Scale Model Railroad Trains

FREE - April 2009 - Walthers Model Railroad Flyer

Walthers offers a FREE update to its comprehensive catalog for April 2009. The flyer offers Engines, freight cars, accessories, scenery items, books and videos for the model railroad enthusiast. The April 2009 April Catalog flyer has more than 60 colorful pages of updated equipment and supplies in HO scale, N scale, O scale and more.

Walthers is also a wholesale supplier to many model railroad and hobby shops. If you find something that you want in their catalog or catalog update flyers nake sure to ask you local retailer if they can get it for you. That way you support your local retail store and find the products you want from Walthers. Saving a few pennies is not worth losing the resource that a local shop represents. Make sure to support local retailers every time you can. The future of model railroading is often fostered by a visit to the local hobby shop. If the hobby shop has gone out of business due to price wars, there will be no model railroad industry or next generation of modelers.

Have fun!

Trainguy

FREE - Model Railroad Magazine

Model Railroad Hobbyist has released its second issue. Download the FREE online model railroad magazine here. This high quality, tech-heavy magazine format downloadable hobby magazine is well worth the wait. It is produced by a firm that specializes in video productions and writers that are in love with model railroading. It is rich in features and experience. Articles and photos are the equal of any glossy national hobby magazine.

The presentation relies on all the power that your computer and various support software can deliver. In some cases it may overwhelm an older computer. In the event that the magazine takes too long to download, the publishers make the magazine available in a somewhat smaller file size. The smaller file trims some of the more tech-heavy and file intensive features. My patient and computer power was able to handle both file sizes. The larger file is made of compressed information too.

The menu system is built into the publication. It did throw me off briefly because it does NOT use the conventional Windows-type controls. Once I found it and figured it out, it was very simply and made sense for a page by page magazine.

Usually we try to avoid the advertisements. With this publication I did the opposite for every product I had the mildest interest in. Make sure to run all the ads and hover over various feature points. You will be rewarded with closeup photos, moving videos, and additional details. This is the web proving its worth. You may have to download and install some free third-party software to see all the features. After the first run, you will be all set for future editions. The publishers go far beyond brochure-ware or recreating a print magazine on your computer or laptop.

Have fun!

Trainguy

2009 National Train Day

31 days to National Train Day. It will be celebrated on May 9, 2009.  This can be a fun event that gets people interested and excited about riding full-sized trains. Last year I participated in the National Train Day celebration in New York  City. It included a running scale model train display, celebrity autographs, Harlem Globe Trotters, free gifts including T-shirts, goodie bags, and lots of information booths and displays for the whole family.

The organizers of 2009 National Train Day includes Amtrak which has issued a general press release:

Amtrak will celebrate America’s love for rail travel with events across the country at its second annual National Train Day, May 9, 2009. Marking 140 years of connecting travelers from coast to coast, National Train Day commemorates the day the first transcontinental railroad was created and looks toward the future of rail travel with large scale events in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles, and many more locally organized events in communities nationwide.
“Train travel is deeply rooted in American culture and it shows great promise to become a growing part of our country’s transportation future,” said Emmett Fremaux, vice president marketing and product management, Amtrak. “National Train Day gives the public a glimpse into how the train shaped the country and how it will continue to do so through exhibits showcasing how train travel provides greener travel options with clean technology and greater efficiency through high-speed rail travel.”
On May 9, Amtrak will host complimentary events in four of its gateway stations across the U.S., Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles from 10am to 3pm. An experience for the whole family, National Train Day allows Americans to Discover the Rail Way while enjoying live musical entertainment, interactive green exhibits, VIP appearances, a Kids Corner, and train exhibits from the past, present and future. In addition to the four major market events, communities across the country are encouraged to develop and host their own National Train Day events, which nearly 100 local sponsors participated in hosting for the first National Train Day in 2008.
In honor of National Train Day, Amtrak is offering members of its loyalty program, Amtrak Guest Rewards, the ability to earn double points for any trip taken between March 16 and May 8, triple points after their fifth trip taken during this timeframe, and quadruple points for
any trip taken on National Train Day, May 9. Amtrak Guest Rewards enables frequent train travelers to earn points redeemable for free Amtrak travel year round in addition to a variety of other rewards.
For more information about National Train Day events, promotions and information about the opportunity to host a National Train Day event in your city, visit www.nationaltrainday.com.
About Amtrak
Amtrak has posted six consecutive years of growth in ridership and revenue, carrying more than 28.7 million passengers in the last fiscal year. Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail service to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 21,000-mile route system. For schedules, fares and information, passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com.

Have fun!

Trainguy

FREE - March 2009 Product News from Kadee

Kadee is known worldwide for their high quality replacement couplers. They also manufacture ready to run (RTR) and kit freight cars and accessories in several scales including HO scale and N scale. Kadee’s latest offerings are announced in the FREE March 2009 flyer here.

Kadee continues their popular Sam the Answer Man column. 2009 March flyer has installment #29:

“New Products & Accucraft AMS Conversion”
This series is to help answer the many questions about Kadee® products and to provide “Helpful Hints” to modelers using our products. This month we are announcing the first official release of our kit cars, yes I said “KIT”. These are our 40 and 50 foot PS-1 box cars in an unpainted undecorated kit form. Painting and decaling (decals not included) are left up to the modeler. The kits are #4100 a 40 foot box car, #4105 a 50 foot with 9 foot door, #4110 a 50 foot with double door, and #4115 a 50 foot with the H-40 cushion underframe. They assemble “without” glue or adhesives of any kind. Every part is either friction or press fit, hooks, or snaps in place just like our RTR cars. See our web site at www.kadee.com for more information. Also, we are releasing our Whisker® #146 long centerset standard shank coupler in the continuing #148 series of couplers. Last month we released the medium underset #147 Whisker® coupler.
I recently finish a coupler conversion on an Accucraft AMS (American Model Supply) On30 box car from their 3000 series. Generally speaking, this is a very nice
model with very nice detail work on the body. However, I thought the trucks could have be done better. There are two issues concerning the couplers. First their
knuckle coupler is the absolutely worst I have ever seen. It’s a sort of an imitation of our #803 On3 coupler. It’s interesting that they’d even thought that any modeler
could ever use such a bad coupler. The centering and knuckle springs are so stiff that you have to use a hammer and a pry bar to get them to couple up. The trip pin
is at the HO coupler length for an On3 coupler and isn’t even ferrous metal to be magnetically uncoupled, although the spring stiffness prevents this anyway.
The best point of this is their coupler mounting platform. They were actually thinking ahead on this feature. They have provided two coupler mounting heights,
one for the common HO coupler height and one for the On3 coupler height. There is a spacer block for our standard HO #5 coupler and by removing the spacer the
platform is now near the correct On3 coupler mounting height for our #803. Since Bachmann made their popular On30 models with HO scale couplers and other
factory and scratch built On30 models use the On3 size of couplers, AMS has accommodated both those who wish to or have to use HO scale couplers and those
that wish to use the On3 couplers. So we recommend using our #5 coupler at the HO coupler height or our #803 black and #807 brown at the On3 coupler height.
Fortunately, our #5 and #803/807 (and S scale #802) draft gear boxes use the same screw hole pattern so there is no needed alterations or drilling and tapping
new holes. Also if the coupler heights are a bit off it’s rather easy to add shim washers (#208 and #209) between the truck and body to raise the coupler height or
a thin shim under the draft gear box to lower the coupler. Use our #205 or #206 HO coupler height gauge or our #815 On30 coupler height gauge with a #803 On3
coupler.
Sam the Answer Man will only be available after 1:00 p.m. PST Mon-Thu to answer your Kadee® related questions.

This column is typical of Kadee’s much cherished attention to customers and details. Their product line continues to meet customer demand and services like Sam the Answer Man help the modeler through the sometimes tricky coupler conversion process.

Have fun!

Trainguy

News -  FREE Spring 2009 Catalog from Atlas Model Railroad Co.

Atlas Model Railroad Company has been busy this Spring of 2009. Atlas has recently issued their Atlas Spring 2009 Catalog. It is available for FREE download here. The catalog lists numerous products being released between April, 2009 and August, 2009 in N scale, HO scale, and O scale. Check this FREE catalog for new engines, railroad freight cars, accessories, and equipment in your favorite scale and road name.

These new and limited run products are being offered for pre-manufacture orders. Don’t wait for final release dates. Get your orders in now so that the Company knows how many of each item to produce.

Unlike most product manufacturers, model train manufacturers set the size of their production runs based largely on the number of pre-orders received months before release. If you don’t want to be disappointed later, you need to show your interest at this stage of the process. Otherwise Atlas, and most other model train companies, will either cancel the production of certain models and paint schemes or make fewer of them.

This keeps costs for modelers lower than if manufacturers took a greater risk (by not seeking pre-orders) and had many unsold trains that had to be paid for or financially justified by very small sales. On the other hand, if they didn’t take pre-orders, the manufacturer’s limited capital could be tied up in unsold inventory and other new products would have to wait even longer until the manufacturer has sold out all of the unwanted stock that their money was spent on.

This process is a little out of the ordinary (when compared to massive merchandising of a very few models of a product distributed through big box stores), but it creates more variety in a shorter cycle, at lower prices, for modelers from companies that are financially viable year after year in a small, specialized, yet quality and price sensitive market.

Have fun!

Trainguy

FREE Large Scale Logging and Mining Details Catalog - Ozark Miniatures Catalog

Ozark Miniatures specializes in details made especially for large scale model railroads (F Scale, G Scale, 1:20.3, 1:29, 1:32, 7/8, etc.) related to mining and lumber operations. Some of their products can also reasonably be used with 1/2″, and 1:22.5 in addition to the scales previously listed. They also offer a replacement cab for the popular Ruby live steam engine. Their 2008 catalog (29 MB) and price sheet are available for FREE download. If you are modeling either a mining or lumber operation take a look at this catalog. It has a wealth of detail parts including tools, equipment, and more.

The catalog and product numbering system is very well organized. The product numbers are divided by scales, supplies, lumber, and mining.

Ozark Miniatures has divided the catalog pdf file into individual pages. You have to open each page individually. The reward is a beautiful range of fine detail parts that are well worth the little extra effort. Even if you are not modeling in large scale if you are modeling in other scales still check out Ozark Miniatures. They go beyond details with full camp buildings, steam engine “mules” and more.

Large scale enthusiasts and garden railroaders frequently model mining and logging operations. Ozark Miniatures offer everything from scale lumber (for constructing buildings) to pulleys, saws, and other details for your railroad business operations.

Ozark Miniatures is celebrating its twentieth year. Check out their web site for special 20th anniversary sales and products.

Have fun!

Trainguy

News - January, 2009 - LGB Issues New Items Brochure for Scale Model Railroad Trains

January, 2009 LGB has issued an expanded (48 page) new items brochure listing new scale model railroad trains for release in 2009 following American prototypes. The catalog in German AND English is available for FREE download at http://medienpdb.maerklin.de/pdf/lgb_neuheitenkat.pdf
Maerklin has taken over LGB and is still in transition. Walthers is their North American distributor. The full catalog of LGB products is scheduled for release in fall of 2009.

Maerklin/LGB says:

We apologize that there are no new molds for American models this year. We still have preparatory work to do but we will be able to produce your requests for LGB models in the future. Nevertheless, this year’s new items do reflect a clear policy. All the new LGB products in the North American range this year are variations that have not been produced before in that way or they are reissues with new car numbers.  These were both requests made to us by many LGB fans. … We regularly postfurther information on our web site at www.lgb-bahn.de.

Have fun!

Trainguy

FREE - Catalog Download - Model Railroad Tracks, Trains, Accessories

Atlas Model Railroad Company is offering a FREE download of its January, 2009 All Scales Tracks and Accessories Catalog.

The new Atlas All Scales Track Catalog is now available for download. This new publication includes all of our track pieces, accessories, structures and layouts that are available in N, HO & O scales.

Source

This catalog goes beyond the usual product catalog.

The introduction starts at the very beginning and discusses which scale is right for you. (Of course the discussion is limited to the scales that Atlas sells products for.) The information is worthwhile for any beginner to consider. These concepts may be applied to other scales such as Z Scale, G Scale, F Scale, S Scale, and so on. These concepts may be applied to products from other manufacturers too.

Atlas then presents basic boxed train sets, wheels, starter electronics, speed controllers (throttles), and various accessories. A beginner is often given a boxed train set to start. This is a good way to begin the catalog. Atlas has many engines and railroad cars, in numerous highly detailed paint schemes, for separate purchase by more advanced modelers. They are listed in other Atlas publications.

The next 3 sections of the catalog provide numerous sample track plans and products. If you are new to model railroading or an experienced modeler looking for some inspiration the sample plans are well worth a look. The sample track plans range from a simple loop with a passing siding to a complex of twists, switches, and more labeled the “Monopoly and Octopus”. It includes many plans and ideas in between with dimensions for the overall plan. This is handy for getting an idea of the overall size that a plan of this type and interest takes up.

The FREE downloadable catalog is divided into sections for N Scale, HO Scale, and O scale. Each section explains Atlas’ approach to their track products. Sometimes they are trying to be more accurate to the prototype, and sometimes they are trying to be compatible with legacy and related products. Make sure to look at all the sections. Some of the sections (such as N Scale track and accessories) contains some useful information relevant to other scales.

The last section of the catalog features signals and electronics for model railroads in O Scale, N Scale, and HO Scale. As a bonus, tips and methods from Atlas’ experienced staff for modeling in all scales are presented in the final section of the catalog.

Have fun!
Trainguy

FREE - Railroad Train Screensavers to Download

Trains are fascinating to watch. These FREE train screensavers are easy to download on to your computer. You can watch trains even when you are away from your model railroad.

WARNING: Free Screensavers are very often used as bait for the unwary. The screen saver is indeed free but in some cases you must answer detailed personal questions, pass through numerous confusing options that may involve signing up for streams of spam and worse. If you get into such a situation I recommend closing the window completely. Then run a full system anti-virus scan BEFORE doing anything else. Do NOT sign up for screen savers from such sources. Although they may be some of the most beautiful screen savers the price is way too high.

Here’s some railroad train screensavers that do NOT involve overly aggressive marketing, spyware, or phishing for personal identity information:

The Editors of C-NET give Winter Train 3D Screensaver 4 out of five stars in this review:

Steam meets snow in an atmospheric screensaver especially appealing to lovers of trains and clocks. Watch from multiple angles as a throwback steam train chugs by pines on a snow-blanketed mountain pass. The vista overlooking a desolate valley is a treat, though there only appears to be one. A few more miles of varied scenery would improve the screensaver’s visual interest. The locomotive is accompanied by either an analog or digital clock that you choose in the screensaver settings menu.

Download Winter Train 3D Screensaver here

Porter Locomotives Screensaver.

Porter locomotives are the iconic steam engines of America’s expansion west across the North American continent. Images from H.K. Porter & Company’s 1892 catalog of engines are the basis for this screen saver. It’s free to start but you need to purchase a registration code for $10 after seven days to keep on using it.

Download Porter Engine Screensaver here.

Create Your Own Screensaver

You can use photos, videos, and sound clips of your railroad trains and model railroad to make your own screensaver. Put your favorite scenes from your model railroad on your desktop computer. Here’s how.

Have fun!

Trainguy

FREE - Download Train Sims Software and Games

Nearly every aspect of railroads have been built into a computer software simulations (Sims) or games. Many of them are available as FREE games and FREE software downloads. Here’s a list of train sims that you can download for free (most of these are old [2006 vintage] or special projects):

Some of these FREE train simulation software programs and games can provide some inspiration and a quick way to try some ideas you can use on your model railroad. Some of these can be so much fun they will swallow up lots of your time. Remember to keep it all in balance, keep on building, running, and sharing your model railroad with others.

Yours hours of modeling and running your model railroad can be much more rewarding than getting totally lost in computer simulations.

Free Game: “Sid Meier’s Railroad Tycoon”
Description: Back in 1990 Sid Meier and MicroProse released Sid Meier’s Railroad Tycoon. With the release of Sid Meier’s newer “Railroads” program, “Railroad Tycoon” was released for free.

“Railroad Tycoon”
Description: “Railroad Tycoon” is a game of railroad systems and connecting to run as efficiently as possible while making your empire a ton of money. Many gamers feel that no one other railroad game has been able to capture the fun of “Railroad Tycoon.” Not even “Sid Meier’s Railroads.”
Download “Railroad Tycoon” for Free from:

* FileFront
* Official “Railroad Tycoon” Web site

“Simutrans”
Description: “Simutrans” is a transport and economic sim game. The graphics are not impressive, but very well done for a freeware game.
The goal of “Simutrans 128×128″ is to build a network of railroads and bus connections. Passengers will need to be transported from city to city, and will use the transportation that you have set up.
Game History: The game was started by one man in 1997 as a hobby. Today the game is now worked on by a large group of gamers who continue to make additions and updates. Download Simutrans 128 by 128 for free.
“D-Rose”
Description: “D-Rose is Dave’s Railroad Operations Simulation Environment. That means that this is a program to simulate running an entire railroad. You get to do any job on the railroad (like dispatcher, surveyor, president and engineer), or sit back and watch.” D-Rose Home and free download site.
“Miniature Train Simulator”
Description: Build a model train set in “Miniature Train Simulator.” The game comes with lots of tracks, trains, and decor to use in designing the tracks. Miniature Train Simulator Home Page and free download (en and fr).
“Train Dispatcher 2″
Description: This game is all about being a train dispatcher. The job is similar to an air traffic controller. Train Dispatcher 2 Home page.

Source

BVE
Description: WIRED has declared the 2007 BVE as “one of the BEST train sims programs”. It goes on to say:

BVE Trainsim totally beats Microsoft Train Simulator with its price, graphics, and realism. BVE Traimsim, formerly known as Boso View Express, is a free downloadable train simulator created by a Japanese graduate student (also known by the username mackoy). There are hundreds of downloadable routes (found at various websites) that have been created by various users throughout the world. You can drive the London Underground, the New York Subway, the MTR Hong Kong subway, or the Taipei MRT. BVE is not constrained to only subway routes. Various long distance trains can be driven. Creating new routes is somewhat difficult with the coding, so the graphics vary depending on the route. The London Underground routes are fine examples of the potential realism the BVE train simulator can achieve. Sound files are recordings of the actual trains, so the screeching of the tracks, the door close chimes, and the horns are all very similar to the sounds from the corresponding train route. One downside of the game is that other objects cannot move, so trains coming in the opposite direction are always still. But when you’re traveling at a high speed, it’s barely noticeable. BVE works with Windows 98, 2000, ME, and XP and requires DirectX.

Download BVE for free.
Source.
Have fun!

Trainguy