March 2000 • Volume 6, Issue 3 • The NewsMonthly for Railroaders
The March 2000 issue of Model Railroad News features new product coverage of 42 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 & Videos; Club News; and News Briefs.
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Reviews
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	Kato’s N Scale SD40-2 Following in the footsteps of their HO scale release, Kato is producing the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) SD40-2 in N scale. Like the initial HO model, Kato’s first N scale SD40-2 is of an early production sample of the prototype. Michael Pratt’s in-depth review of the Burlington Northern scheme includes 13 color photos.
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	The Atlas AEM7/ALP44 in HO Scale Departing from their mainline production of both first and second generation diesel locomotives in HO scale, Atlas has taken a refreshing sidetrack with their most recent release — the AEM7/ALP44 electric locomotive. This passenger engine is a common sight on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and on several commuter rail lines serving in the Northeastern United States. David Otte covers prototype information as well the Amtrak and SEPTA Atlas models.
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	InterMountain HO Scale ACF Center Flow 2-Bay Hopper Stuart R. Thayer evaluates InterMountain’s new HO scale kit of an American Car & Foundry 2-bay, 2,980 cubic foot covered hopper. The prototype of this kit was primarily used to haul Silica Sand, cement, and Bentonite. Between 1966 and 1982, more than 4,000 of these cars were produced by ACF for 15 different railroads, nine private owners, and ACF’s own lease fleet. InterMountain’s model is based on a version that started showing up in 1973. Chicago Northwestern scheme reviewed.
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	Simple Structures Series - Part 1 Northeastern’s Storage Shed in HO Designed to entice hobbyist to try model building, Larry Smith is starting a series that will take a look at a number of simple, easy to build, kits that have been recently introduced. Larry’s first review covers the Storage Shed from Northeastern Scale Models. This laser cut wood structure is part of Northeastern’s STS (Small Trackside Structures) series. The kit builds up quickly and is useful on any layout.
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	Walton & Sons Lumber Company in N Scale Dr. John Hullman evaluates Walthers’ Walton & Sons Lumber Company which he customized to represent a structure used by J. W. Copeland Yards, one of the Northwest’s prominent lumber suppliers.
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	1957 Seagrave Pumper and Aerial Ladder Truck in HO Scale Larry Smith takes a look at Resin Unlimited’s Seagrave Open Cab Pumper and Aerial Ladder truck kits These cast resin kits are based on Seagraves’ 70th Anniversary series. Larry covers assembly techniques and enhancements that can be implimented to produce outstanding results.
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	Cab Control 55 Michael Pratt evaluates Model Rectifier Corporation’s new Cab Control 55. The new control is designed to take any power pack with fixed DC or AC terminals and turn it into a dual cab control unit. The addition of a second cab control allows a second train to be powered and controlled either on a separate track, or in a different electrical block on the same layout using one power pack.
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	Super SceneClean Modelers are all too familiar with the age old battle of fighting off dust and dirt. Reviewer Larry Smith evaluates a new product that may finally give modelers the upper hand in the war against dust and dirt.
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	Badger’s 360 Airbrush Kit Air brushes are the proverbial mouse traps of the hobby industry. Each one follows certain design criteria that makes all of them quite similar. Badger’s 360-7 Universal Air Brush adds a new twist which Michael Pratt believes may make some modelers reconsider old habits
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	Southern Pacific’s Coast Line Pictorial Jeff Saxton takes a look at Signature Press’ newest release of a follow-up book to John Signor’s earlier work, Southern Pacific’s Coast Line, also published by Signature Press. This new title picks up where the earlier work left off, in adding almost 600 quality pictures to the story of the SP’s mainline from San Francisco to Los Angeles — the Coast Line Route — famed for its Daylights and scenery.
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	Cotton Belt Color Pictorial Michael Pratt gives us a sneak peak at Four Ways West Publications’ latest offering. The Cotton Belt, which became part of the Espee in 1932, can trace its origins to a short 3' gauge charter issued to the town of Tyler, Texas in 1871. The tiny railroad, then known as the Tyler Tap, began operation in 1877 with one locomotive, one passenger car, and sixteen freight cars. Steve Goen’s book, Cotton Belt Color Pictorial focuses on the the railway’s glory years under the Southern Pacific. The majority of photographs taken center around Tyler, Texas — the birthplace of the railway.
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Club News
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	Teen Association of Model Railroaders (TAMR) Jim Spavins’column this month takes a look at an event in American history that still impacts the way Americans travel and move goods around the country. e-mail Jim at jimspav@aol.com visit TAMR at www.tamr.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.
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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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