Chooch Enterprises/ Ultra Scale II has shipped their ART wooden
reefer, NP single sheathed boxcar and X-31b PRR boxcar. The X-31a single
door PRR boxcar is in production and due to ship very soon. The next car
up will be a SP B50-15 single sheathed car. It will be offered in steel
siding with lettering for the Overnight Service and with wood siding.
Chooch has sent out an extensive listing of cars that are being considered
for production. Mike is trying to estimate demand on each of the announced
projects so he can produce the most desired products first.
Mike O'Connell has released a new set of detail parts for Intermountain
1937 AAR boxcars. It consists of new Delrin ladders and bracketed grab
irons. The new parts are very close to scale and look much better than
the stock hardware that come with the kit. The set includes new brake
levers, brake platform detail as well. It is listed as item # 610 and
sells for $20.00 and will do four cars.
Rich Yoder Models has shipped his new Phase 4 GE 44 tonner. The
model was available in a limited number in proto48. He is sold out currently
of his proto48 locomotives but still has some O scale versions in stock.
He also plans to produce Proto48 brass trucks, you should check out his
website for the current offerings.
www.richyodermodels.com
Keystone Model Works is a new name for a long-time supplier of
excellent ¼" scale parts. Steve Grabowski has decided to hang out his
shingle rather than dealing through his previous channels of distribution.
He is importing a much-desired model of the PRR GLa twin hopper. It will
be offered in two versions:
"K" Series - to fit Kadee couplers with a modified center sill
and striker plate.
"S" Series - a scale working coupler, draft gear and striker plate.
Both versions will be available with either a KD or AB brake system.
The models will be detailed inside and out. Steve has done a lot of fine
parts in the past and is a perfectionist. You can expect the same of his
models. I understand that WBM (Korea) is doing the cars for Keystone.
Grabowski will be doing the proper truck for the car as well in standard
O and Proto48. They will be sold separately in either plastic (like San
Juan trucks) and in brass. The cars and trucks will be available in the
spring of 2002. The next model planned by Keystone is the PRR GS gondola.
This is planned for a mid-2002 release.
For those who are still waiting for the 2F-F2 Crown truck, he is working
with another source to try to get this important truck done. The Crown
was used under tenders, hoppers and other cars. You can contact Keystone
at this address:
Keystone Model Works PO Box 143, New Cumberland, PA 17070-0143
http://www.keystonemodelworks.com
There is a new magazine dedicated to O scale (two rail) coming out soon.
It is O Scale Trains and is headed up by Joe Giannovario. They
have a website. (http://www.oscalemag.com)
Joe is experienced at magazine publishing and has a lot of innovative
ideas. OST will be a product of the support they receive in the community.
It takes articles and photos along with advertising to fill a magazine.
We wish them well.
Central Locomotive Works has decided to pull the pin on their planned
revival of the steam loco line. There was a recent announcement on their
site about this portion of the Central product line. It is likely that
someone else will pick up the line. There are a number of worthwhile parts
in their line for the steam builder. The diesel line will continue with
new releases announced. Visit their site and check out what they are doing.
http://www.centrallocomotiveworks.com
Greg Komar has been around for a while producing high quality
dry transfers in O and other scales. While Greg doesn't have a site, he
will email you a current list of set available. Contact him at gkomar@mindspring.com
An example of his fine line is the Central of Georgia set shown in the
photo below.