challenger is the first DCC-and-sound-equipped N scale steamer in Athearn’s product line. The model’s dual-mode decoder, manufactured by Model Rectifier Corp., provides controllable sound effects […]
Electronics Solutions Ulm’s ECoS digital control system With two built-in throttles, a long list of features, an LCD touch screen, and ample possibilities for expansion, Electronic Solutions Ulm’s new ECoS digital control system is the most complete digital single-unit controller we’ve tested. Not only is it capable of sending commands in multiple formats (Digital Command […]
Atlas N code 80 wye turnouts An MR quick lookPrice: $10.50 (Custom-Line), $11.50 (Standard Manual), $17.50 (Standard Remote) ManufacturerAtlas Model Railroad Co.378 Florence Ave.Hillside, NJ 07205www.atlasrr.com Description: N scale turnouts with plastic ties and nickel-silver rail Comments: These easy-to-install wye turnouts are the latest additions to the Atlas code 80 N scale track line. The […]
An MR quick lookPrice: $44.95 ManufacturerWm. K. Walthers, Inc.P.O. Box 3039Milwaukee, WI 53201www.walthers.com Description: ready-to-run plastic and metal model Comments: A highly detailed parlor car based on Pullman plan 3416 is now available for HO scale passenger service. Parlor cars offered more space and more luxurious daytime accommodations than regular coaches. The model has rooftop […]
IN THE MIDST of the Great Depression, America’s railroads turned to fast trains to draw the public back to rail travel. In the Midwest, the Chicago & North Western was preparing to launch high-speed service between Chicago and Minneapolis. The Milwaukee Road’s response was to create a fast, reliable, and stylish express train. The name […]
AS THE REVIEW of the locomotive noted, the first car set for Hiawatha service was built in 1935. A second series of cars was built in 1937, and demand for the Hiawatha service was so dramatic that in 1938 a third group was built and entered service in 1939. There were several significant changes between […]
YEARS AGO, before joining CLASSIC TOY TRAINS magazine, I was an Air Force transportation officer. I found myself on a staff-assistance visit to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and stumbled upon a weed-choked rail yard full of diesels in varying shades of faded Air Force blue. Baldwins, Whitcombs, Plymouths, Alcos, you name it. There they […]
Running side by side, SP 4449 and UP 8444 enter Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal for LAUPT’s 50th Anniversary celebration on May 5, 1989. The two locomotives will doublehead next month in Washington State. Steve Glischinski ALBANY, Ore. – Former Southern Pacific 4-8-4 No. 4449 arrived in Albany on April 4 for wheel repairs at […]
Kato N Electro-Motive Corp. NW2 Kato’s new N scale switch engine is an accurate representation of a pre-World War II Electro-Motive Corp. NW2. The ready-to-run model includes cab interior details, thin cross-section handrails, and a newly designed and very compact drive mechanism that performs well at low speed. Diesels come of age. The switch engine […]
Micro-Trains Z scale turnouts Turnouts with North American tie-spacing, a 490mm (19.3″) radius diverging route, and built-in road-bed are now available for those who model in Z. Available in left- and right-hand versions, these new manual turnouts give Z scalers an easy way to add to their layouts. A versatile track system. Like other components […]
Atlas Trainman HO Alco RS-36 diesel The Atlas Trainman RS-36 is a solid performer that faithfully captures the appearance of the Alco prototype. The ready-to-run model features a new body shell but uses a traditional five-pole skew-wound motor found in other Atlas engines. The firm also offers an RS-32 in its Trainman line. The model […]
Micro-Trains N scale test car Price: $13.95ManufacturerMicro-Trains Line Co.P.O. Box 1200Talent, OR 97540www.micro-trains.comDescription: plastic ready-to-run N scale test carComments: Modelers in N scale now have an excellent scale test car. These cars helped calibrate scales during car loading. Our sample came decorated in Baltimore & Ohio/CSX livery. All lettering, including the smallest stencils, is straight […]
