Welcome to Model Railroad News - The NewsMonthly for Model Railroaders

November 2006 • Volume 12, Issue 11 • The NewsMonthly for Model Railroaders
The November 2006 issue contains the following news, reviews, and columns:
	• Project Railroad — Creating your first Model Railroad using commercially available kits. Part XI • Bachmann’s Amtrak HHP-8 Electric Loco in N Scale • Atlas Model Railroad Co.’s Tank Cars in HO and N Scale • Walthers’ 2-8-4 Berkshire-type Steam Locos in HO Scale • Atlas O's SD40 3-Rail or 2-Rail TMCC in O Scale • Bachmann's Lima Class A Shay with Integrated Tsunami Sound Decoder in On30 • Roundhouse Trains' model 40 "Critter" in HO Scale • Athearn's 30,000 Gallon Ethanol Tank Car UTLX Three-packs in HO Scale • Precision Craft Models' Big Boy 4-8-8-4 Steam Loco in HO Scale • Brekina's 33100 Volkswagen T2 Westfalia Camper Van in HO Scale • Herpa's Advent Calendar • Märklin’s Christmas Train Set in Z Scale • Micro-Trains Line Co.'s Haunted Hamlet Package with Tabletop Display in N Scale • Walthers' Stock Car Express Train Set in HO Scale • Model Power's Mantua Classics Train Set in HO Scale • USA Trains' Alco S-4 Loco, Woodside Ice Reefer, and Caboose in Large Scale • TAMR (Teen Association of Model Railroaders) — A Column by Peter Maurath • At the Grade Crossing — A Column by Bill Cawthon • Thinking of DCC — A Column by John Sipple

Special Features

	Project Railroad — Creating your first Model Railroad using commercially available kits. Project Railroad Part XI by Stephen M. Priest This is the eleventh installment of a yearlong project to familiarize you with products and methodologies available to help you build a model railroad. This month we'll wire and program our signal system to control the position of our turnouts and activate our signal heads.

• • • A peek into Santa's sack: Model Railroad News' Holiday Showcase of products • • •

	Model Railroad News' Annual Holiday Train Set Reviews — Part I See individual items reviewed in our November 06 issue listed below. Look for more coming in our December 06 issue!

	Märklin’s Christmas Train Set in Z Scale Review and photos by Bill Cawthon Märklin’s Z Scale Starter set was supposed to be a one-time offering when it appeared in 2004. See why it has since become one of the most popular products in the Märklin line in this review, which includes details on this set's appearance and operation.

	Micro-Trains Line Co.'s Haunted Hamlet Package with Tabletop Display in N Scale Review by Jennifer Lindsay • Photos by Mike Lindsay Micro-Trains has delivered another treat with their Haunted Hamlet Display and Booville and Beyond Railroad. Get a jump on next year's holidays with this review, which includes tasty details on this train set, buildings, base, operation, and luminescent appearance after dark.

	Walthers' Stock Car Express Train Set in HO Scale Review and photos by John Sipple Walthers has released a train set with a NASCAR theme just in time for Christmas. This set includes cars numbered 16-Greg Biffle sponsored by the National Guard, 17-Matt Kenseth by DEWALT, 26-Jamie McMurray by Irwin Racing, 38-David Gilliland by M&M’s, and 88-Dale Jarret by UPS. Get rolling stock details, track and power info, and package description in this review, which could be a great way to start NASCAR fans’ hearts racing for a whole new hobby.

	Model Power's Mantua Classics Train Set in HO Scale Review and photos by John Sipple Model Power’s reissued Mantua Classic Six train set is more than a traditional train set, it’s a start for a full-scale railroad. This set includes a tank locomotive and classic freights cars in addition to six colorful figures, which complete the overall 1890s theme. Take a look at this train set, its track and power, and boot box packaging in this holiday train set review.

	USA Trains' Alco S-4 Loco, Woodside Ice Reefer, and Caboose in Large Scale Review and photos by John Sipple This year, in addition to their annual Yuletide reefer, USA Trains is also offering their wonderful Alco S-4 painted in two different paint schemes. See how they run, and which scheme you prefer in this review of large sized 1:20 scale trains which could add a lot of “wow!” factor in your living room or garden this holiday season.

	Herpa's Advent Calendar Review by Bill Cawthon • Photo courtesy of Herpa Herpa introduced a new twist on the Advent Calendar in 1987 when they produced their own with two-dozen HO Scale cars hidden behind the doors, and a special surprise behind the door marked “24.” Don’t put off checking out this sneak-peak coverage. Gifts this special sell out fast. Imported by Promotex.

Reviews

	Bachmann’s Amtrak HHP-8 Electric Loco in N Scale Review and photos by Phil Scandura Modern day Amtrak fans rejoice; the HHP-8 has arrived! Bachmann recently added a stunning N-scale version of Amtrak’s HHP-8 electric locomotive to their Spectrum line. Read about the prototype, along with this model’s appearance, DCC readiness, and performance in this review.

	Atlas Model Railroad Co.’s Tank Cars in HO and N Scale Review and photos by Phil Scandura Need modern tank cars for your layout? Atlas has recently introduced new roadnames and numbers to their popular series of American Car & Foundry Company (ACF) 23,500 gallon tank cars. Learn about these updated cars’ appearance and performance, and about their prototypes in this review.

	Walthers’ 2-8-4 Berkshire-type Steam Locos in HO Scale Review and photos by John Sipple Sound Berks are here! Walthers Proto 2000 Heritage Steam is now offering its Van Sweringen Berkshires in your choice of either Sound with DCC and DC operation, or a straight DCC-Ready DC design. Discover details about Pere Marquette’s Berkshires, and the sound operation, and track operation of these appealing models in this review.

	Atlas O's SD40 3-Rail or 2-Rail TMCC in O Scale Review and photos by David Otte Vivid early childhood memories of EMD’s SD40s are rekindled when Dave sees Atlas O’s newest locomotive. But how well does it compare to the real thing? Get details on EMD’s 1966 line and about the O-Gauge SD40 on the job, including its onboard sound system and fan driven exhaust unit.

	Bachmann's Lima Class A Shay with Integrated Tsunami Sound Decoder in On30 Review and photos by Pete Birdsong Soundtraxx is marketing Bachmann’s Class A, T-boilered, 14-ton Lima Shay engine in new packaging with an integrated Tsunami sound and drive decoder, customized especially for this engine. Read about the timeless prototype, in addition to details about this model’s appearance, performance, and prototypical sound capabilities in this review. Dress up kit from Backwoods Miniatures.

	Roundhouse Trains' Model 40 "Critter" in HO Scale Review and photos by John Sipple The latest release of the Roundhouse Model 40 contains both operational upgrades and new paint schemes. Find out about the original “Critters,” and this HO-Scale version’s appearance, operation, DC, and DCC testing in this review.

	Athearn's 30,000 Gallon Ethanol Tank Car UTLX Three-packs in HO Scale Review and photos by Bill Cawthon Athearn has released a new series of tank cars based on the latest Union Tank Car design which is crucial in transporting an alternative fuel for the corn-rich Midwest to other areas of the country. If you are a modern-era modeler, check out this review for details on the prototype, along with these models’ appearance and performance.

	Precision Craft Models' Big Boy 4-8-8-4 Steam Loco in HO Scale Review and photos by John Sipple Precision Craft Models has combined their diecast and Loksound equipment to produce an impressive replica of the mighty UP 4-8-8-4 Big Boy. This full-spread center-page review covers prototype background, appearance, operation, sound, and smoke, and also includes several large photographs sure to capture your imagination.

	Brekina's 33100 Volkswagen T2 Westfalia Camper Van in HO Scale Review and photos by Bill Cawthon It’s a bus! It’s an odd looking motor home! No, it’s Brekina’s Volkswagen T2 Westfalia model ready to carry your HO-Scale people off to the county for some rest and relaxation. Learn about the prototype, and this model’s detailing in this review of the 1974 version of the T2 van. Imported by German Aircooled.

Opinions

	Editorial online Click to read and respond to this month's Editorial Splitting the switch by John Sipple e-mail Editor John Sipple at Editorial

	Letters online Read all the letters that appear in our November 2006 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 Support you local Scenic Railroad II...Paint a Railroad Car! Read Peter’s experience of being a GERF on a mission: to paint a former full-length passenger coach of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in this month’s TAMR column. As Peter soon discovers, tackling a project this big comes with some unexpected costs. Is it worth it? e-mail TAMR tamr visit TAMR www.tamr.org

	At the Grade Crossing A Column by Bill Cawthon and Carter Fritschle Introducing the N Scale Vehicle Association This month Bill invites founder Carter Fritschle to tell the readers of Model Railroad News about the NSVA, an organization which provides an opportunity for modelers to exchange ideas, learn new techniques, and showcase their achievements, as well as encourage manufacturers to continue producing quality vehicles for N scalers. e-mail Bill at Gradecrossing

	Thinking of DCC A Column by John Sipple Converting those old locos John revisits a popular topic, nailing down the philosophy of conversion and what skills might be required to convert regular DC locomotives to DCC. e-mail John at dcc

	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.

	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.

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