Library - "Product Review" Magazine Articles

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"At the Sunset Motel, You Can Check In and You Won't Want to Check Out"

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 88     Scale: multi     Author: Art Lake

This structure kit of a typical road-side motel is available in both HO- and N-scale.

"This is the Book That Every Modeler and Railroad Historian Should Own"

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 78     Scale:      Author: Art Lake

The author reviews "The Coming of the Train: The Hoosac Tunnel & Wilmington and Deerfield River Railroads and The Industries They Served" Volume 1.

A Classic Truck Stop

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 58     Scale: HO     Author: Dick Foster

Tahoe Model Works presents HO-scale Dalman 2-level, ACF Archbar, Bettendorf Swing Motion Caboose, and Buckeye ARA trucks.

A Cost-effective Alternative to Brass or Steel?

Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 58     Scale: G     Author: John Sipple

The author does a real-world comparison between Aristo-Craft's new code 332 aluminum rail sectional track compared to brass and steel versions.

A Mobile Pipeline to "Green Up" Your Layout

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 68     Scale: N     Author: Pete Birdsong

The author reviews the new Athearn N-scale 33,000-gallon liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank cars.

A New Competitor in the Turnout Control Arena

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 68     Scale: multi     Author: Dick Karnes

The author reviews the ANE SmartSwitch, SmartFrog, and stationary decoder. Includes actual installation photos, and hook-up wiring diagrams.

A New Era for the N-scale Passenger Train Finally Arrives

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 16     Scale: N     Author: Al Skinner

Rapido Trains' lighted passenger coaches and duplex sleepers in various paint schemes, with lots of underbody details.

A Nice New Home and a Nice New Car

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 98     Scale: multi     Author: Bill Cawthon

The author reviews the HO- and N-scale versions of the 1950 Dodge Meadowbrook sedan (regular and cab versions).

A Passenger Solution for a Shortline

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 22     Scale: HO     Author: Dick Foster

Historical information about "Doodlebugs" and a review of the Bachmann model, including a supplemental passenger car.

A Ready-to-Roll Modern Yard Tractor

Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 54     Scale: HO     Author: Bill Cawthon

Various Athearn yard tractors.

A Second Look at the Athearn Switcher Duo

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 22     Scale: HO     Author: Mike Acker

This review focuses on the SW1500, including the Train Control Systems' DCC decoder.

Add the NYO&W Creamery to Your Layout and a Milk Run to Your Schedule

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 84     Scale: S     Author: Dick Karnes

The author describes how he built and detailed this Laser Art Structures building kit.

An American Classic from Bekina

Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 52     Scale: HO     Author: Wayne Calder

A review of HO-scale 1970's Camero's.

Are They Keeping Up With the Promise from the First Run?

Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 36     Scale: N     Author: John Sipple

A review of the Athearn F45/FP45 diesel locomotive.

Aristo-Craft's New Train Engineer Revolution G Debuts

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 50     Scale: G     Author: John Sipple

John reviews the new control system for G-scale engines, including accessories. He even compares this to DCC.

Athearn 53' Jindo Container

Model Railroading 2001-09 pg. 18     Scale: HO     Author: David G. Casdorph

The author reviews the products, and includes a bit of prototype information, including two prototype photos.

Athearn Husky Stacks

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 22     Scale: N     Author: John Sipple

Review and prototype information about the Gunderson Husky Stack well car produced for 6 railroads.

Athearn Pairs Up With Soundtraxx in N-scale Sound-equipped Cowls

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 33     Scale: N     Author: John Sipple

This article reviews the Athearn FP45 and F45 "Cowl" diesel engines, which support DC, DCC, and sound. Includes prototype information.

Athearn Re-introduces the (Totally New) R-T-R SD45

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 20     Scale: HO     Author: Mike Acker

Reviews the NW, PRR, and SP versions of this engine. Prototype information is included, and includes discussion about DCC conversion.

Athearn's Flat-roofed CF7 Gets Shortlined

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 26     Scale: HO     Author: John Sipple

Prototype information and product review of this engine, including installing DCC.

Athearn/Soundtraxx MP15ACs Offer New Paint Schemes, Too!

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 44     Scale: HO     Author: John Sipple

The review covers the Wisconsin & Southern and Southern Pacific models of this engine.

Atlas Alco: High Hood is High Value!

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 38     Scale: HO     Author: R. Dave Carr

This review is of an Alco HH600/HH660 with TCS DCC decoder. Includes prototype information.

Atlas Explorer Hits the Mark in HO and N

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 66     Scale: multi     Author: Bill Cawthon

The 1993 Ford Explorers are available in both scales.

Atlas' N C420: So Good It's Creepy

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 40     Scale: N     Author: Steven Goehring

This article reviews the new Phase 2 model of this engine. The prototype British Columbia Railway is also covered.

BCH Intl. Makes a Memory Better than Ever with Updated MiniTrains

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 44     Scale: HOn30     Author: Bill Cawthon

A product review of the BCH International HOn30 MiniTrains narrow gauge set, which includes one engine and ten cars. Covers the history of this set.

BLI Class T1 Review

The Keystone Modeler 07 February 2004 pg. 22     Scale: HO     Author: Bruce Smith

Some prototype information and a review of the HO-scale Broadway Limited model.

BLI High Hood SD40-2 Finds a New Life

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 44     Scale:      Author: John Sipple

Historical information and product review of the Broadway Limited Imports' engine.

Bachmann Presents Peter Witt-style Street Car in HO

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 28     Scale: HO     Author: Alan Houtz

The author describes this trolley car model, the person behind the design, and the prototype.

Bachmann's N-scale 44 Tonner Breaks Conventional Rules

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 28     Scale: N     Author: Steven Goehring

A good running and nicely detailed engine powered by a bare-bones DCC decoder.

Bakers Row: The Latest from Nick & Nora

Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 66     Scale: HO     Author: Denis Dunning

A review of a kit of a set of three buildings.

Baldwin 2-6-6-2 Mallet

Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 28     Scale: On30     Author: Pete Birdsong

A review of the new Bachmann engine. Covers the Tsunami DCC decoder installation as well.

Bluford Shops Rewrites the Standard

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 38     Scale: N     Author: Steven Goehring

The author reviews the 14-panel rib side hoppers and the 3-bay offset side hoppers released by Bluford.

Bragdon Enterprises Supports - and Rocks - the Model Scenery World

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 84     Scale:      Author: Al Skinner

The author reviews the Bragdon expandable foam system for creating and color rock formation (using molds that are not included with the system, but separately available).

Dozing - As In Pushing, Not Napping

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 74     Scale: O     Author: Wayne Calder

A review of the Classic Construction Models' Caterpillar 834 Wheel Dozer and the D10.

ESU Loksound Decoder and Easy Install

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 80     Scale:      Author: John Sipple

Using the Loksound Select sound decoder, the author upgraded the decoder in his Athearn GP60M.

ExactRail Hits the Trifecta a Second Time

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 36     Scale: HO     Author: Mike Acker

This review covers the company's Trinity 50-foot Hy-cube boxcars, Johnston America AutoFlood II coal hopper, and PS-2CD 4427 covered hopper.

Factory Direct Produces Impossible Automobile

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 60     Scale: HO     Author: John Sipple

Various "Hi-Rail" track inspection vehicles are produced by Factory Direct Trains to look like Ford Model A.

Fill Up for Fun: Blair Line Hudson Oil Gas Station

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 68     Scale: N     Author: Al Skinner

Review of this N-scale kit that is also available in HO-scale.

Grizzly Mountain Engineering Wagons Carry Their Weight

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 66     Scale: (none)     Author: Bill Cawthon

This article covers the multiple scales (HO, S, O, G/F) of horse-drawn carriages produced by the company. The author discusses how to assemble and finish the kits.

HO AC-12 With Sound Finally Arrives!

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 16     Scale: HO     Author: John Sipple

Review and history of the cab forward model by Intermountain Railway Company.

Intermountain's FP7 Reports for Duty in N-scale

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 43     Scale: N     Author: Steven Goehring

Review of the EMD FP7 A and B units, including DCC. Also includes some prototype information regarding the PRR.

Kadee's Cushion Underframe Boxcars Really Work!

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 50     Scale: HO     Author: John Sipple

This model actually has working cushioned couplers.

Kato EMD SD80MAC and SD90/43MAC

Model Railroading 2001-09 pg. 17     Scale: N     Author: Kent Charles

After a bit of history about these engines, the author reviews the Kato N-scale model.

Kato Unleashes the "El Capitan" in N Scale

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 50     Scale: N     Author: John Sipple

History and product review of the Kato F7-lead passenger train.

Last Santa Fe Roster Subject of Colorful Book

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 74     Scale:      Author: John Sipple

A review of the "AT&SF Railway 1995 Motive Power Fleet" book.

Lima Super Power in HO Scale

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 58     Scale: HO     Author: David Otte

The author reviews the MTH 2-8-4 Berkshire available in 7 road names.

Litchfield Station is All Charm

Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 70     Scale: S     Author: David Jasper

A review of a kit manufactured by Banta Modelworks and release by Port Lines Hobby Supplies of small passenger station.

MRC Offers Improved N Scale Sound

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 74     Scale: N     Author: Steven Goehring

The review sound decoders are for Alco SD60, F-unit, and PA-1 engines.

MTH Takes on UP's Massive Motive Power Prototypes in HO Scale

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 54     Scale: HO     Author: David Otte

The author reviews MTH's 4-12-2 and 4-6-6-4 engines.

Micro-Trains Line Bridges the Gap in Z

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 88     Scale: Z     Author: Bill Cawthon

The author reviews the new through-girder bridge.

Märklin's Newest Heavy Hauler: The Torpedo Ladle Car

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 28     Scale: Z     Author: Bill Cawthon

A brief review of this large car.

NCE Updates, Improves Wireless System

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 70     Scale:      Author: John Sipple

The author reviews the latest version of this DCC system.

Narrow Minded

O Scale Trains Magazine 33 July 2007 pg. 39     Scale: O     Author: Bobber Gibbs

Bachmann's Forney

New Kato Rigs for Intermodal Operations

Model Railroad News 2010-01 pg. 62     Scale: N     Author: Bill Cawthon

A Volvo VN Tractor with 40-foot container and chassis, and a Yard Tractor also with 40-foot container and chassis.

New Trainman O Gauge Passenger Consist Pulls Into the Station

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 52     Scale: O     Author: David Otte

Atlas O Trainman passenger cars (RPO, Coach, Baggage, and Cobine) are reviewed in this article.

O-Gauge Steam Locomotive Lionel Legacy Revisited

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 54     Scale: O     Author: David Otte

This review is of a UP 4-8-4 with Legacy Control Systems and sound. Lots of detail on this model.

Paper Buildings as Raw Materials

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 72     Scale: S     Author: David Jasper

Since the author models in S-scale he chose to review the S-scale version of the Small Forge Building paper kit by Clever Models, which is also available in all the other scales.

Piko's Glassworks Complex

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 74     Scale: HO     Author: V.S. Roseman

This review covers a set of five structures that make up this complex.

Pioneers of Intermodal Transportation, Kato Introduces New Gunderson MAXI-IV Well Cars

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 36     Scale: N     Author: Phil Scandura

The author describes both the model and the prototype of these modern container cars.

Preiser Introduces More American Railroad Figures

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 78     Scale: O     Author: Bill Cawthon

These 6 figures are labeled as 1:43 scale (British O-scale).

Rapido Delivers the Angus (Vans)

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 32     Scale: HO     Author: John Sipple

The author reviews the modern-day wide-vision cabooses from Rapido, Inc.

SC-2 Server Controller: A Versatile Servo Control System

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 74     Scale:      Author: Dick Foster

This system by Oak Tree Systems, LLC combines a servomotor and control board to provide animation for semaphores and other items on the layout.

Sidewalk Details Finish the Scene

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 84     Scale: HO     Author: Bill Cawthon

Bill reviews products from Woodland Scenics and Selley's Finishing Touches which provide details to enhance the street scenes of your layout.

Soapbox Summers and Tiny Toyotas

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 0     Scale:      Author: Bill Cawthon

Kato N-scale Toyota automobiles and HO-scale Woodland Scenics homemade soapbox model cars.

Sticky Business

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 84     Scale:      Author: Dick Foster

The Flamingo Glue Kit by NWSL is a pink wood glue. It is only designed to bond wood to wood; no other materials.

Sunset Models Delivers on Promise of HO-scale Z-6 Challenger in Brass

Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 46     Scale: HO     Author: David Otte

The author reviews the brass SP model.

Sylvan Introduces Three New Plymouths and an Art Deco Chevy Truck

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 78     Scale: HO     Author: Chester Fesmire

The author reviews the two kits, and provides some prototype history on both vehicles.

Tangent Gondolas Mix Quality, Popular Prototype

Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 22     Scale: HO     Author: John Sipple

A review of various Tangent Scale Models' 52'6" gondola.

That's a Stretch

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 56     Scale: HO     Author: Wayne Calder

Under review are Ricko, Ltd stretch limousines.

The Colorful World of Billboard Reefers

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 64     Scale:      Author: David Otte

The author reviews the book and the Atlas O-scale 40-foot wood reefer car.

The Maxi-Grip Screw Starter

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 82     Scale:      Author: Bill Cawthon

This innovative tool by BVRR Specialities makes it easy to start screws into their holes, even hard-to-reach ones.

The O-Gauge "Blue Comet" - A Hidden Gem in the Williams by Bachmann's Product Line

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 38     Scale: O     Author: David Otte

Product review and historical information on both the prototype and the toy-train set.

The Return of the Proto 2000 Heritage USRA Mallet

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 16     Scale: HO     Author: David Otte

This review covers the 2-8-8-2 with DCC and sound in HO-scale produced by Walthers. Includes information about the prototype.

Through the Time Warp

Model Railroad News 2010-09 pg. 48     Scale: N     Author: Al Skinner

The author reviews 50-foot flat cars released by Bachmann, most with loads.

Tom's Turnouts & Trackwork

NASG Dispatch 2005-06 pg. 20     Scale: S     Author: Jerry Poniatowski

The author reviews the new hi-rail #4 and #6 turnouts using various cars and engines.

USA Trains' Northeastern Caboose Includes a Few Surprises

Model Railroad News 2010-06 pg. 32     Scale: G     Author: John Sipple

The author reviews and provides historical information on the Reading caboose, and the fantasy version of the ATSF.

Vogue Furniture House: Building with Style

Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 62     Scale: HO     Author: Denis Dunning

This is a kit of a Rail Scale Miniatures' furniture factory diorama.

When the Sequel is Better

Model Railroad News 2010-03 pg. 16     Scale: N     Author: Al Skinner

Review of the newly-released Intermountain passenger cars.

Woodland Scenics' New Drive 'n Dine is Made for Crusin'

Model Railroad News 2009-08 pg. 68     Scale: HO     Author: Bill Cawthon

Bill reviews the HO-scale pre-built model.

Ye Olde Huff N Puff's On30 Car Kits a Work in Progress

Model Railroad News 2008-10 pg. 32     Scale: On30     Author: Pete Birdsong

The author reviews the product and describes how he built the kit.