May 2002 • Volume 8, Issue 5 • The NewsMonthly for Model Railroaders
• Measuring Model Locomotive Pulling Power
• By-The-Numbers — A new locomotive review feature in MRN
• Aristo-Craft's Budd Rail RDC-1 in Large Scale
• Bachmann’s 2-8-0 in 1:20.3 Scale
• Life-Like's RDC-3 Proto 1000 Line in HO Scale
• Athearn's Genesis 50 foot Sieco Boxcars in HO Scale
• Bachmann's EMD F7 A-B Diesel Locomotives in N Scale
• Grand Valley HO scale Kit by Woodland Scenics Chapter 2b
• Walthers' Modern Semi Tractor in HO Scale
• Athearn's John Deere Model B Farm Tractor in HO Scale
• Loggers of Tiger Mountain — Book Review
• Rock Island Color Pictorial — Book Review
• I Love Toy Trains 10 — Video Review
• The Magor Car Corporation — Book Review
• Westerfield's Equipment Register — CD Review
• Pen-Bay's Decals in HO Scale
• Larger View column by John Sipple
• Train-Tech Forum hosted by Danny Rittman
• TAMR Column by Peter Maurath
• plus lots of new product news and photos
Article by John Sipple
Model Railroad News is always seeking to give its readers the information they need to help in their purchasing decisions. We intend to publish a small table of performance information on each locomotive we test. John’s goal is to create a testing system that would be cheap enough that other model railroaders could duplicate it, if they wished.
Our new By-The-Numbers data table is intended to present performance information about model railroad locomotives in a quantitative and objective manner. Look for it in our locomotive reviews.
Review and Photos by John Sipple
The world of Large Scale 1:29 is now home to the Budd RDC-1 “Buddliner.” The Aristo-Craft Budd Rail Diesel Car is showcased in this front page review covering the prototype, model details, and operation of this Amtrak Buddliner.
Review by David Otte • Photos by John Sipple
Bachmann’s popular and highly anticipated new release, the Spectrum Large Scale 2-8-0 Narrow Gauge Outside Frame Consolidation locomotive is featured in this front page review. Read extensive prototype background, and more in this detailed review.
Review by John Sipple
Welcome news for those of you who model interurban traffic along non-electrified lines. Life-Like Products has released the Proto 1000 Budd RDC-3. Get the prototype information, appearance, performance, and operation details in this review featuring the Reading Company version.
Review and Photos by John Sipple
Follow along with John as he compares five Southern Iron & Equipment Company boxcars. He covers their appearance, details, rolling ability, operation, and more. See if you will want to compare them for yourself after reading this review.
Review by Michael J. Pratt • Photos and testing by John Sipple
1950s hero or villain? You decide after reading this review of Bachmann’s Spectrum F7 EMD F7 A B diesel locomotive. The history of the prototype, model appearance, and performance are all reviewed here.
A hands on construction series from start to finish
Article and photos by James A. Powell
Chapter 2b: Building the Benchwork. This is the second part of the benchwork chapter; the building of the Grand Valley kit continues in this illustrated, how-to article.
Review by William E. McKean II • Photo by John Sipple
Need an inexpensive truck kit of a modern prototype for your layout? Read this review of William K. Walthers’ Modern Semi Tractor kit, based on the Kenworth T-600 “Anteater.”
Review and Photos by John Sipple
Athearn has something new for Big Green collectors and enthusiasts. See if you will want to add this tiny bit of Americana to your collection or layout after reading this review of the John Deere Model B tractor from Athearn, which includes prototype info, the model’s appearance, and nostalgia.
Review by Jeff Saxton
Interested in the history of logging firms in the Pacific Northwest? One such smaller firm was Wood & Iverson, formed in the late 1890s, which eventually was to exploit the area south of Issaquah — today a pleasant community nestled under the slopes of Tiger Mountain along I-90. Read Jeff’s book review from Oso Publishing Company’s latest offering.
Review by John Sipple
Louis A. Marre is one of the most respected writers in the railroad world and the perfect author to tackle a series of books about Rock Island locomotives. Read this sad but enthusiastic review of Rock Island Pictorial — Volume 3 from Four Ways West Publications.
Review by David and Noah Otte
Father and son team up to review TM Books & Videos’ latest I Love Toy Trains video. Find out why David and Noah give this video a thumbs up as they tell you about a journey that you and your children may wish to experience.
Review by Jeff Saxton
Following his earlier Signature Press work on the world famous car builder American Car & Foundry, Edward Kaminski is now offering a very interesting look in the opposite direction — a small and relatively unknown car builder, the Magor Car Corporation. Read all about Signature Press’ new book in Jeff’s review.
Review by John Sipple
Westerfield is offering images of equipment registers that were kept by railroads, providing the exact information they kept track of. John shows how to use these files for research, plus provides useful hints and tips in this full page review.
Review by Bill McKeen • Photos by Mike Lindsay
Find out about the quality of artwork and content of Pen-Bay’s decal sets. Bill’s review covers complete decal application and his experience with Pen-Bay’s Decals in this full page review.
Click to read and respond to this month's Editorial
A Family Valued... by Editor John Sipple
e-mail John at Editorial@modelrailroadnews.com
Converting to Large Scale Kadees — Part 3 of a 3 Part Series
Part 3: What happens when you convert an entire layout?
e-mail John at Largerview@modelrailroadnews.com
The X20000 Hi-Speed Rail System — The Tilt Train from Sweden
e-mail Danny at traintechforum@modelrailroadnews.com
Column & photos by Peter Maurath
This month Peter reports on the TAMR Winter National Convention
e-mail Peter tamr@modelrailroadnews.com
visit TAMR www.tamr.org
Read and respond to letters that appear in our May 2002 issue.
We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions.
We want to hear from you!
Click on Letters
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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