In the late 1950s, Nashvillearea toy manufacturer Kusan was making products that might be the epitome of the term “toy train.” Geared toward the entry level of the market, these items were colorful and affordable. The company’s “K” Series boxcars were produced between 1956 and ’60. They could be produced rapidly in the Franklin, Tenn., […]
Section: Reviews
ScaleTrains.com N scale UP standard turbine
A powerful and technologically innovative locomotive unique to the Union Pacific is the latest N scale offering from ScaleTrains.com’s high-end Rivet Counter line. The standard turbine, a 4,500hp jet-age marvel, was developed by Alco/General Electric in response to UP’s constant drive for more potent motive power. ScaleTrains.com’s version captures the appearance and spirit of the […]
LocoFi 2 WiFi module for model railroads
Introducing the LocoFi 2 WiFi LocoFi 2 WiFi module: Not to be confused with Digital Command Control, LocoFi, developed by WiFi Model Railroad, uses a Wi-Fi signal and virtual throttles to run trains. Each locomotive is equipped with a module that transmits a unique Wi-Fi signal. Aside from a source of clean direct current or […]
JTC N scale 53-foot high-cube containers
While Jacksonville Terminal Co. has up until now stuck to producing accurate scale models of prototypical intermodal equipment, the company is branching out into fantasy schemes with its new Visionary Series. The first three offerings in this series let N scale modelers simulate interchange with the well-known railroads of the fictional Appalachian Lines: W. Allen […]
Tangent HO 40-foot combo-door boxcar
Over the past 14 years, Tangent Scale Models has become well-known for its line of highly detailed HO and N scale models. That tradition continues with the company’s latest release, a newly tooled HO scale Pullman-Standard PS-1 40-foot combination-door boxcar. The model has railroad-specific details, Pullman-style ladders and bracket grab irons, and Kadee scale couplers. […]
Rapido N scale The Canadian 10-car set
The flash of light on fluted stainless steel made its way through our Canadian Canyons layout recently thanks to Rapido’s new N scale Canadian 10-car set, and these models are available at your favorite dealer now. The Canadian debuted in 1955 with all new cars from Budd of Philadelphia. Canadian Pacific ordered a total of […]
Athearn Genesis 2.0 HO EMD SD60M diesel
A newly tooled HO scale Electro-Motive Division (EMD) SD60M diesel locomotive has been added to Athearn’s Genesis 2.0 line. The model, based on the three-window North American-cab version of the road locomotive, features ground lights, vinyl m.u. cables and trainline hoses, and molded traction motor detail on the gear boxes. Meet “triclops.” Electro-Motive Division produced […]
ScaleTrains.com HO scale Pullman-Standard 4785 covered hopper
ScaleTrains.com is back with a third run of Pullman-Standard 4,785-cubic-foot capacity three-bay covered hoppers. The Rivet Counter line model features prototype-specific details; see-through stainless steel running boards with wire corner grab irons; and Barber S-2 100-ton trucks with raised foundry data, truck-mounted brake beams, and rotating bearing caps. Prototype background. Pullman-Standard (PS) produced the 4785 […]
Rapid Review: Rapido Trains EMD SW1200 Switcher
Eric White is back with another Rapid Review, and this time he’s taking a look at Rapido Train’s EMD SW1200 Switcher. Follow along as Eric goes over some of the locomotive’s interesting features, and see how it fares on the test track! […]
Rapido HO scale 40-foot double-sheathed United States Railroad Administration boxcar
With about 25,000 built, the United States Railroad Administration 40-foot double-sheathed boxcar is one that deserves a place on any transition-era or earlier model railroad. Rapido’s model will help you fill your roster with highly detailed examples fitted with the correct style of brake for the paint schemes offered. War babies The double-sheathed boxcar was […]
Walthers HO scale Railgon gondola
A Railgon 53-foot gondola has joined the growing lineup of freight cars in the HO scale WalthersMainline product range. The plastic model, based on a Thrall prototype, features a mix of molded and separate, factory-applied parts; 36″ metal wheels mounted on plastic axles; and body-mounted Proto-Max metal couplers. The prototype. Railgon Co., a nation- wide […]
Rapido Trains HO scale MLW M420 diesel
Rapido Trains is bringing the comfort, Canadian style. We recently received a sample of the company’s new Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW) M420 loco- motive, and it’s a beauty, eh? The prototype. When Alco locomotive production ceased in Schenectady, N.Y., in 1969, locomotives continued to be built in Canada by former subsidiary Montreal Locomotive Works until […]