April 2003 • Volume 9, Issue 4 • The NewsMonthly for Model Railroaders
	The April 2003 issue features the following reviews & columns: • Model Power’s USRA 4-6-2 Light Pacific Locomotive in N Scale • Road & Track Magazine’s April Fools Joke • Aristo-Craft Trains’ 2-8-2 Mikado Steam Locomotive in Large (1:29) Scale • Con-Cor’s GS-4 Steam Locomotive (4-8-4) in Freedom Train paint in N Scale • Atlas’ new Coalvayor hopper cars in N & HO Scale • Grand Valley HO Scale Model Railroad Kits by Woodland Scenics • “Daylight Freedom Special” video from Pentrex • Southern Pacific Freight Cars Volume I: Gondolas and Stock Cars • Rio Grande Through the Rockies from Kalmbach Publishing Co. • I Love Big Trains 1 and I Love Toy Trains 11 Videos from TM Books & Videos • Teen Association of Model Railroaders (TAMR) • Straight Talk On DCC Column • Larger View Column • S Curves Column
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Reviews
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r	Model Power’s USRA 4-6-2 Light Pacific Locomotive in N Scale Review by Dr. John Hullman • Photos by John Sipple Model Power has released a new model of the USRA Light Pacific in N Scale. Discover prototype information, with the model’s appearance and performance details all steaming your way in this front page review.
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	Road & Track Magazine’s April Fools Joke Road & Track magazine “Road Tests” a 1924 Baldwin Decapod Review by Warren Tryk • Photos by Joe Rusz from the April 2003 issue of Road & Track magazine Faster than a speeding locomotive? Sam Posey, noted American race car driver (1959-1981), and most recently a commentator for the motorsport cable channel, SpeedVision, is the “Road Test Driver” of the 1924 Baldwin 2-10-0 Decapod locomotive for Road & Track magazine.
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	Aristo-Craft Trains’ 2-8-2 Mikado Steam Locomotive in Large (1:29) Scale Review and photos by John Sipple Aristo-Craft has released its long awaited 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive. See if this Mike is just the ticket for those wanting a large, mainline steam freight locomotive after reading this review which includes prototype information, model appearance and details, and the model’s operation and performance.
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	Con-Cor’s GS-4 Steam Locomotive (4-8-4) in Freedom Train paint in N Scale Second Look and photos by John Sipple This is the third in the GS-4 series from Con-Cor. Take a second look at this steam locomotive in American Freedom Train paint version of 4449, with more information about the most recent Freedom Train tour in our review on Pentrex’s new “Daylight Freedom Special” video, also in the issue.
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	Atlas’ new Coalvayor hopper cars in N & HO Scale Review by Stuart Thayer • Photos by John Sipple If you enjoy modeling the contemporary era, this review of Atlas Model Railroad Company’s new coalveyors may be of special interest to you. Read interesting prototype information along with many model details.
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	Grand Valley HO Scale Model Railroad Kits by Woodland Scenics A hands on construction series from start to finish Article and photos by James A. Powell Chapter 6- Part II Tunnel Portals and Roads Now it’s time to ballast the track and lay in the basic scenery!
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	“Daylight Freedom Special” video from Pentrex Review by John Sipple In the Bicentennial of 1975-76, the city of Portland’s 4-8-4 GS-4 locomotive was painted with a special paint theme. On March 23-24, 2002, Number 4449 emerged again in Freedom Train paint. This time, Pentrex captured its appearance in high quality color which you can enjoy on this video. Read the review for more details.
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	Southern Pacific Freight Cars, Volume 1 from Signature Press Book Review by John Sipple John says gondolas are the real story in Signature Press’s Southern Pacific Freight Cars Volume I: Gondolas and Stock Cars by Anthony W. Thompson. Find out why in this book review which includes photos from Volume I.
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	Rio Grande Through the Rockies from Kalmbach Publishing Co. Book Review by John Sipple Rio Grande Through the Rockies by Mike Danneman blends pictures and information to tell the story of the Rio Grande in the scenic Rocky Mountains. Rio Grande fans, mountain modelers, and general railroad interest readers can find out more about the Rio Grande’s route through the Rocky Mountains in this book, and this review.
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	I Love Big Trains 1 and I Love Toy Trains 11 Videos from TM Books & Videos Review by David and Noah Otte These videos include another release in TM Books & Videos’ I Love Toy Train Series, and an introduction to a whole new series for the young at heart train enthusiast. Find out if David and his eight year old son Noah think of these new TM videos in their review.
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Departments
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	Editorial Click to read and respond to this month's Editorial Railroad & The Louisiana Purchase by John Sipple e-mail Editor John Sipple at Editorial@modelrailroadnews.com
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	Teen Association of Model Railroaders (TAMR) A Column by Peter Maurath Winter National Convention Report This month Peter shares his experiences at the TAMR Winter National Convention held during the Amherst Railway Society’s Train Show in West Springfield, MA. e-mail TAMR tamr@modelrailroadnews.com visit TAMR www.tamr.org
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	Straight Talk On DCC Column by Russ Boehm Wiring Your Layout for DCC This month Russ explains the basic concept of wiring for DCC with diagrams, wiring principles and techniques, and connectivity methods. e-mail Russ at dcc@modelrailroadnew.com
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	Larger View Column by John Sipple Couplers that work — Part II This three-part article takes a look at the development of the magnetic knuckle coupler that works. Last month introduced us to twins Keith and Dale Edwards who invented the Kadee coupler and founded the company. This installment picks up the story at around 1970. e-mail John at Largerview@modelrailroadnews.com
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	S-Curves column by Roy Hoffman Highrail Offerings in S This month, Roy lists big news on the S Highrail front with many new offerings now available in S-Gauge including operating accessories, rolling stock, locomotives, and brass. e-mail Roy at Scurves@modelrailroadnews.com
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	Letters online Read all the letters that appear in our April 2003 issue. We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions. We want to hear from you! Click on Letters
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	Events & Activities online 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. Read this month's Events, or send us your Event info.
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	Classified Ads online Model Railroad News offers free noncommercial classified ads. This is a great way to let modelers know what you need or have for sale. Pick up a copy of Model Railroad News and send in your free classified ad today. Click on Classified Ads to read this month's ads, and for more details.
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	Archives - Back Issues Click to see the main contents of Model Railroad News' past issues: Archives and information on how to order back issues.
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	MRN's Retail-Only Dealer Directory Visit our Dealer Directory to find what you're looking for
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	Links Visit our friends from our Links Page
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Check out this and many other train posters at AllPosters.com Search for "trains" Search For Posters! Initiative Train Buy This Art Print At AllPosters.com
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