February 2000 • Volume 6, Issue 2 • The NewsMonthly for Model Railroaders
We dedicated most of this month’s issue to focus on the numerous locomotive and rolling stock items recently released by manufacturers. This issue is packed with plenty of new product news and in-depth reviews of some very hot items you will want to know about.
Color
Reviews
Color
	Bachmann’s Spectrum 4-4-0 for Large Scale David Otte gives us the nuts and bolts on Bachmann’s newest 1:20.3 scale Spectrum locomotive. Taking a break from geared locomotives, the company has produced one of the most popular and recognized rod steam locomotives of all time — the 4-4-0 American. South Pacific Coast R.R. and Denver & Rio Grande samples reviewed.
Color
	Life-Like’s USRA 2-8-8-2 Heavy Mallet in HO Scale Jeff Saxton provides an in-depth, close-up evaluation of Life-Like’s new Heritage Steam Collection series USRA 2-8-8-2 Heavy Mallet. The review of the AT&SF model includes 19 photos with plenty of close-up detail. The operational characteristics of this locomotive will surprise even the finickiest of operators.
Color
	InterMountain ACF Tank Car in O Scale Michael J. Pratt evaluates InterMountain’s new O scale kit of an American Car & Foundry Type 27, riveted 8,000 gallon tank car. The prototype for this kit was introduced in the late 1920s, and was produced well into the 1940s. These cars were seen in service as late as the 1970s. Shippers Car Line scheme reviewed.
Color
	Atlas O Evans 53’ Reefer David Otte takes a look at Atlas O’s latest Big O Rolling Stock release — the Evans 53’ Double-Plug Door Boxcar. This ready-to-run car is available in 3-rail and 2-rail versions. Ralston Purina Company paint scheme reviewed
Color
	Williams’ New Haven “Brick” Rectifier for O Gauge Williams latest offering is the General Electric Rectifier. This O gauge engine is available as a powered unit with operating horn or as a non-powered unit. Reviewer David Otte states that Williams’ rendition of this boxy looking engine is quite nice and captures the overall look of the GE prototype. New Haven paint scheme reviewed.
Color
	Aristo-Craft C-16 in Large Scale Recently, Aristo-Craft Trains introduced their first American narrow gauge locomotive in 1/24 scale — the Denver & Rio Grande class C-16 2-8-0. David Otte gives us the details on this fairly accurate Consolidation type engine, which is available as a modernized coal burning or original wood burning locomotive.
Color
	Downtown Deco’s Fallberg Station in HO Downtown Deco has faithfully resurrected John Olsen’s Fallberg Station, which was originally designed as a freelanced rural flagstop station. Reviewer Bob Beaty states that the simplicity of this HO scale kit gives the beginner to average modeler a chance to produce an eye-catching structure that is sure to please. Bob fully covers painting and assembly techniques, as well as some neat tips that the modeler can do to personalize this unique structure.
Color
Club News
Color
	Teen Association of Model Railroaders (TAMR) Jim Spavins’ column this month sheds some light on railfanning after dark. You don’t need to put that camera away just because the sun goes down. Jim provides some great insight on how to plan and pull-off an exciting, after dark railfanning experience. e-mail Jim at jimspav@aol.com visit TAMR at www.tamr.org
Color
	1/87 Vehicle & Equipment Club This month Dan Goins shares some positive news on the progress of the organization and provides a sneak peak at the club’s upcoming convention, to be held April 2nd in Towson, MD. Dan’s column also highlights Classic Metal Works first wave of die cast vehicles available for 1/87th modelers and collectors. e-mail Dan at dgoins187@aol.com visit www.1-87vehicles.org
Color
Departments
Color
	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.
Color
	Classified Ads MRN 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.
Color

Copyright ©1999-2000 LampLight Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Thanks to Benn Coifman for his Rail Fonts! Visit his site at www.RailFonts.com