!OST #14_rev - O scale trains

Product News & ReviewsNEWS: 2 Doors Down available fromKarlgarin ModelsWarren Farm Little BaddowChelmsford Essex CM3 4TQEngland44 1245 226110 (International)skippy@karlgarin.comRobin Arkinsall is a friend of OST frequent contributor Marshall Vine. Both Marshalland Robin live in the United Kingdom. Robin sent this note about his new company,2 Doors Down.“2 Doors Down produces a range of O gauge, 1:48 scale, etched brass kits coveringthe small industrial switchers (“critters”) and short line locomotives which couldbe found in daily use all over the USA. They have been designed and produced byRobin Arkinsall, well-known and respected as the originator of the Impetus range ofUK industrial locomotive kits, and happily continue in the same tradition of excellentquality and value for the money.“The kits are principally etched brass with cast whitemetal fittings. In some cases,resin castings of the hoods/bonnets will be available for those who do not feel confidentin constructing this item in brass. The kits are designed to be motorized usingSlater’s wheels, Mashima motors, Romford gears and Delrin chain and sprocket drivewhere appropriate. (All these items are available from Karlgarin Models in England,www.karlgarin.com). The kits are designed to accept Kadee couplers.“It is only fair to mention that due to pricing constraints, as well as a lack of information(!), these kits have little or no cab detail at present. Electrical pickups are notsupplied in the kits, most builders having their own preference. Clear and simpleillustrated instructions are included.“The 25 Tonner is a diminutive loco,less than four inches long, based on theGE prototype first introduced in the1940’s. Many are still in use today. Ithas an etched brass body, with a simplefold-up chassis and whitemetal detailcastings. This kit makes an ideal starterproject. Price: £47-00 (p&p £2-50)(That’s about US$86, plus shipping) AMotorizing pack is available (all partsavailable separately) comprising Slater’swheels, Mashima motor, Romford gearbox,delrin chain and sprockets. Price:£27-50 (£25-00 if purchased with kit)(That’s about US$51, plus shipping)“300HP EMD This distinctive center-cab,twin-engine locomotive wasanother 1940’s product with a longservice history. The kit is similar indesign to the 25-tonner and despite thesomewhat archaic appearance has acertain charm! Price: TBA mid-2004Motorizing pack/parts available separately.“GE 70 Tonner Although a pre-WW2 design intended for use on shortlines and switching, there are examples still tobe found hard at work. Two kit variantswill be available: early version with nogrille on the hood front and large lamp,and later type with front grille, rectangularlamp housing and differing sidegrilles etc. The trucks are designed to bemotorized independently, thus providingplenty of power and smooth running.Available late 2004.”NEWS: Chooch Enterprises, Inc.PO Box 1200Maple Valley, WA 98038Phone: 425-788-8680www.choochenterprises.comMike O’Connell at Chooch Enterprisesdropped a note to remind us of theNorthern Pacific 40' SS AAR boxcar kit.Even though you think you have enoughNP cars, you should seriously look atthis car. The patterns, made by JimZwerneman, are exceptional! This is acompletely new pattern created from theactual drawings. These cars ran in revenueservice well into the 70's.[www.choochenterprises.com]NEWS: Weaver ModelsPO Box 231Northumberland PA 17857570-473-9434www.weavermodels.comWeaver Models is pleased toannounce release of a die cast USRALight Pacific Steamer, scheduled for aLate Spring/Early Summer ’04 arrival.Features will include: die cast bodyconstruction, operational cab vents, illuminatedcab, cab window glass, all 2-rail drivers flanged, puffing smoke unit,detailed interior, firebox glow, front &rear operating marker lights, illuminatedheadlight, illuminated front & rear numberboards, easy access volume controlwith sound on/sound off switch (locatedin tender), multiple cab numbers, 11roadnames (plus undecorated).Your choice of 2-Rail or 3-Rail withoutsound ($725.) or 2-Rail or 3-Railwith authentic RailSounds® TrainMaster®Command Control ($849.). Roadnameswill include:, Western Maryland,Grand Trunk Western, Canadian National,Louisville & Nashville, Norfolk &Western, Boston & Maine, Chicago &Northwestern, Maine Central, MilwaukeeRoad, ATSF and Illinois Central.42 • O Scale Trains - May/June ’04