January 2007 • Volume 13, Issue 1 • The NewsMonthly for Model Railroaders
The January 2007 issue contains the following news, reviews, and columns:

• UP-MTH Settle Licensing Feud for Entire Model Railroad Industry
• Mountain Model Imports' Rio Grande Mikado in On3 and On30
• Model Power's Mantua Classic Camelback Goat Switcher in HO Scale
• Atlas Model Railroad Company's GE U25B Diesel Locomotive in N Scale
• Athearn's 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Steam Locomotive in HO Scale
• Downtown Deco's Hydrocal Blair Ave., Part Two Structure Kit in HO Scale
• Unreal Details' Magic Water Casting Resin
• Custom Model Railroads' Barge Kits in HO Scale
• Wiking's Mini Excavators in N Scale
• Tonkin Replicas' International 9400i Day Cab with Tank Trailer in O Scale
• Scott Mason's Building Craftsman Structure Kits DVD
• TAMR Teen Association of Model Railroaders Column by Peter Maurath
• Thinking of DCC — A Column by John Sipple
• At the Grade Crossing — A Column by Bill Cawthon

News
UP-MTH settle licensing feud for entire model railroad industry
by MRN Editor, John Sipple

Union Pacific and MTH have brokered a mutually beneficial truce for the unpopular UP Licensing Program. What exactly does this mean for the Model Railroad Industry? Pick up a copy of the January 07 edition of Model Railroad News for all the details.
Reviews
Mountain Model Imports' Rio Grande Mikado in On3 and On30
Review and photos by David Otte

Mountain Model Imports’ a division of well known and respected Brass manufacturer Precision Scale Co. has unveiled a new line of high quality, affordable ready-to-run models. Our own David Otte was given the chance to take their new K-28 Class Rio Grande Mikado out for test run. Find out what he has to say in our January review, which includes prototype information, as well as details about this model’s appearance and performance.
Model Power's Mantua Classic Camelback Goat Switcher in HO Scale
Review and photos by John Sipple

The Camelback or “Goat” Switcher was created especially for railroads using Anthracite coal as a way to better utilize the cleaner burning fuel. Due to a number of interesting drawbacks, however, these little locomotives were removed from service. Fortunately for HO modelers, Model Power has brought the tiny switcher back with the release of their DCC-ready Mantua Classics Camelback Switcher. Reviewer John Sipple takes a look at this model and its fascinating history in the January issue of Model Railroad News.
Atlas Model Railroad Company's GE U25B Diesel Locomotive in N Scale
Review and photos by Phil Scandura

General Electrics U25B is considered by many to be the first successful diesel road locomotive introduced by the company after its split with ALCO. Atlas Model Railroad Company has re-released the popular U-Boat with new body tooling and an improved drive mechanism that is DCC-ready. Phil Scandura takes a detailed look at the improvements, DC performance, DCC conversion, and more in this month’s issue.
Athearn's 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Steam Locomotive in HO Scale
Review and photos by John Sipple

While only twenty-five full-scale Big Boys were ever produced, modeler’s clamor for the locomotive has seen the release of many, many more in smaller scales. Athearn’s rendition of this popular locomotive offers one big benefit over the two Big Boys released in the past few years. What is it? Find out in John’s center-spread review, which includes his experience running it in DC and DCC, coverage of MRC’s sound, and more.
Downtown Deco's Hydrocal Structure Kit in HO Scale
Review and photos by Denis Dunning

Downtown Deco’s newest addition of their series of intricately detailed structures offers a taste of Italy and the rich aroma of BBQ’d Prime Rib. Blair Avenue Part Two includes a two-story brick structure and a separate wood clapboard building with a high-pitched roof and false front. Get the benefit of Denis’ experience in assembling and detailing this kit from his review.
Unreal Details' Magic Water Casting Resin
Review and photos by Larry E. Smith

Water, it’s one of the most difficult things to model realistically in model railroading. Over the years different types of resins have offered promising potential, but each had their own individual drawbacks. Enter Unreal Details and their new Magic Water — guaranteed not to yellow, bubble, or crack. Master Model Railroader Larry Smith puts this promise to test in a logging operation diorama. How does it hold up? Find out in the January edition of Model Railroad News.
Custom Model Railroads' Barge Kits in HO Scale
Review and photos by V. S. Roseman

In areas with long deep rivers, barges are a major source of transportation. Many railroads, especially in New York and New Jersey, operated their own fleet of huge flat-decked barges with tracks in place so freight cars could be transported from one shore to the other. Custom Model Railroads’ barge construction kit is a replica of a steel barge in scales up to HO. Victor Roseman covers a brief history of barges, along with details about this unique model kit, its assembly, and detail suggestions in his January review.
Wiking's Mini Excavators in N Scale
Review and photos by Bill Cawthon

Excavators come in all shapes and sizes from giants with buckets to miniature equipment for smaller jobs. The smaller workhorse is the subject of Wiking’s newest model: a Schaeff HR 18 Mini Excavator in N Scale, now available from Models 11. How capable are these tiny excavators at handling the variety of jobs required of them? Find out in Bill Cawthon’s review.
Tonkin Replicas' International 9400i Day Cab with Tank Trailer in O Scale
Review and photos by Bill Cawthon

Tonkin Replicas continues to expand their Precision Series of premium diecast models in 1/53 scale with their newest release, a 15,000 Liter petroleum tank trailer. Bill Cawthon was given the privilege to check out a first production sample, and share his findings of this rather uniquely detailed cab and trailer set with our readers. Pick up a copy of this month’s issue of Model Railroad News to learn more
.

Scott Mason's Building Craftsman Structure Kits DVD
Review by Larry E. Smith

Scott Mason presents various techniques for Building Craftsman Structure Kits on this DVD. This particular offering focuses on South River Model Works’ Whitney & Bent Co. industrial kit; however, the techniques used will help modelers realistically build and detail anything from a small one-man privy to a large industrial center. Find out more about Scott’s building tips in Larry Smith’s review.

Opinions
Editorial online

Click to read and respond to this month's
Thanksgiving in January
Editorial by John Sipple

e-mail Editor John Sipple at Editorial

Letters online

Read all the letters that appear in our January 2007 issue.
We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions.
We want to hear from you!
Click on
Letters

Columns
Teen Association of Model Railroaders (TAMR) A Column by Peter Maurath
The 2006 Payne Awards


Take in a fine TAMR New Year’s tradition with: “The Payne Awards” in this month’s column. This annual piece highlights events, activities, and the special young people who make up this global community.

e-mail TAMR tamr visit TAMR www.tamr.org
Thinking of DCC A Column by John Sipple
DCC Predictions for 2007

The year 2006 was one of many advancements for DCC, seeing the implementation of DCC-readiness in most locomotives and new, improved decoders. John shares his predictions for the world of DCC modeling in 2007. What are they? Grab a copy of the January edition of Model Railroad News to find out.

e-mail John at dcc
At the Grade Crossing A Column by Bill Cawthon
Looking back, looking forward, and looking both ways

Bill discusses his favorite vehicles of 2006 — hot rods, Model Ks, trucks, and even some newer models for modern railroaders. Now he’s looking forward to the offerings of 2007 and it promises to be even better than last year’s. Get a sneak peak in his January column.

e-mail Bill at Gradecrossing
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.

Free Classified Ads gif
Classified Ads online

Model Railroad News offers free noncommercial classified ads, and paid commercial 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.

Archives - Back Issues

Click to see the main contents of Model Railroad News' past issues: Archives and information on how to order back issues.

MRN's Retail-Only Dealer Directory

Visit our Dealer Directory to find what you're looking for

Links

Visit our friends on our Links Page

Check out these and many other train posters at AllPosters.com Search for "trains"
About MRN Advertise Contact Us Moving? Subscribe Trial Subscription