Scale Model Railroading

Bachmann has released a new 2-8-4 Berkshire locomotive. The locomotive is available in both DCC and non-DCC in the following road names:

• Pere & Marquette
• Chesapeake & Ohio
• Nickel Plate
• Unlettered

Walthers has released a new station kit for its Milwaukee Road Hiawatha trains. The limited-run Milwaukee-Style Station & Train Shed is patterned after the railroad’s hometown depot, and fits most layouts. The kit includes the station with tall clock tower and two train shed sections. The station that insipred this kit was used in passenger operations into the 1960s. It’s $249.98 at Walthers.

InternetTrains.com is offering $3 off your next order of $20 or more if you post an honest review of any product on the site that you currently own. Just post the review and then you will receive your coupon code.

Every week, the HO Scale blog will bring you an update on the week’s events and shows.  Here are the model railroad events for the week of December 8-15.

The Rappahannock Model Railroad Club’s ninth annual Model Train Display and Show
When: Saturday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: National Guard Armory, Rappahannock, VA
Cost: $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 4 to 12
View the article in the Fredricksburg Free-Lance Star

Plantation Model Railroad Club’s Holiday Train Show
When: Saturday, December 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Grand Manor, Leesburg, FL
Cost: $1 for adults; children under 12 free.
View the article in the Orlando Sentinel

Morgan County Model Railroad Association Layout
When: Now until January 3, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays
Where: Martinsville, Indiana,in the KeyBank building lobby
Cost: Free
View the article in the Martinsville Reporter Times

Who knew?  Rod Stewart the singer and songwriter, is a model railroad enthusiast.  He is profiled in this December issue of Model Railroader, along with his 1500 square foot layout housed in the third floor of his Beverly Hills home.  Apparently, Rod has been an avid modeler for over 20 years, and his 23×124 foot layout is exquisitely detailed.  Rod visited the MR offices and toured the magazine’s own layout before taking Classic Toy Trains editor, Carl Swanson to California to tour his enormous layout.  Of course, if I have Rod Stewart’s money, I’d probably have a layout the size of a small surburban house too! The article will contain many great pictures of Rod’s layout, and will definitely be worth a look for me.

Kadee has released 5 new ready-to-run cars, including two hopper cars, and 3 box cars.

#4515 Chicago & Illinois Midland 40′ PS-1 Box Car
Road Number: 16080
6′ 5 Panel Superior Door
Mec Green
$32.95

#5120 Central of Georgia 40′ PS -1 Box Car
Road Number 7190
8′ Youngstown Door
Red Oxide
$29.95

#6509 Detroit Toledo Ironton 50′ PS-1 Box Car
15′ Even Youngstown Door
Boxcar Red
Road Number: 15349
$31.95

#8634 New Haven PS-2 Two Bay Hopper
Channel Rib & Box Defect Card Holder
Alkali Resisting Light Gray
Road Numbers: 117076 & 117019
$40.95

InternetTrains.com has dropped the prices on many of their products from manufacturers like Life-Like, MDK/K-LINE, Cal Freight, LBF, Red Caboose and more. The sale ends when the inventory is all gone.

I ran across an interesting site today about a modeler named John Pitts. He models the Illinois Central, and his site has soem great prototype and weathering information, as well as great photos of his layouts. The layout is highly detailed and great to look at. Take a look!

The Kalamzoo Model Railroad Historical Society is having their open house on Saturday, December 1st from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. at the Society’s clubhouse at 9336 N. Riverview in Kalamazoo.

Their 24 by 40-foot HO scale layout will be operating and their 1912-vintage full-size caboose will be open to tour.

Admission, parking, tours and refreshments are all FREE . There will be free games for the kids.