HO Scale Model Railroading

From Rapido:

TORONTO - Rapido Trains Inc. is delighted to announce that Bill Schneider will be joining the company’s growing product development department starting on May 1st of this year.

Schneider has been involved in the retail, wholesale and manufacturing aspects of model railroading since 1982. For the last 15 years, Schneider has been responsible for product development at Branchline Trains, including the ground-breaking heavyweight passenger cars introduced by Branchline in December 2003 and the critically-acclaimed line of Blueprint and Yardmaster freight car kits.

“Having Bill on board is a real step forward for Rapido,” says company president, Jason Shron. “We have had numerous requests for more American prototypes and Bill’s role with Rapido is to develop new 100% American models that will fill some big gaps in the US model railroad marketplace. The combination of Bill’s knowledge and experience with Rapido’s reputation for unprecedented detail will mean more choice for American prototype modelers.”

Schneider is an active HO scale prototype modeler. His New York, Ontario and Western double-deck layout has been featured in Great Model Railroads, Railroad Model Craftsman, Prototype Railroad Modeling, and Designing and Building Multi-Deck Model Railroads by Tony Koester (Kalmbach Books, 2008).

Bill Schneider lives in Connecticut with his wife, Theresa, and daughters Kayleigh and Laura. When he is not working on his model railroad, Schneider can be found fixing up his 120-year-old farmhouse or playing with his 1973 Mustang Convertible. Rapido is trying to convince him to trade the latter for a full-size LRC locomotive.

From Athearn’s Press Release:

 Athearn Trains is excited to announce that all sound-equipped HO-scale Genesis locomotives, as well as Athearn N Scale and Roundhouse sound locomotives announced after April 27th, 2009 will proudly feature SoundTraxx Tsunami Digital Sound Decoders. Custom designed for Athearn, these state-of-the-art Digital Sound Decoders will include the following features:
 
Tsunami technology that provides smoot and precise locomotive operation.
Back-EMF control for consistent operating speeds.
Compatible with the NMRA DCC Standards and Recommended Practices.
Dual-mode capability to allow for operation on Analog or DCC layouts.
16-bit digital processor provides CD quality sound technology.
Diesel decoders will include the following sound effects: prime mover startup/shutdown, bell, air horn (with several user-selectable horn types), air compressor, turbocharger (where applicable), dynamic brakes (where applicable), brake squeal, fans, coupler crash, and many more.
Steam decoders will include the following sound effects: exhaust chuff, bell, whistle, air pump, dynamo, injectors, and many more.
HO-Scale models will feature effect lighting (as applicable per prototype), including:
Mars oscillating signal lights (clear and red, as applicable per prototype)
Pyle Gyralights (clear and red, as applicable per prototype)
Western-Cullen rotary beacons
Prime Stratolite sequential beacons
Xenon Strobes
Flashing ditch lights
and more!
Programmable acceleration, deceleration, and starting voltage.
Supports 14-bit address modes for addressing any Loco number up to 9,999.
Supports programming on the main.

A listing of SoundTraxx equipped locomotives can be found here.

Click here for complete list  Clearance ends 04/26/2009

DCC-Equipped 2-10-4 Santa Fe Steam Locomotive

Last produced by Bachmann® more than twenty-five years ago, the Santa Fe 2-10-4 “Texas” locomotive in HO scale is back by popular demand in a completely upgraded version! This model represents the final production variant of this mighty locomotive delivered in 1944 to the Santa Fe railroad and became the standard motive power on both freight and troop trains during World War II. The roadnumbers chosen for these models represent locomotives that were leased to the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1956.

• DCC-equipped for speed, direction, and lighting control
• dual mode, NMRA decoder with 8-pin plug
• five pole, skew-wound motor with flywheels
• RP25 wheel contours
• designed for aftermarket sound installation
• E-Z Mate® Mark II couplers, front and rear

$200

The 2009 Bachmann catalog is now available for order or download.

HO Genesis Weathered Big Boy

The Genesis™ 4-8-8-4 Big Boy has been a huge success. The next logical step is to offer this massive model
with factory weathering, replicating their in-service appearance.
Features include:

• Boiler backhead with full details and printed gauges.
• Individually applied detail parts such as piping, valves, generators, etc.
• Blackened metal RP25 wheels.
• Eccentric cranks operating on both sides in correct direction.
• Front and rear engines (cylinders and coupled drive wheel sets), both pivot for 22″ recommended min. radius.
• Pilot has open/closed positions. Coupler pocket can be inserted to mount coupler.
• Adjustable cab windows and opening doors.
• Headlights and tender lighting feature directional light change; number boards are also lighted.
• Five-pole, skewed armature motor with two flywheels for very smooth running.
• Cab hatches can be either closed or open.
• See-through running boards.
• Ready for aftermarket smoke unit installation with no soldering needed.
• Factory installed DCC sound board and speaker. The board and speaker are mounted in the tender

.

• DCC decoder automatically senses the power supply type (either DC or NMRA compliant DCC system).

G97220 Big Boy #4001 Weathered NO Sound 797534 97220 $364.98*
G97221 Big Boy #4007 Weathered NO Sound 797534 97221 $364.98*
G97222 Big Boy #4016 Weathered NO Sound 797534 97222 $364.98*
G97201 Big Boy #4007 Weathered WITH Sound 797534 97201 $464.98*
G97202 Big Boy #4016 Weathered WITH Sound 797534 97202 $464.98*

More Info

HO Genesis FP7

Athearn Genesis F units are now available in “Modernized” configurations where prototypically appropriate,
• New factory-installed onboard sound and DCC decoder!
• Individual sound boards installed in both the A-unit and B-Unit.
• Sound units are Dual-mode, compatible with both DCC and DC operations.
• In DCC mode, all functions are NMRA compatible.
• In DCC mode, you can program an MU lashup with lead unit only horn, bell and lights.
• Fully functional headlights and Mars lights (where applicable) in both modes.
• Operating back-up light (where applicable).
• Genesis driveline with dynamically-balanced five-pole skew-wound motor and flywheels.
• Directional constant lighting.
NOTE: All of these FP7 locomotives will have the large, late WESTERN PACIFIC lettering.

All locomotives feature prototype-specific, separately applied “as-built”
and/or “modernized” injection-molded and photo-etched metal detail
parts and cab interior.
Modernized A-units are equipped with all or some of the following as
appropriate:
• Eyebrow grabs • Nose-side ladder grabs
• Sunshades • Ladder-rest grabs

All modernized units are equipped with the following:
• Screw-mounted chassis
• Individual window “glass”
• Detailed battery boxes/air tank with brackets
• Fully detailed 1200 gal. or 1500 gal. fuel tank with brackets
• Partial or complete de-skirting if needed
• Lift lugs (as appropriate), front and rear
• MU hoses, coupler cut levers, and air hoses, front and rear
Item # Description (WITH SOUND) UPC MSRP QTY
G22315 FP7

Without Sound
G22215 FP7 Western Pacific #804-D 797534 22215 $169.98*
G22216 FP7 Western Pacific #804-A 797534 22216 $169.98*
G22217 FP7- F3B Western Pacific #805-A, 802-C 797534 22217 $309.98*
G22218 FP7- F7B Western Pacific #805-D, 805-B 797534 22218 $309.98*
G22219 F7B Western Pacific #804-B 797534 22219 $139.98*

With Sound
G22315 FP7 Western Pacific #804-D 797534 22315 $259.98*
G22316 FP7 Western Pacific #804-A 797534 22316 $259.98*
G22317 FP7- F3B Western Pacific #805-A, 802-C 797534 22317 $459.98*
G22318 FP7- F7B Western Pacific #805-D, 805-B 797534 22318 $459.98*
G22319 F7B Western Pacific #804-B 797534 22318 $209.98*

More Info

HO SD40

Pacific Harbor Line began operation 10 years ago, providing the switching services for the mammoth ports of Long
Beach and Los Angeles. Operating on 75 miles of track, PHL switches nine on-dock intermodal terminals with a locomotive
fleet that includes 14 MP20C-3 units rebuilt from SD40s and SD45s. The MP20C-3, powered by a 2,000 hp
MTU-Detroit Diesel V4000 is a 100% compliant low emission locomotive. For more details on this prestigious award
and the Pacific Harbor Line, see http://www.railwayage.com//content/view/690/121/ and http://www.anacostia.
com/phl/phl.html
Athearn is proud to present models of these unique and striking locomotives as they now operate, with historic Santa
Fe tiger stripe paint

89864 Pacific Harbor Line #63 $109.98
89865 Pacific Harbor Line #66 $109.98
89866 Pacific Harbor Line #71 $109.98
93540 Undecorated (RERUN) $99.98
93565 Undecorated-Front Brake Ratchet (RERUN) $99.98

More Info

HO 60′ Pullman Standard Auto Box Car

Era: 1965-1980s
In the 1960s, Ford Motor Company, Pullman Standard and Santa Fe pooled their resources to develop a standard
box car to meet the transportation needs of auto manufacturers in the United States. Delivered in 1965, Pullman
Standard’s version is the most prolific example of this type of auto parts box car.

• Fully assembled and ready to operate
• Razor sharp painting and printing
• Weighted for optimum performance
• McHenry® scale knuckle spring couplers
• Machined metal wheels - Ready-To-Roll sideframes
• Highly detailed underbody including full cushion underframe
• Applied wire grab irons and etched end platforms
• Separately applied door closure rods

$27.98

More Info

HO 50′ 20,900 Gallon General Service Tank Car

Era: 1970s - Now

• NEW tooling
• Fully assembled
• Weighted for optimal performance
• Photo-etched platforms
• Metal wire form grab irons
• RP25 profile machined metal wheel sets
• Equipped with McHenry® scale AAR upper/lower shelf knuckle couplers per prototype practice

$27.98

More Info

InternetTrains.com is now stocking ExactRail rolling stock.

From their release:

With decades of combined, firsthand experience in scale model engineering, precision micro-tooling, modeling and manufacturing, we, the ExactRail team, have only scratched the surface of what we have in store with this, our first product release. For more than a decade we have been behind the scenes, developing and manufacturing model trains for many of today’s prominent model train companies. With over 100 high quality, highly detailed models having been completed under our direction, we are now unveiling our own line of never before seen product. With many thanks to you the modeler-welcome to “The Next Generation of Model Railroading”.

Use the coupon code: EXACTRAILINTRO to get 10% off ExactRail products

Expected release date is February 24, 2009

HO scale, $64.98

Cars for Post-1955 Milwaukee Road Passenger Trains

* Matches Equipment used 1955-1971
 
* Correct “UP Streamliner Scheme” Armour Yellow, Harbor Mist Gray & Red
 
* Modernized Ends
 
* Correct Later-Style Diaphragms & Lift Rings
 
* Notched or Straight Side Sills as Appropriate
 
* 8′ Nystrom Trucks w/Disc or Clasp Brakes as Appropriate
 
* Die Cast PROTO-Max(TM) Knuckle Couplers
 
* Modeler-Applied Wire Grab Irons
 
By late 1954, Union Pacific was unhappy with how long-time partner Chicago & North Western handled UP passenger trains between Omaha and Chicago. Work to find a new route began, and on September 20, 1955, Milwaukee Road president John P. Kiley announced that they would handle UP’s trains, including the flagship City of Los Angeles, starting October 30.
 
UP required cars in the Cities pool wear Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray. Milwaukee planned to paint nearly 40 cars for the five trains, but quickly found the UP scheme less expensive to apply and more durable than its own. Starting in 1956, all non-commuter passenger cars and locos began receiving the new colors, which would remain the standard until Amtrak took over in 1971.
 
Modeling this exciting era is a snap with Walthers latest HO releases, featuring 13 different cars factory-finished in yellow and gray, with later styles of side sills, ends, diaphragms, trucks and other details.

Railway Post Office MILW #2152-53
Railway Post Office w/Notched Sills, 8′ Nystrom Trucks & Clasp Brakes Undecorated
Express Car w/Conductors Window MILW #1330-36
48-Seat Diner MILW #121-26
48-Seat Diner w/Notched Sills, 8′ Nystrom Trucks & Clasp Brakes Undecorated

Milwaukee Road 1955 “Twin Cities Hiawatha” Streamlined Cars

HO scale, $49.98

* 10 Authentic Milwaukee Road Cars
 
* Upgraded PROTO 2000 E7 Diesels
 
* Completely New HO Scale Models
 
* Based on 1955 “Twin Cities Hiawatha”
 
* Correct 8′ Wheelbase Nystrom Trucks (GSC 6-Wheel Trucks on Superdome)
 
* Car Name & Number Decals
 
* Superb Detail Inside & Out
 
* Authentic Laser-Sharp Paint & Lettering
 
* Diecast PROTO Max(TM) Knuckle Couplers
 
* Produced Especially for Walthers 75th Anniversary
 
From 1935 on, the name Hiawatha symbolized the fastest and best the Milwaukee Road had to offer. As the original Chicago-Minneapolis trains grew in popularity, the road built all-new Hiawatha streamliners to serve Midwestern and Pacific Northwest destinations.
 
The entire fleet was refitted in 1948 with 153 new lightweight cars and in 1952, the Milwaukee revolutionized its luxury service with full-length Super Dome cars.
 
Now, these great trains are rolling once again, as Walthers celebrates its 75th Anniversary with a complete series of Hiawatha equipment in HO Scale.
 
Based on a typical Twin Cities Hiawatha consist of 1955, this amazing new collection features 10 authentic Milwaukee cars, including two different coaches, a parlor, tap-lounge, diner, Railway Post Office, two styles of express cars, and the signature Skytop and Super Dome cars. Available for the first time in plastic with all the standard features of Walthers passenger cars, they’re handsomely painted and lettered, and include number and name decals to model a complete consist.
 
To meet blistering schedules, you can power your Hiawatha just like the Milwaukee, with new PROTO 2000 EMD E7 A-A Diesels. With superb prototype-specific detailing, accurate bulldog nose, 14-1 gearing and much more, they’re the ideal choice to lead your new train.

This video is hilarious. Just don’t let your kids watch it. They’ll never look at Thomas the same again!

Steel is Back and Better than Ever!
 
Like something from another planet, the black giants blaze against the night sky. A steady thunder of unbearable sound hammers every inch of your body. Suddenly, from deep within the menacing structure, a fierce glow of orange light rips the darkness with blazing fire. Even from here, the shimmering heat makes you turn away.
 
Welcome to the world of steel. From towering blast furnaces to mile-long rolling mills, these amazing facilities are some of the most fascinating - and dangerous - places on earth.
 
And no other industry relies as heavily on rail transportation. Whether moving raw materials, in-plant production or shipping finished products, railroads are essential to every part of the operation.
 
Together, this powerful combination makes steel one of the most attractive industries.
 
And Walthers makes it easy to model!
 
New Versions of Old Favorites!
 
Introducing Ashland Iron & Steel, featuring upgraded versions of some of our most popular HO Scale steel series kits, amazing all-new models, and reissues of some hard-to-find items!
 
With everything you need to get started, it’s easy to build a steel-theme layout for the first time!
 
And, Ashland Iron & Steel complements the earlier releases from The Works series perfectly, and also fills some important gaps, so it’s perfect for expanding your steel-theme layout too. 
 
The most amazing machines ever conceived, these huge devices made quick work of offloading tons of iron ore (and later taconite pellets) from the holds of ore boats into waiting rail cars. Never before available, this is a model that’s perfect alongside a steel works, or as a stand-alone operation on a busy waterfront. Incredibly detailed, this is THE structure kit that many of you have been waiting for!