A Quick Update From O Scale National in Stamford

Jim Canter gave a talk on proto48 that was attended by around 30 people. He was very informative and showed examples of proto48 trackwork and talked about what was currently available in proto48. This was the morning after his talk on handlaying trackwork, which was attended by both the proto48 crowd and regular O scale crowd. He showed examples of switch building in proto48 and diagrams of trackwork on the Nickel Plate. Both talks were well received.

Rich Yoder Models had an example of his new Phase 4 GE 44 tonner on display. The model on display was an O scale version, but Rich said he will be making a limited number of proto48 versions of the model. He plans to produce the Proto48 models based on the number of reservations. The pricing on the model is $299.00 and requires a deposit.

Also on display were his new Western Maryland 55 ton channel side hoppers, WM woodchip hopper car, WM covered Hopper, PRR class GLCA fishbelly twin, and PRR class GLA twin. The PRR cars will have "ball herald" decals made by Middle Division supplied with the cars. Rich continues to expand his variations on the 50 ton offset twins with offerings for C&O, NKP, Clinchfield, NP, P&WV, L&N, C&I, CM&O, B&O, D&H, T&P, AT&SF, SLSF, and L&M.

Chooch Enterprises/Ultra Scale II is busy preparing a number of new projects for summer and fall release. The next product expected is the Pennsylvania Railroad X-31b class double door boxcar. This the classic round roof car built in large number by the Pennsy. The model will be a one-piece urethane body with injection molded plastic hardware for the ladders, stirrups, door runners, latches and brake platforms. The kit will also include scale bracketed grab irons for the side and the end. Middle Division will be doing the decals so they will be very accurate. Later on in the year, Chooch will release the single door X-31a and the X-31f with its unusual extended height round roof. The X-31f was built during WWII for carrying jeeps.

Chooch Enterprises released a plastic detailing set for upgrading the Intermountain AAR 1937 40' boxcar. It includes the correct ladders, stirrups, Camel door slides, door locks, bracketed grab irons, brake platforms and new brake rigging. This set will go a long way towards making Intermountain's excellent kit a contest winner.

Chooch is working on an Atlantic Coast Line watermelon car as the next project beyond the X-31. The prototype is wood with ventilated doors.

Kohs & Company is expanding his product offerings to include rolling stock. His first offering is a PRR GLe covered hopper. The model will be available painted in four different color schemes. He will be selling the models with Proto48 trucks as an option. Kohs has also announced a run of PRR G-22 gondolas with containers and a series of PRR cabooses.

Visit their website for more information. http://www.kohs.com