Model Railroader June 2022

Rehab My Railroad Sometimes change is a good thing. When it comes to repurposing pieces of an old layout, you will undoubtedly face challenges. Just ask our hosts, David Popp and Cody Grivno, from the video series Rehab My Railroad. In the face of difficulties, they show you how to cultivate your modeling skills and adapt them as needed. If you are up for the challenge, visit Trains.com and type Rehab My Railroad in the search bar to access informative and entertaining videos by Model Railroader’s staff. Check out what’s new on the Jones Island section of the HO scale Milwaukee, Racine & Troy; it might just inspire you to rehab your own model railroad layout. Prototype Railroads Is realism your style? On Trains.com, there’s a collection of helpful articles on prototype railroads…

If you’ve been around the hobby for a while, you’ve noticed many manufacturers market their locomotives and rolling stock using a range of product line names. Product lines can be a handy way to distinguish, for instance, value-priced models from models sporting better detailing and features. This is fine, but if product lines continue to be added, understanding the differences between them can be confusing – especially for newcomers to model railroading. Athearn has taken a welcome step toward clarifying matters. Previously, the company marketed its products under the category names Genesis, Genesis 2.0, Readyto-Roll, Roundhouse, Athearn N, and Athearn Precision Diecast. In a sweeping reorganization, the company will now offer just three product lines. To quote from Athearn’s press release, “The ‘Athearn Genesis’ line will be the premium line of models. ‘Athearn Roundhouse’ is…

HO scale General Electric U30C diesel locomotive. Atlas offers this Master Line model decorated for Chessie System (with Chesapeake & Ohio reporting marks), Conrail, Delaware & Hudson, Reading Co., Pennsylvania RR, and Seaboard Coast Line, in three road numbers per scheme. Undecorated models with and without a nose headlight are also available. The HO scale model features new tooling based on the Phase I prototype. The U30C has etched-metal grills; railroad-specific cab, headlight, and nose light variations; and newly tooled Adirondack truck sideframes. Direct-current models with an 8-pin plug for a Digital Command Control decoder sell for $189.95. Versions with a dual-mode ESU LokSound sound decoder are priced at $299.95. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, shop.atlasrr.com…

Following on the success of the HO scale version, Atlas is bringing the Trinity 3,230-cubic-foot capacity Pressure Differential covered hopper to N scale. The Master Line Plus model is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter this year. Chicago Freight Car, CIT Group, General American, Roanoke Cement, Trinity Industries Leasing, and TXI (with GBRX reporting marks) will be the initial road names offered on the covered hopper. Each paint scheme will be available in four road numbers. The newly tooled car features injection-molded plastic construction, etched-metal running boards, metal wheelsets, and magnetic couplers. The Atlas Master Line Plus Trinity 3,230-cubic-foot capacity Pressure Differential covered hopper will be priced at $47.95. For the latest updates on the model, visit the manufacturer’s website at shop.atlasrr.com.…

Rapido Trains announced that it will be offering a Union Pacific 40-foot Alternating Center Rivet boxcar in HO scale. The release date has yet to be announced. The boxcar will be offered in three classes: B-50-39 (1947 as-delivered scheme with “Road of the Streamliners” and “Serves All the West” slogans and 1956+ repaint with large name and “Be Specific – Ship Union Pacific” slogan, both with 4/4 early improved Dreadnaught ends and a straight-panel roof), B-50-41 (1950 as-delivered scheme with “Road of the Streamliners” and “Be Specific – Ship Union Pacific” slogans and 1956+ repaint with large name and “Be Specific – Ship Union Pacific” slogan, both with R+3/4 early improved Dreadnaught ends and a diagonal-panel roof), and B-50-42 (1951 as-delivered scheme with “Road of the Streamliners” and “Be Specific –…

• General Electric AC4400CW diesel locomotive. The CIT Group (blue and white), Chicago & North Western (green and yellow with Operation Lifesaver logo), CSX (yellow, blue, and gray), Kansas City Southern (Southern Belle), Southern Pacific (scarlet and gray with speed lettering), and Union Pacific (Primed for Grime Southern Pacific patchout, two road numbers). Three numbers per scheme unless noted. Prototype-specific details; light-emitting diode headlights, number boxes, ground lights (above front truck), and marker lights (as applicable); and McHenry scale couplers. Direct-current model with 21-pin NEM connector, $264.99; with dual-mode SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder, $364.99. Add $10 for Primed for Grime models. April 2023. Genesis 2.0. Athearn Trains, 800-338-4639, athearn.com • Alco RS-3 diesel locomotive. Western Maryland (black-and-yellow scheme in two road numbers) and Pennsylvania RR (Dark Green Locomotive Enamel with train-phone…