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 […]
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Lionel O-27 uncoupler is different
Q: You had a great tip about wiring a push-button switch to an old UCS track section, avoiding the original two-button controllers. Since I have an O-27 layout, I tried this with one of my No. 6019 tracks. When I attached the button switch between the number 2 wire and the transformer, the uncoupling magnet […]
Kato’s N scale Electro-Motive Corp. NW2
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
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 scale Alco RS-36 diesel locomotive
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 […]
An MR quick look: Micro-Trains N scale test car
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 […]
Summit USA HO scale strip mall structure kit
Summit USA HO scale strip mall structure kit Modern-era modelers can now add a strip mall to their layouts without taking up much space thanks to Summit USA’s new low-relief structure kit. The laser-milled styrene building captures the look of malls commonly found throughout the United States and even includes signs for such chain stores […]
An MR quick look: Kadee HO scale whisker couplers
Kadee HO scale whisker couplers Price: $3.95 (2 pair)ManufacturerKadee Quality Products Co.673 Avenue CWhite City, OR 97503-1078www.kadee.comDescription: all-metal scale-size HO knuckle couplersComments: Three new scale-size couplers featuring an easy-to-install one-piece design are now available in HO. Kadee whisker couplers come in 1/4″ short shank (no. 153), 9/32″ medium shank (no. 156), and 25/64″ long shank […]
Precision Craft Models HO scale Alco FA-1 cab diesel video
Click the play button to see a video clip of the Alco FA-1 diesel locomotive in action. […]
Precision Craft Models HO scale Alco FA-1 cab diesel video
Click the play button to see a video clip of the Alco FA-1 diesel locomotive in action. […]
Broken belt on a postwar Lionel No. 364 log loader
Q: I have a Lionel No. 364 conveyor belt log loader which was received as a gift in the 1940s or early 1950s. The red conveyor belt has disintegrated over time and I would like to know how to service the accessory to get it back into operation. Also, I would appreciate knowing the approximate […]
Lionel American Flyer S gauge 0-6-0T
I DON’T HAVE a bond with postwar American Flyer. My grandfather had Flyer trains, my uncle had Marx trains, and I had Lionel trains. So I have a pretty broad view of postwar trains, and my S gauge interests aren’t driven by nostalgia, but rather by what I think will look cool on my layout. […]
