• Model Power's Articulated Logger with Tender in HO Scale
• Kato's EMD NW2 Yard Switcher in N Scale
• M.T.H. Electric Trains' R50B Express Reefer Car and N6B Caboose in O Scale
• Atlas Model Railroad Company's USRA Double-Sheathed Boxcar in N Scale
• Broadway Limited Import's F7A and F7B Locomotives in HO Scale
• Motorart's Backhoe Loader in HO and O Scale
• Athearn's Container and Chassis in HO Scale
• Norscot Group's Construction Minis in N and HO Scale
• Noch's "On the Beach" and "Weekend Joy" Figure and Accessory Sets in HO Scale
• The Old and Weary Car Shop's "JU" Cabin Kit in HO Scale
• Paul Scoles Presents Advanced Techniques for Realistic Scenery DVD
• Howard Zane's Book My Life With Model Trains
• Thinking of DCC — A Column by Philip A. Scandura, Jr.
• At the Grade Crossing — A Column by Bill Cawthon
• TAMR Teen Association of Model Railroaders — A Column by Peter Maurath
Review and photos by John Sipple
One of Mantua Classics’ flagship products: the 2-6-6-2 articulated logger has been reborn thanks to Model Power. Available in both tender and tank versions, this model carries on a product that was a favorite for years. Read history on logging railroads, along with details about this model’s appearance, performance, and DCC capabilities in the May edition of Model Railroad News.
Review and photos by Phil Scandura
Kato USA’s latest release brings to N scale the NW2 yard switcher, a small and powerful puller. This is a must read for any N scaler looking to add a small workhorse to their switching yard. Phil covers details about the prototype, as well as this Santa Fe model’s appearance, performance, and DCC readiness in this month’s issue.
Review and photos by David Otte
The new R50B express reefer and N6B cupola caboose are part of M.T.H. Electric Trains’ Premier product line; these high-end cars have many features not found in the Rail King line such as multiple individually added parts. Are the models worth the higher price tag? Dave touches on this, as well as on the history of the cars and his discovery of the many details of these models (including illumination in the cabin car) in the May edition.
Review and photos by Phil Scandura
For those modeling the glory days of steam up to the mid-1950s, USRA double-sheathed boxcars from Atlas may provide the perfect way to help establish your time period. Find out how in Phil’s review, which includes prototype info, and these boxcars’ appearance and performance.
Review by Bill Cawthon • Photos by John Sipple
The F7 is probably one of the most easily recognized diesels ever produced. Now the popular F7A-B-B lashup is available in HO-scale from Broadway Limited Imports complete with DCC, Quantum sound and control systems, dual speakers, multiple controllable lighting effects, cab interior with crew, five-pole can motor, and all the bells and horns!
Review and photos by Bill Cawthon
Backhoe loaders are found on most construction sites because of their size and versatility. Motorart has released its JCB 3CX Backhoe Loaders, which are being imported and distributed by b2b Replicas . If your modern-era layout includes a small construction scene, dig into the May issue of Model Railroad News for more details about the prototype and these models.
Review and photos by Bill Cawthon
Athearn’s has improved the chassis on their Ready-To-Roll line of container sets. The models features include a fully painted and assembled container and chassis with interchangeable landing gear so the models can be displayed parked or hitched up to a tractor, ready to hit the highway on your layout. Read a history on containerization, as well as details on these models’ appearance in this month’s edition of Model Railroad News.
Review and photos by Bill Cawthon
Smaller than their traditional heavy equipment models, Norscot’s new Construction Minis are reproductions of some of Caterpillar’s smaller construction machines. Find out how they measure up in Bill’s review, which includes prototype info, as well as details on these mini dozers, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, and excavators.
Review and photos by Bill Cawthon
Noch helps you get your layout ready for summer with their new figure and accessory sets, including the two featured in Bill’s review, Strand Zubehör (On the Beach), and Wochendfreuden (Weekend Joy). Pick up this month’s issue to see what Bill thinks of the quality and appearance of these sets, and discover how to mix-n-match the two sets for added visual interest on your layout.
The Old and Weary Car Shop's "JU" Cabin Kit in HO Scale
Review and photos by Rich Cobb
The Old and Weary Car Shop has produced a kit of the New York, Susquehanna and Western’s cabin. Follow Rich’s experience of building and detailing this cabin kit in his review, which includes suggestions on assembling and detailing. You may like to make it an addition on your layout to ensure the safety of your railroad’s employees after reading more details in the May edition.
Review by Roy Hoffman • Photos by Paul Scoles
Paul Scoles has thirty years experience of creating scenery and is now sharing his talent in a 126-minute DVD featuring his Sn3 Pelican Bay Railway & Navigation Company. Roy shares a taste of the DVD’s chapters which include: Introduction, Rock Casting and Painting, Ground Cover, Fir Trees, Deciduous Trees, Building the Forest, The Village, and Concept & Design in his review. Discover details on how all his beautiful scenery was created, and some of the techniques you can use to vastly improve the aesthetic quality of any layout regardless of scale.
Book Review by John Sipple
Howard Zane is the author and publisher of his new book, My Life With Model Trains. Learn about this industrial designer, airplane pilot, hobby shop owner, and co-producer of the Great Scale Model Train Shows, and his HO “Piermont Division” model railroad which covers 2,850 square feet in his basement. John’s review answers the big question, who should buy this book?
How Slow Can It Go? by John Sipple
e-mail Editor John Sipple at Editorial
Read all the letters that appear in our May 2007 issue.
We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions.
We want to hear from you!
Click on Letters
Train Detection Methods
Filling in for John Sipple, Phil addresses methods for detecting trains on a DCC layout, including optical train detection, load-sensing train detection, and detection for DCC.
e-mail John at dcc
Star Cars Now Showing at Wal-Mart
Bill highlights some models of the great cars from “Dazed and Confused,” “Tommy Boy,” “Smokey and the Bandit,” and “Top Gun” now available at your local Wal-Mart from Reel Rides in HO, S, and G Scale.
e-mail Bill at Gradecrossing
The 2007 Winter National Convention
Peter shares his warm memories of his four-day holiday attending the Amherst Railway Society’s Big Railroad Show in West Springfield, Massachusetts last January. If you missed the Convention, visit the TAMR table in this month’s issue.
e-mail TAMR tamr visit TAMR www.tamr.org
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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