Ask Trains from May 2009

Q In March Trains, an article on the demise of semaphore signals on the former Monon [Page 14] mentioned that CSX was doing away with lineside pole lines and their maintenance. It said the new system will use Electro Code, a system where signal communications run through the rails. How is this done?– Richard K. […]

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Video: Watch the train elevator in action

Steve Harris

Model railroader Steve Harris uses a fully automatic train elevator to connect the two levels of his HOn3 Rio Grande Southern layout. Read about how he built the elevator in the June 2009 Model Railroader. Watch Steve describe and demonstrate this innovative device. […]

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Atlas HO scale Alco HH600/660 diesel locomotive

Atlas Model Railroad Co. HO scale Alco HH600/660 diesel locomotive

Atlas Model Railroad Co. HO scale Alco HH600/660 diesel locomotive An excellent HO scale model of an Alco HH600/660 switcher is the latest diesel locomotive released by Atlas. It’s a model of an early diesel engine that dates to the 1930s. This ready-to-run model has a powerful, smooth-running, dual-flywheel drive fitted into a superbly detailed […]

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Broadway Limited Imports Paragon2 HO scale AC6000CW diesel

Broadway Limited Improts HO scale AC6000CW diesel locomotive

Broadway Limited Improts HO scale AC6000CW diesel locomotive Including a Digital Command Control sound decoder and dual speakers, this HO scale AC6000CW captures the rumble of its 6,000-hp prototype. The Broadway Limited Imports Paragon 2 AC6000CW uses the same tooling as the model we reviewed in the May 2006 Model Railroader, but includes a new […]

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Lenz Gold Maxi Digital Command Control decoder

Gold Maxi Digital Command Control decoder

Gold Maxi Digital Command Control decoder If you’re looking for all the same great control features that Digital Command Control (DCC) has to offer in smaller scales for your O scale or large scale trains, then take a look at the Gold Maxi decoder and Power 3 energy storage module from Lenz. The combination of […]

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Athearn HO scale RTR SW1000 diesel locomotive

Athearn HO scale RTR SW1000 diesel locomotive

Athearn HO scale RTR SW1000 diesel locomotive I have just received one of the new Athearn SW1000 models. This time Athearn hit a home run all the details are present. They finally crossed the pilot detail threshold they have been so reluctant to do. Masterful details and it runs as well as it looks. Handles […]

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HO scale E7A diesel locomotive by Proto 2000 from Walthers

HO scale E7A diesel locomotive by Proto 2000 from Walthers Available in a version with a dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder, the upgraded Proto 2000 from Walthers HO scale E7 sounds as good as it looks. The model is a worthy depiction of its streamlined prototype, which led signature passenger trains, including the […]

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Lionel diesel horns

Q: I’m having problems with my postwar Lionel diesel horns. One is in a no. 2343 Santa Fe F3 and the other is in a no. 2331 Virginian Train Master. Both locomotives are in like-new condition, and though I know I can buy a replacement horn, I’d like to keep them original and get the […]

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Atlas N scale GP15-1 diesel

Atlas N scale GP15-1 diesel A light-duty Electro-Motive Division road switcher built to work yards or haul short local freights is now available as an accurate N scale model. The Atlas GP15-1 features exceptional performance, especially at slow speeds, and can be easily converted to Digital Command Control. Prototype. By the 1970s railroads began using […]

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Kato N scale Southern Pacific Alco PA-1 and PB-1

Kato N scale Southern Pacific Alco PA-1 and PB-1 Price: $95.00 ManufacturerKato U.S.A. Inc.100 Remington Rd.Schaumburg, IL 60173www.katousa.com Comments: An upgraded N scale Alco PA-1 and powered PB-1 are available from Kato in the Southern Pacific Daylight paint scheme. The colors and striping match the Kato N scale Morning Daylight, reviewed in the July 2008 […]

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Rapido Trains Inc. introduces HO scale freight car line

Rapido Trains Inc. announced that it will begin producing HO scale freight equipment. The first product in the firm’s new Transcona Yard freight line will be the HO scale Transcona Yard Wide Vision Caboose, based on the Canadian Pacific Ry. prototype. Expected delivery of the model is fall 2009 and it has a manufacturer’s suggested […]

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Atlas HO scale GP40-2 road diesel

Atlas HO scale GP40-2 road diesel A great-looking GP40-2 is the latest addition to the popular line of Electro-Motive Division road diesels offered by Atlas. The new HO scale model is a smooth-running unit that represents what railfans call the Phase 1 version, and it’s offered with railroad-specific detailing in a Silver series DC version, […]

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