Athearn, manufacturer of N scale and HO scale model train products as well as 1:50-proportion die-cast models, has announced that it will discontinue its line of Blue Box kits. This action is effective immediately. In a press release the firm cites that increased manufacturing and labor costs have caused it to no longer be able […]
Scale: HO Scale
Walthers HO scale Hulett unloader
Walthers HO scale Hulett unloader This strange looking machine is a model of a Hulett unloader that transferred iron ore from ore boats to railroad cars. Invented in 1899, these machines were a common sight in ports throughout the southern Great Lakes. Huletts were normally built in pairs that worked together to unload a single […]
Athearn Trains HO scale UP gas turbine
Athearn Trains HO scale UP gas turbine The distinctive grid of air intakes on the sides of the body make Athearn’s new locomotive model immediately recognizable. The Union Pacific bought 10 gas-turbine-electric locomotives from General Electric between 1952 and 1953, putting them in charge of long-haul freights in the western Rocky Mountains. Athearn’s model is […]
Southern Car & Foundry HO scale two-compartment tank car
Southern Car & Foundry HO scale two-compartment tank car Price: $49, plus $7.50 shipping and handling for up to three kits ManufacturerSouthern Car & Foundry970 Sunshine Lane, Ste. DAltamonte Springs, FL 32714southerncarandfoundry.com Era: 1916 to 1960sComments: This well-detailed model of a Standard Tank Car Co. tank car fills two needs. There have been few replicas […]
Cripplebush Valley Models HO scale Cast rubber urban scenery
Cripplebrush Valley Models HO scale cast-rubber urban scenery Price: $20 (oil drums), $50 (urban outcrop) ManufacturerCripplebush Valley Models264 Saddlemire Hill Rd.Sloansville, NY 12160www.cripplebush.net Comments: Cast-rubber scenery details have been around for several years now, but most model rock formations that are found in nature. Cripplebush has introduced two castings that model urban industrial settings. The […]
Frateschi model HO scale 4500 Turntable
Frateschi model HO scale 4500 Turntable This is a nice looking turntable with good pit detail and molded in a gray plastic. The bridge is made to look like steel with wood ties and guide rails, it is molded in plastic. The bridge is 22cm or 8 and 5/8 inches long. There are a few […]
Pennsylvania RR, Willsburgh Division
Name: Pennsylvania RR, Willsburgh Division Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 13′-6″ x 17′-4″ Prototype: PRR Locale: Freelanced from central Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Md. Era: 1947-1952 Style: Double-track loop main line with stub-end terminal Mainline run: 118 feet Minimum radius: 26″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 2 percent Originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of […]
Tuxedo Junction
Name: Tuxedo Junction Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 12 x 37 feet Prototype: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Locale: Southwestern U.S. Era: 1952 Style: walk-in Mainline run: 235 feet Minimum radius: 32″ Minimum turnout: no. 8 Maximum grade: 2.5 percent Originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of Model Railroader. Click here to download a PDF […]
Atlas HO scale code 100 #8 Mark IV Turnout
Atlas offers number 8 HO scale turnouts with code 100 and code 83 rail. This review considers its appearance and functionality. Appearance On the plus side, the turnout is made of Nickel/Silver rail with black plastic ties which have molded spikes on every tie (the code 83 turnout comes with brown plastic ties). Simulated wood […]
M.T.H. HO scale 4-12-2 steam locomotive
M.T.H. HO scale 4-12-2 steam locomotive An HO model of the world’s largest rigid-wheelbase locomotive is available from M.T.H. Electric Trains. The HO 4-12-2 has realistic sounds and smoke that make it a lot of fun to operate, especially on a Digital Command Control (DCC) or M.T.H. Digital Command System layout. And the engine can […]
Walthers HO scale “Michigan” ore cars
Walthers HO scale “Michigan” ore cars Price: 12-car limited-run sets, $169.98 ManufacturerWm. K. Walthers Inc. P.O. Box 3039 Milwaukee, WI 53201 www.walthers.com Era: 1942 to present day Comments: These short ore cars were designed and built in large numbers to haul heavy loads of iron ore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Even though their 24-foot length […]
BLMA Models HO and N scale Norfolk Southern class G85R Top Gon coal gondolas
BLMA Models HO and N scale Norfolk Southern class G85R Top Gon coal gondolas A Norfolk Southern class G85R Top Gon coal gondola is the first freight car offering from BLMA Models. The ready-to-run cars are available in HO and N scales and have road number-specific load limit, light weight, and “rebody” date stencils. Prototype […]
