April 2000 • Volume 6, Issue 4 • The NewsMonthly for Model Railroaders
The April 2000 issue of Model Railroad News features new product coverage of 39 manufacturers and publishers, many with multiple items. New product sections this month include: Locomotives & Rolling Stock; Tools, Finishing & Detail Products; Track, Accessories & Electronics; Structures & Scenery; Books, Video & Software; Club News; and News Briefs.
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Reviews
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	Williams’ Affordable GP38-2 for O Gauge Williams latest O gauge offering is based on EMD’s GP38-2 prototype, introduced in 1972. Reviewer Dave Otte provides prototype history along with a complete evaluation of the model’s detailing and operational characteristics. The performance of Williams’ model is quite surprising. Southern Railroad scheme reviewed.
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	Stewart Hobbies ALCO C630 in HO Following up last year’s release of an ALCO Century 628 locomotive, Stewart Hobbies’ new HO scale ALCO C630 captures the big, husky, burly look of the prototype amazingly well, states reviewer Stuart R. Thayer. Stuart provides an in-depth look at this much anticipated release and covers locomotive prototype information and common spotting features. Pennsylvania unit reviewed.
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	Marklin ICE HO Scale Starter Set Michael J. Pratt takes a look at Marklin’s high speed passenger start set in HO scale. This sleek looking, high speed set includes powered end car, passenger cars, track, transformer, and Marklin’s DELTA control system that allows for control of up to four locomotives on the same track at the same time. Michael’s in-depth review covers starter set components, setup, operation, and also includes a brief history of ICE (InterCityExpress).
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	Con-Cor’s N Scale Budd Coach and Sleeper Con-Cor has been shipping a series of N scale, fluted side streamliner passenger cars based on Budd prototypes. Reviewer Jeff Saxton provides a close-up look at Con-Cor’s Coach and 10-6 Sleeper letting you know how they fit into the scheme of things. New York Central cars reviewed.
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	InterMountain Composite Drop Bottom Gondola in HO Stuart R. Thayer evaluates InterMountain’s latest HO scale kit release.The 50-ton USRA Composite Drop Bottom Gondola is based on prototypes built between 1918 and 1920 making it perfect for steam era use. Stuart’s review covers prototype information, construction tips, and provides some additional reference materials for the hopper. Chicago & Northwestern kit reviewed.
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	Superpower Railroad of the Rockies Jeff Saxton takes a look at TLC Publishing’s release, Denver and Rio Grande Western — Superpower Railroad of the Rockies. The author, Robert A. LeMassena, has more than a half dozen previous books to his credit. His latest title covers the later steam motive power of the Denver and Rio Grande Western.
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	Two New York Central Books from TLC New York Central fans should check out Dave Otte’s book reviews of TLC’s New York Central’s Great Steel Fleet — Revised Edition and New York Central’s Stations and Terminals. The first book expands on the original released in 1995. Author, Geoffrey H. Doughty, has expanded the text with new material including an all time roster of NYC’s passenger trains.
	Doughty next book, New York Central’s Stations and Terminals, deals with the other aspect of NYC’s passenger service by exploring the facilities where the many wonderful journeys of the pre and postwar rail traveler began and ended.
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	Union Pacific Rails to the Mines The Boise, Nampa & Owyhee Railway Brueggenjohann/Reese, Inc. latest book is the third work Jeff Saxton has reviewed from this writer/publisher team. The two previous works were also centered on overlooked operations of the mighty Union Pacific in Idaho. This new book covers the area of Idaho near Boise, southwest towards the Owyhee Mountains and the Silver City district.
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	Northwest Passage John B. Lee takes a look at Hundman Publishing’s Northwest Passage, which provides colorful coverage of the 25-year operations of the Burlington Northern in the Pacific Northwest. The book’s seven chapters cover the major operating components of the Northwest region. As a bonus, BN’s leased locomotives are documented — even Amtrak’s operations over these lines are included.
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	Chessie System Diesel Locomotives David Otte welcomed the news when TLC announced they were publishing a book on a railroad that in the past has not had much written about it. This new book, Chessie System Diesel Locomotives, colorfully celebrates the diesel locomotives that wore the Chessie colors.
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Club News
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	Teen Association of Model Railroaders (TAMR) Jim Spavins’ column this month covers TAMR’s Northeast Region annual winter convention held in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in conjunction with Amherst Railway Society’s Big Railroad Show during the weekend of February 5 and 6. e-mail Jim at jimspav@aol.com visit TAMR at www.tamr.org
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	1/87 Vehicle & Equipment Club This month Dan Goins shares some positive news on the growth of the organization’s web site and provides some highlights of the club’s recent West Coast meet held in Ontario, California. e-mail Dan at dgoins187@aol.com visit www.1-87vehicles.org
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Departments
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	Events & Activities This monthly department is packed with plenty of model railroading events and activities. Make plans to attend one in your area. You’ll be glad you did. Send us your Event info at least 90 days in advance.
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	Classified Ads Model Railroad News offers free non-commercial classified ads. This is a great way to let modelers know what you need or have for sale. Pick up a copy of MRN and send in your free classified ad today.
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	New online this month! Letters Visit here to read and respond to letters that appear in our April 2000 edition. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Write us a letter! Click on letters.
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