Athearn N Challenger 4-6-6-4 For N scale fans of big articulated steam locomotives, what’s more exciting than a 1:160-proportion Challenger 4-6-6-4? How about one equipped with realistic onboard sound. The Challenger is the first DCC-and-sound-equipped N scale steamer in Athearn’s product line. The model’s dual-mode decoder, manufactured by Model Rectifier Corp., provides controllable sound effects […]
Electronics Solutions Ulm’s ECoS digital control system With two built-in throttles, a long list of features, an LCD touch screen, and ample possibilities for expansion, Electronic Solutions Ulm’s new ECoS digital control system is the most complete digital single-unit controller we’ve tested. Not only is it capable of sending commands in multiple formats (Digital Command […]
Atlas N code 80 wye turnouts An MR quick lookPrice: $10.50 (Custom-Line), $11.50 (Standard Manual), $17.50 (Standard Remote) ManufacturerAtlas Model Railroad Co.378 Florence Ave.Hillside, NJ 07205www.atlasrr.com Description: N scale turnouts with plastic ties and nickel-silver rail Comments: These easy-to-install wye turnouts are the latest additions to the Atlas code 80 N scale track line. The […]
An MR quick lookPrice: $44.95 ManufacturerWm. K. Walthers, Inc.P.O. Box 3039Milwaukee, WI 53201www.walthers.com Description: ready-to-run plastic and metal model Comments: A highly detailed parlor car based on Pullman plan 3416 is now available for HO scale passenger service. Parlor cars offered more space and more luxurious daytime accommodations than regular coaches. The model has rooftop […]
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 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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Click the play button to see a video clip of the Alco FA-1 diesel locomotive in action. […]
Bachmann 1:20.3 three-truck Shay This three-truck 1:20.3-proportion three-foot gauge Shay from Bachmann gives large scale fans an action-packed logger complete with Digital Command Control. A SoundTraxx Tsunami decoder adds realistic steam sound effects to this Spectrum series locomotive. Built to order. Beginning around the turn of the 20th century Lima Locomotive Works built Shay geared […]
