June 2000 • Volume 6, Issue 6 • The NewsMonthly for Model Railroaders
Reviews
Leading off this month, Jeff Saxton examines USA Train’s new Large Scale F3 A and B units. In scale form, USA Trains continues their invasion of large scale trains with their latest release of F3s in both A and B units. USA’s models are in 1/29th scale, which uses Gauge One track to represent standard gauge equipment. In this full color review, Jeff covers detailing, decoration, and performance of the model, as well as the prototype F3.
Kato’s recent HO scale release is of the EMD SD40-2 Snoot Nose diesel locomotive. Mike Acker returns to give his evaluation of this new model. The new Kato SD40-2 Snoot locomotive features many of the same details that were featured on the earlier released SD40-2, also reviewed by Mike Acker (August, 1999 MRN). Mike points out the differences of the two models, as well as improvements made on the new release. This review features the photographic talents of Mary Acker.
Atlas O has released American Car & Foundry 60' Auto Parts Boxcars in both Double Door and Single Door versions. David Otte reviews the two versions of this new O gauge rolling stock release. David points out that more than doors differentiate these two new models.
Immediately after the release of their N scale, SD40-2, early short nose diesel locomotive, Kato began shipping its N scale SD40-2 Snoot Nose models. In our June issue, Managing Editor Michael J. Pratt reviews the N scale version of Kato’s SD40-2 Snoot Nose diesel loco. Michael covers the differences over the previous release, as well as the inclusion of a new white LED equipped light board.
David Otte takes a look at Aztec Manufacturing Company’s new O gauge track cleaner. Poor electrical conductivity between the rails and the wheels on your locomotive or operating cars can lead to all sorts of problems such as inconsistent car lighting, engine stalls, and the inability for the controller to activate on-board sound systems. In this review, David evaluates the effectiveness of this new grime fighting gizmo.
Among the latest titles released by Signature Press covering the Southern Pacific is Snowbound Streamliner-Rescuing the 1952 City of San Francisco. Written by Robert J. Church, the new book covers the events leading up to, and the effort required to rescue the westbound streamliner on the Espee’s Overland Route. Michael J. Pratt takes a look at this latest account of the awe inspiring story.
First time MRN writer Bill McKean expertly reviews the latest in Allen Keller Production's Great Model Railroads series. Tape #34 features Gary Hoover’s HO scale Missouri, Kansas & Quincy. Rather than following the usual practice of modeling a few towns in sequential order, the scenario for the MK&Q is that the railroad runs from Chicago to the Pacific Ocean, then back again on a different route, with many different scenes along the way. Bill covers the scenery highlights, as well as the clinics given in the new video.
Our Structures & Scenery reviews start with the photo etched sheet brass or stainless steel Mile Stone Gravel Co. by Miller Engineering. Dr. John Hullman not only reviews the process for assembly, but offers his methods for lighting and detailing the N scale kit.
In a two for one review, Larry Smith, MMR covers two structures in HO scale. In part two of MRN’s Simple Structure series, Larry reviews Blair Line’s Loading Ramp and Truck Dump laser cut wood kits. Loading platforms are an indispensable item that every layout can use. They can be placed anywhere on the layout providing a quick and dirty car spotting location. Larry provides construction, along with paint and weathering tips.
In part three of our Simple Structure series, Dr. John Hullman discovers an inexpensive source for layout structures, KittyHawk/Paper Paradise. Made from paper, these structures can be downloaded from the internet, and printed at home on a color printer. John covers methods of purchase, building tips, and the use of felt tip pens from the 99 cent store to create your own paper paradise.
Club News
Dan Goins covers highlights of this year’s second regional show held on April 2nd in Towson, Maryland. Dan reports that attendance at the East Coast 1/87th Vehicle & Equipment Club show was excellent. Dan covers some of the new products that were announced at the show. In addition, MRN features some of the modeling contest winners from both east and west coast shows.
e-mail Dan at dgoins187@aol.com
In this month’s TAMR column, Jim Spavins relays that summer is still a good time to keep involved in the hobby. Jim offers some useful tips on how to make use of the warm weather of summer.
e-mail Jim at jimspav@aol.com
Departments
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Letters
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