• 2006 NMRA National Train Show Report
• Project Railroad — Creating your first Model Railroad using commercially available kits. Part X
• Precision Craft Models’ EMD E7B Locomotive in N Scale
• MTH Electric Trains’ Pennsylvania Railroad K4s in HO Scale
• Atlas O’s EMD SW-Series Locomotive in O Gauge
• American Models’ USRA Pacific and AC Transformer in S Gauge
• Atlas Model Railroad Co.’s Ford Pickups in HO and N Scale
• QSI Upgrade Chips
• Signature Press’s Southern Pacific Freight Cars Volume 3 & 4
• Walthers’ 130-Foot Turntable in N Scale
• At the Grade Crossing — A Column by Bill Cawthon
• Thinking of DCC — A Column by John Sipple
• TAMR (Teen Association of Model Railroaders) — A Column by Steven Goehring
• S-Curves — A Column by Roy Hoffman

2006 NMRA National Train Show Report
Report by V.S. Roseman

NMRA National Train Show at Philadelphia Convention Center July 7-9, 2006 Highlights

V.S. Roseman offers an overview of the products showcased at this year’s NMRA National Train Show in Philadelphia. A variety of companies are covered for HO, N, O/On30, S, Z, and more! See all the colorful coverage in this month’s issue.

Precision Craft Models’ EMD E7B Locomotive in N Scale
Review and photos by John Sipple

When General Motors introduced their first E locomotive, it was an instant sensation, even though it wasn’t a big seller. Precision Craft Models has created their own sensation with the introduction of factory-installed sound in their 1:160 rendition of the famous General Motors’ EMD E7 in both a cab-equipped A-unit and a cabless B-unit. Get details about the prototype and the model’s performance and appearance. John also discusses some things to keep in mind when evaluating sound in such a small scale.

MTH Electric Trains’ Pennsylvania Railroad K4s in HO 1:87 Scale
Review by David Otte

In May 1914, after years spent developing a new locomotive capable of handling America’s increasing passenger traffic, the Pennsylvania Railroad rolled their K4s out of the Juanita Shops. One of U.S. train enthusiasts’ favorite steamers, MTH Electric Trains has chosen this beauty to debut their new line of 1:87-scale models. Learn about the prototype, as well as details on the model’s quality, accuracy, performance, smoke unit, and sound system in this review.

American Models’ USRA Pacific and AC Transformer in S Gauge
Review and photos by David Otte

American Models’ has been producing S-gauge models for a number of years and was essentially the first major company to offer ready-to-run models in S since the A.C. Gilbert Co. closed its doors in the 1960s. American Models’ newest release, a USRA Pacific-type steam locomotive and an AC transformer, combines the best traditions of American Flyer with today’s technology. Discover details about the prototypes, along with details about the model’s appearance and performance in this month’s issue.

Atlas Model Railroad Co.’s Ford Pickups in HO and N Scale
Review and photos by Bill Cawthon

Ford’s F-series pickup is the bestselling American vehicle line, car or truck, of all time and is the bestselling truck in history. Now you can put 1997 F150s to work along your MOW with Atlas’ N- and HO-scale models. Bill covers the truck’s history and offers some weathering and improvement tips in his review.

Signature Press’s Southern Pacific Freight Cars Volume 3 & 4
Book Review by John Sipple

Signature Press has added Southern Pacific Freight Cars Volume 3 & 4 to its successful series. Volume 3 is devoted to automobile cars and flat cars, while Volume 4 features boxcars. Read more about the series and these books individually in John’s review. And in case you missed out on Volumes 1 and 2, check out our coverage of the books in our April and July 2003 issues of Model Railroad News!

Walthers’ 130-Foot Turntable in N Scale
Review and photos by Phil Scandura

Perhaps one of the most popular railfainning activities is a visit to a steam locomotive servicing facility and the awe-inspiring power of the roundhouse. Once found all over the country, diesel modernization and railroad consolidation have contributed to the loss of many turntables. Now you can add a piece of lost history with Walthers’ fully operational turntable, which is capable of accommodating N-scale locomotives up to 130-scale-feet long. Learn about the all but extinct prototypes, as well as this model’s installation and performance in this in-depth review.

Click to read and respond to this month's Editorial
Why the Big Interest in the N&W Y6b? by John Sipple

e-mail Editor John Sipple at Editorial

Read all the letters that appear in our October 2006 issue.
We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions.
We want to hear from you!
Click on Letters

Last month John explained consisting with Digitrax and Lenz. This month he takes a look at consisting on MRC and NCE, concluding our multi-part discussion of handling consists with a variety of different DCC systems.

e-mail John at dcc

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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