San Juan Car Co. O short caboose This excellent O scale model is a replica of a short narrow gauge caboose that was used by the Rio Grande Southern and the Denver & Rio Grande Western. It’s offered ready-to-run with eight different limited-run prototype paint schemes in both On3 and On2½. The models are part […]
oundhouse HO 4-4-0 with dual-mode DCC and sound Roundhouse is offering a hard-pulling HO scale 4-4-0 featuring road-specific details, sound, and a dual-mode DC and Digital Command Control decoder. The ready-to-run locomotive also comes with a wireless handheld DC sound controller. The prototype. The 4-4-0 wheel arrangement dates to 1837, the year Henry Campbell invented […]
InterMountain HO FP7 road diesel locomotive Here’s a great-looking and smooth-running FP7 road diesel that’s useful for both freight and passenger service. Manufactured by InterMountain, this interesting addition to the HO F-unit fleet is offered ready-to-run with QSI Quantum dual-mode sound and Digital Command Control(DCC)or in DC-only versions. Dual-service prototype. The Electro-Motive Division (EMD) built […]
Walthers HO grain elevator and flour mill Prairie Star Elevator and Prairie Star Milling are the latest HO scale structure kits from Walthers. The injection-molded plastic structures, sold separately, are part of the firm’s Cornerstone Series. The Prairie Star Elevator doesn’t occupy much space (its footprint is 6″ x 6¾”), but its 10″ height captures […]
Atlas O Alco Century 628 heavy duty road diesel An excellent model of one of the true monsters of mainline railroading, Alco’s Century 628 has been released by Atlas O. The powerful model is offered in a DC version with an optional (user installed) Digital Command Control (DCC) wiring harness, and unpowered. Horsepower plus. Billed […]
Broadway Limited HO Santa Fe 2-10-2 steam locomotive with sound This HO scale Santa Fe-type 2-10-2 from Broadway Limited not only looks like its Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Ry. prototype, its solidly built to perform like it, too. The model’s QSI Quantum control and sound system operates on both direct current and Digital Command […]
True Line Trains HO F-M C-Liner diesels This interesting HO scale first-generation Fairbanks-Morse passenger cab diesel locomotive is a smooth-running model that rides on five axles in an unusual B-A1A wheel arrangement. It comes ready-to-run, includes a Digital Command Control (DCC) plug, and has reversing headlights. It’s also the first locomotive model under the True […]
Rapido HO lightweight passenger cars These new HO passenger cars from Rapido Trains are among the best-detailed mass-produced models we’ve ever seen. Each plastic model comes assembled and ready-to-run with McHenry magnetic knuckle couplers, interior and underbody details, lighting, removable marker lights, and an end gate across the vestibule. The two samples reviewed here are […]
Walthers HO 2-8-4 Berkshire with sound This classic Nickel Plate 2-8-4 Berkshire by Walthers is an accurate, medium-sized locomotive that delivers smooth performance with excellent sound. It’s an upgraded version of the Life-Like Proto 2000 model that was reviewed in the March 2004 Model Railroader. The new model includes different prototype-specific details and a dual-mode […]
As model railroading moves deeper into the digital era, manufacturers are offering more opportunities for hobbyists to improve their equipment via software and/or hardware updates. One of the newest update packages is from QSI, manufacturer of the Quantum DC/Digital Command Control (DCC) sound systems found in many new locomotives from Atlas, Broadway Limited, Life-Like, and […]
Athearn’s model has a highly detailed plastic superstructure that’s nearly filled with a two-piece weight that supports and encloses the mechanism. Precision Craft’s locomotive is made of die-cast metal with excellent detail throughout. This model includes a smoke unit and engine crew. Two impressive new HO scale models of the Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 […]
N MRC and Aztec sound and DCC system The wait is over for N scale modelers who’ve been dreaming of miniature sound decoders for Digital Command Control (DCC) operation. Model Rectifier Corp. (MRC) has teamed up with Aztec Manufacturing to offer a one-two punch for easy installation of a DCC sound decoder in most Atlas […]
