Athearn HO UP 4-6-6-4 Challenger This HO scale 4-6-6-4 Challenger is a top-notch model and easily the best of Athearn’s Genesis-series steam locomotives. It looks like its famous prototype, and its fine performance is enhanced by sound effects whether running on conventional DC or Digital Command Control (DCC). The story of the Union Pacific Challengers […]
Section: Reviews
Atlas, HO Scale, H-24-66 Train Master
Atlas HO H-24-66 Train Master This Train Master heavy-duty diesel locomotive is the first Atlas HO scale model to include a sound system, which adds even more realism to the smooth-running mechanism and superb detail we’ve come to expect from Atlas. These models include railroad-specific details and come ready-to-run in DC and DCC (Digital Command […]
Zimo Digital Command Control system offers flexibility
Throttle keypad with display and linear speed control. Zimo Elektronik is offering a highly sophisticated Digital Command Control (DCC) system capable of operating under manual cab control or in a fully automated display mode. The extensive Zimo product line is compatible with National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) DCC standards and recommended practices. It also supports […]
Broadway Limited Imports, HO scale, PRR class J1 2-10-4
Broadway Limited Imports’ HO PRR 2-10-4 locomotive is a powerful brute. A model of the Pennsylvania RR’s massive class J1 Texas-type locomotive has just been introduced by Broadway Limited Imports, and it will undoubtedly capture the imagination of more than a few model railroaders. The J1 is well executed, powerful, and big — you may […]
Life-Like, HO scale, EMD GP38-2
A well detailed, smooth running HO scale model of EMD’s GP38-2 road switcher has been added to Life-Like’s Proto 2000 line. This medium-size locomotive is offered decorated in eight road names. It’s made from all new tooling and is unrelated to the firm’s earlier train set model. Electro-Motive Division (EMD) introduced the GP38-2 as part […]
Broadway Limited Imports, HO scale, Santa Fe 4-8-4
Broadway Limited Import’s HO scale Santa Fe 4-8-4 steam locomotive is big and handsome. Model railroaders who’ve been waiting for an HO model of a big western 4-8-4 steam locomotive, with all the latest electronics and sound effects, have gotten their wish. This model of Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe no. 3751 from Broadway Limited […]
Lionel, HO scale, Veranda gas-turbine
The HO gas-turbine locomotive is a really heavy hauler. Lionel’s new HO model of Union Pacific’s gas-turbine is an eye-and-ear-catching replica of one of the most recognizable locomotives of the post-World War II era. The UP has historically valued big power (think Big Boy, Challenger, or DD40AX), and during the 1950s and ’60s its big […]
Red Caboose, HO scale, Evans coil steel car
The HO Evans coil steel car is a well-done model. An excellent ready-to-run model of a modern 100-ton steel car has been released by Red Caboose. It represents a common prototype car that hauls heavy coils of sheet steel to appliance manufacturers and automobile stamping plants. Evans introduced its line of prototype coil steel cars […]
Life-Like, N scale, Alco C-424 diesel
Life-Like’s N scale Alco C-424 diesel is a popular medium-size road switcher. A good-looking Alco C-424 with a smooth-running mechanism is a recent release from Life-Like. It neatly captures the clean lines and chunky look of the prototype. Alco introduced the C-424 as part of its Century line of diesel engines in 1963. The four-axle […]
Trix, HO scale, NYC USRA 2-8-2
The Trix HO NYC light Mikado is excellent. Let’s just begin with the controversial part, okay? The new Trix 2-8-2 Mikado is the best-looking mass-produced HO scale steam locomotive I’ve ever seen. Plus, it runs like a precision instrument. Is it perfect? Not quite, but it’s awfully good. The New York Central was best known […]
Kato, HO scale, GE AC4400CW diesel
Kato’s HO GE AC4400CW diesel locomotive is a heavy-duty hauler. This contemporary General Electric six-axle road freight locomotive is the latest addition to Kato’s lineup of modern HO diesels. It’s a well-detailed model of GE’s 4,400-hp AC4400CW and features a smooth 12-wheel drive, magnetic couplers, and easy conversion to Digital Command Control (DCC). The AC4400CW […]
Atlas, N scale, EMD SD24 locomotive
Atlas’ N scale EMD SD24 is dressed to impress. This sweet-running, finely detailed ready-to-run N scale model of Electro-Motive Division’s SD24 is made by Atlas Model Railroad Co. It’s offered in both low and high-nose version with optional Digital Command Control (DCC) decoders. The SD24 (Special Duty 2400 hp) was a milestone in EMD’s history–the […]