Kevin Strong 1:20.3 scale, gauge 1, three-truck ShayAccucraft Trains33268 Central Ave.Union City CA 94587Price $3,800Web site: www.accucraft.com All-metal model of a 60 ton, class-C Shay built by Lima Locomotive Works; electrically powered via 24V motor; directional lighting; minimum radius, 4′; working cab windows; working couplers; prototypically accurate lettering and number. Dimensions: Length, 28.5″; width: 5.5″; […]
Dave Goodson 1:20.3 scale, gauge 1, three-truck ShayBachmann Industries, Inc.1400 E. Erie AvenuePhiladelphia PA 19124Price: $1,000Web site: www.bachmanntrains.com Plastic-and-metal model of a 55 ton, three-truck Shay; tested locomotive (#82498) is painted, unlettered; wiring and parts diagram; DVD showing locomotives in use and lubrication procedures; new warranty statement; engineer and fireman; optional smoke stacks and fuel […]
Q: Before I was born, my grandfather bought me a Lionel O-27 set, and over the years I’ve acquired many other O-27 items. I want to build a layout, but just about everyone I’ve spoken to has advised me against building my layout using O-27 track and switches. Instead, they advise me to upgrade to […]
Walthers HO USRA 2-10-2 This massive HO USRA 2-10-2 is a big brute of a steam locomotive, designed for mainline freight ser-vice. Part of Walthers’ Proto 2000 Heritage Collection, it offers classic good looks and a powerful new mechanism capable of hauling prototype-length trains. Though it can negotiate curves as sharp as 18″ radius, the […]
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 […]
Q: I’ve got an 8- by 12-foot layout that is fairly complete, and I use an old Lionel ZW for track power and a few small transformers on a separate circuit for lights and accessories. Is there an easy way to add Lionel’s TrainMaster Command Control to run new engines in command-control mode? I don’t […]
