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Newsletter - OCTOBER 2008
Previous Newsletters
It’s nearly 14 years since the last COLORADO & UTAH edition NEW REVISED Edition in two colours! Since the last edition was published much has changed following the mergers of Burlington Northern and the Santa Fe and the merger of Southern Pacific into Union Pacific. In addition to general updating, this new edition has been expanded with additional enlargements to show complex areas in greater detail and includes for the first time the interurban electric lines, light rail and principal logging railroads. Also shown are proposed extensions to the Denver and Salt Lake City light rail systems. The Atlas shows all currently operated common carriers, tourist and major industrial railroads along with abandoned routes.
£16.50 (free UK & European p&p)
SPECIAL COLORADO AREA DVD BARGAINS
For those of you who have been in Colorado, most would agree that steam is easy to find...especially narrow gauge steam. Green Frog Productions presents this classic, action filled DVD chronicling Colorado's narrow gauge steam. First we'll visit the Colorado Railroad Museum where you'll see a portion of a steam up day filled with excitement, as # 346, a 2-8-0 chuffs around the loop with vintage Rio Grande and Rio Grande Southern cars. Then we will take you to Georgetown where the Georgetown Loop Railroad provides exciting activity through the canyon and over the famed high bridge. Steam Shays provide the action here. Next we continue our visit to the Cumbres and Toltec. You'll take a tour of the most scenic portions of the line, such as Osier, Sublette, and of course Chama and Antonito. Finally, a trip to the Durango and Silverton, highlighting the tremendous activity that goes on here daily during the summer. For action filled steam, on Colorado's most well known steam railroads, this fast paced DVD will be hard to beat...
60 mins colour Narration Regular price £19.00 SPECIAL OFFER - £10.00 (free UK & European p&p)
This was the highest main line in the US with 3% grades and 40,000 HP trains. See plenty of manifests, coal, taconite and other trains. Colorful pool power, helpers and great train pacing plus all the heavy, colorful action in a beautiful mountain setting. See Power-heavy 100 car coal trains with 9 ACs battling the high altitude and steep grades like you'll never see again. THIS HISTORICAL ROYAL GORGE ROUTE WAS ABANDONED IN SEPTEMBER OF 1997. This movie was there to capture the last months of operation. Coal, Manifest and merchandise trains all run by the two cameras on a journey from Pueblo to Dotsero, Colorado where the line joins with the Moffat Route. We also show early the history of regional narrow and standard gauge development and explain the DRGW operating strategies right to the end of operation. A surprise includes a solid segment on surviving DRGW power on the Southern Pacific system into the late 90's. Included are GP-30, SD-50s, SD45s, and sets of DRGW SD45t-2's pulling on steep grades. The Tennessee Pass line is closed for now but you can relive all the action in this critically acclaimed beautifully shot 90 minute documentary. THIS IS 220 MILES OF RAILROADING FROM PUEBLO TO DOTSERO, CO.
90 mins colour Narration Regular price £21.95 SPECIAL OFFER - £12.00 (free UK & European p&p)
filmed 1998 Tennessee Pass is the highest railroad mainline in the continental U.S. Volume 1 of this series examines the westbound route of this vanishing line from Pueblo to Minturn, Colorado. Trackside shots and cab rides catch the spectacular scenery and the hardworking ACs all along the line. Don't miss these ACs in action through Royal Gorge, Tennessee Pass, and down the 3% grades on the western side, with the sound of dynamics whining.
48 mins colour Narration Regular price £18.00 SPECIAL OFFER - £10.00 (free UK & European p&p)
New Books From Kalmbach
This book shows you how easy it can be to add backdrops to your layouts by explaining why you need one, how to build and paint one, how to add clouds, how to blend with layout scenery, and more. Other techniques such as using photos and commercial backdrops are also included. Softcover; 8.25 x 10.75; 80 pages; 160 color photos;
£ 13.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
Great layout success and satisfaction await you! Another year of spectacular layouts abound in the pages of Great Model Railroads 2009. More than 10 layouts bring you fantastic scenes in HO, N, and O scale through beautiful photography, step-by-step instructions, insights, and more!
£ 5.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
New Book From Signature Press
Southern Pacific Freight Cars Volume 5: Hoppers, Covered Hoppers, Tank Cars
by Anthony W. Thompson Southern Pacific, one of the West's largest and most historic railroads, operated a major fleet of freight cars. The history of those cars is extensive, and this book series is aimed at describing all types of SP freight cars and their histories. The first volume included gondolas and stock cars, while the second covered cabooses, the third addressed automobile cars and flat cars, and the fourth presented box cars. This fifth volume treats hoppers, covered hoppers, and tank cars, and its primary time period is 1865-1965, with some coverage after those years. Freight car history has a number of dimensions. Built dates, car numbers, car characteristics are only the bare bones. Also of importance are reasons for construction of a particular car class and exploration of its design heritage, and indications of the longevity and service use of the class, culminating in rebuilding or scrapping. All those factors are addressed here. The book opens with an introductory section of background information, then the hopper section begins with the early coal cars, followed by open-top steel hopper cars through 1965. The hopper section then turns to covered hoppers (SP regarded them as "H" classes too), from the first cars of 1946, through new designs, and into cars for special lading, such as "Airslide" and related cars. The section on tank cars begins with the early cars, including the Huntington era of the 1890s, then addresses the time of design advances in the early 1900s, followed by Harriman and post-Harriman cars. Then come the several car classes of the period 1920 to 1942. A concluding chapter presents tank cars of the 1960s. Throughout the book, roster information and builder photos, as well as in-service photos at various points in the life of car classes, document the history. Drawings and lettering diagrams of selected cars are also included. Four appendices (one on standard colors), a detailed bibliography and an index round out the book. The book's 578 photos (77 in color) of SP hoppers, covered hoppers, and tank cars, most from company and museum archives and never before published, together with 109 drawings, extensive rosters, and bibliography, make it unusually complete and authoritative. Once again, a strong contribution to the history of the Southern Pacific and of the West has been furnished by Signature Press.
£ 42.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
New Books From MBI
Baltimore & Ohio's Capitol Limited and National Limited Author: Joe Welsh
In 1923 the Baltimore & Ohio's Capitol Limited started its travels between Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Two years later the B&O's National Limited linked the nations capital to St. Louis. Almost at once the two lines became household names, famous for the outstanding service and cuisine offered in their Pullman sleepers and renowned dining cars. This authoritative, illustrated history takes readers back to the B&O's glory years, with a wealth of images, route information, details of the trains passenger motive power, and the inside story on the frugal railroad's means of streamlining its equipment with innovative and aesthetically striking results. Against a backdrop of dozens of black-and-white archival images and period color photos depicting uniforms, dinnerware, stations, period ads and route maps, and interior views of passenger cars, award-winning rail author Joe Welsh discusses how B&O passenger operations led to the demise of at least one of its rival Pennsylvania Railroads passenger trains; and how, ultimately, market forces did in the B&O's passenger trains as well. Here is the whole story, with the National Limited's failure under Amtrak's auspices--and the 1981 rebirth of the Capitol Limited as one of Amtrak's most popular trains, keeping a legend alive. Format: Hardbound Pages: 160 Length: 8.50w x 11.00h
£25.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
New Books From
Penn Central In Color Volume 1: Operations in Western New England and Upstate New York State by Jeremy F. Plant
The much maligned Penn Central operated an amazing variety of diesel locomotives mostly inherited from its three predecessors – New York Central, Pennsylvania and New Haven. See them in operation on freights, commuter trains and through passenger service in this 128-page book.
£ 35.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
C&NW Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment Volume 2: Revenue Freight Cars by James Kinkaid
The cars that made the money! Box cars, gondolas, coil cars, covered hoppers, flat cars, hoppers, ore jennies, reefer and stock cars. They’re all here whether bought brand new by CNW, inherited from predecessors or purchased second-hand.
Trackside around Eastern Ohio 1965-1995 with Dave McKay by Stephen M. Timko
Dave McKay was schooled in photography and took his talent trackside to capture the numerous rail lines that surrounded his Eastern Ohio home. N&W, PRR, PC, CR, B&O, EL and NYC are just the trunk lines. Many other shortlines, terminal carriers, steel companies and industrials are included in this sweep through the east end of the Buckeye State.
Union Pacific's Challenger 3985, the biggest operating steam engine in the world on a U.P. special between Cheyenne, Wyoming and Saint Paul, Minnestota in September, 2008. You'll see this impressive, massive locomotive storming Archer Hill, along the triple track, a spirited departure from North Platte, and along the rails towards Saint Paul.
WIDESCREEN ONLY 60+ mins colour Narration ON/OFF Regular price £20 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 7th November 2008 - £19 (free UK & European p&p)
The SP lives! At least in the hearts of it's fans, and here on DVD! SP power in action on Tennessee Pass in the winter before it closed, over the grades of Cajon Pass and Soldier Summit, and a GE powered local in Rosenberg, Texas. Power is AC44's, SD70M's, SD40-2's, SD45's, C40-8W's and SD40T-2 & SD45T-2 "tunnel motors". We've combed our files for the best of SP for this first program.
60 mins colour Narration ON/OFF Regular price £20 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 7th November 2008 - £19 (free UK & European p&p)
Watch 611 work hard on the steep grades including Erlanger Hill in Northern Kentucky, plus the grades at Batavia, Peebles, and Seaman on the Cincinnati to Portsmouth Line. Besides a variety of excursions, there are some one-way moves, including a short freight train pulled by 611. We also witness the final time that 611 is turned on the Portsmouth wye, and enjoy some pacing scenes on the Columbus line. A special surprise is included in the original program released in 1995. This is home territory for us, as we live in Batavia, Ohio 22 miles east of Cincinnati, so we know the railroad, and therefore bring you the highlight locations of each run. In addition there was an original video tape that was lost at the time of the 1995 release, and later located. This additional 14 minutes of a 611 run is included as bonus material at the end of the DVD program without narration, but includes scene location graphics. This shows portions of a Kenova to Cincinnati excursion in June of 1993. Great steam action abounds throughout this collectors edition which will provide a lifetime of pleasure and "Memories of Norfolk & Western 611" A must for every steam train enthusiast!
74 mins colour Narration Regular price £16 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 7th November 2008 - £15 (free UK & European p&p)
6 Hours on 2 Discs! Over 300 Trains! At the border of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties in Southern California lies one of the most interesting and scenic mountain passes in the Southwest. Some call it Banning Pass or San Gorgonio Pass, but most railfans simply refer to it as Beaumont Hill. We present complete coverage of Beaumont Hill from West Colton to Indio in six hours of pounding, railroading action! Although it peaks at only 2,591 feet above sea level, Beaumont Hill still presents sufficient hardship to rival taller passes. Yet, flanked by Mount San Gorgonio to the north and Mount San Jacinto to the south, it has a beautiful charm all its own. Known now as UP’s Yuma Subdivision, the 76-mile line is mostly double-tracked and busier than ever. In addition to Union Pacific, you’ll see engines from Ferromex, NS, CSX, BNSF, CEFX, GCFX, plus survivors from C&NW, Rio Grande and SP—and those are just the units we captured on the point! You’ll also see the SP, MKT, Mopac and WP Heritage units. Many engine models are represented, ranging from the SD38-2 to the newest SD70ACe and Dash 840C to the mighty GEVO. We even caught a rare GP15-1 in doublestack service! Autos, lumber, and intermodal trains dominate the line. The “Rock Train” and Amtrak’s Sunset Limited are well covered and UP’s Centennial 6936 is seen pulling many passenger specials. There’s much more to see in this unending parade of dazzling color, open throttles, squealing brakes, and serpentine curves! Over five years in the making, across the four seasons, under broiling summer sun and snow on the Pass, through windstorms and sandstorms, from dawn to dusk, this is the Ultimate Beaumont Hill!
110 mins colour Narration Regular price £22 SPECIAL OFFER - £18 (free UK & European p&p)
New York Central Steam Finale covers the Ohio and Indiana areas that Mr. Warren W. Scholl shot on 8mm color home movies in the mid-1950's. Mr. Scholl resided in the Cincinnati area, and would film lots of steam in the area. In addition to filming trackside around Cincinnati he would ride New York Central passenger trains to Chicago on business trips. Power was exchanged for Illinois Central diesels in Kankakee and this is shown several times as well as engine changes at Indianapolis, and other stops, plus views from the train. This was the last stronghold for New York Central Hudsons. In addition to seeing Hudsons on the Cincinnati to Chicago line, we also see a few glimpses of them at Toledo and Bellefontaine, plus we see quite a few Mohawks on passenger trains north of Cincinnati around Sharon Yard. We even see a Niagara or two around Cincinnati. Freight action is seen around the area north from Cincinnati to Sharonville, including several transfer freights, and the L&N transfers to Decoursey Yard in Kentucky. There is also hump yard and switching shots, as well as roundhouse and turntable action. The last segment includes freights west of Cincinnati, including the trains passing through B&O's Storrs Yard, and over course Riverside yard. This was nearly all 4-8-2 territory, with some 2-8-2 helpers. As we proceed west we see several chases along River Road, and see helpers at Valley Junction, another location where helpers were attached for the climb to Sunman via Guilford Hill. Also we see a train coming off the Whitewater Valley line at Valley Junction as well as a meet with a Hudson on a passenger train. Included is information regarding the years built, and retirement dates of engines. This is where NYC steam ended. Like 95% of all old steam film, there was never any audio recorded. Therefore we have included a wealth of informative narration, and appropriate music. These are not top of the line quality commercial films, but rather home movies. However, it is interesting material, and better to be seen by those who appreciate the subject matter, than to have it sit in the closet.
65 mins colour Narration Regular price £16 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 7th November 2008 - £15 (free UK & European p&p)
An innovative, pace setting model railroad is no more. W. Allen McClelland's world famous Virginian & Ohio, Gauley Subdivision has come and gone. On March 16th, 2008 Allen held the railroad's last open house. Due to physical limitations Allen and his wife have moved to a retirement home. About 200 V&O fans came to the final viewing to pay tribute to this legendary modeler and his HO layout. Since the late 1960s Allen and his model railroad have been at the forefront of most of the advancements made in the hobby. He took the hobby from spaghetti bowl style layouts into the world of a complete miniature transportation system. Allen is responsible for most of what we take for granted today...linear design, walkaround control, staging yards, command control usage, weathering, computerized CTC , and his famous "good enough" philosophy. This final version of the V&O was started in 2002 after the original V&O was torn out, and Allen moved to a new house. The Gauley Sub was planned as an extension of the old railroad. Although this version of the railroad was never completed, many scenes were finished to a level suitable for photography. However, the ideas illustrated by Allen are worth documenting. Allen will show you a new way to make a fascia, how to operate a staging yard, and how to make rocks out of pine bark. The V&O is a Great Model Railroad because Allen believed that the whole of a layout is greater than the sum of its parts, and that we should model a railroad not just railroad models.
60 mins colour Narration Regular price £27.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 7th November 2008 - £27 (free UK & European p&p)
Allen Keller's Bluff City Southern operates throughout the Mid-South in 1950. This HO railroad provides an interchange point in Memphis for the IC, the Frisco, the L&N, the Southern and the Missouri Pacific. Both steam and diesel locomotives serve Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. Passenger trains and Memphis Union Station hold a special place in the operating scheme. Since our last visit in 2001 for Vol. 38, the Tennessee peninsula has been added and the layout is completed. The entire BCS was planned before the first track was laid in 1997. Allen has remained true to the overall plan, but changed track arrangements when a better idea came along. The 30x44 foot layout features 4 staging yards that represent the outside world- to 3 points of the compass-North, South and West. Allen considers the Bluff City Southern to be a time machine that re-creates as realistically as possible a simpler time when small town depots were the center of town life and everything moved at a slower pace including the trains. The layout was designed for viewing and operation. That means the scenery and structures are highly detailed. It also means the trackplan allows for challengingly realistic but not mystifying track arrangements. Allen will show you some things he's learned after 40 years in the hobby, plus how to make a cotton field, stage urban buildings and build a swamp. The Bluff City Southern is a Great Model Railroad because Allen has captured the look and feel of the Mid-South with scenery, structures and rolling stock.
Christmas Cards Set of 10 mixed cards £9.95 (Incl. UK p&p)
2009 CALENDARS
Unbelievably two of the Tide-mark calendars have already sold out!!! • The Colorado Narrow Gauge 2009 • Howard Fogg 2009 So if you want any of the remaining calendars, it may be a good idea to get your orders in quickly.
Chartered in Pennsylvania in 1846, construction of the Pennsylvania Rail Road began in 1847, and the first all-rail line reached Pittsburgh in 1852. Eventually PRR connected Chicago with Washington, D.C. . Pennsylvania Railroad recalls the unique engines and trains of “The Standard Railroad of the World.”
£ 10.95 (FREE UK p&p)
Recalling the era of superlative trains, Richard Allison's American Passenger Trains presents a selection of American icons ranging from New York Central's 20th Century Limited, and the The Grand Canyon Limited, to The Katy Flyer, and Santa Fe's Super Chief. An award winning painter, Allison's work has been widely collected and exhibited at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
Chartered in 1849, the Milwaukee Road eventually extended its tracks across the northern tier of the U.S. to the Pacific Ocean. Noted for its passenger service and innovative electric trains, the line's successes were overshadowed by weak management and strong competition. Absorbed into the Soo line in 1986, CP Rail and other lines now run on former Milwaukee Road tracks.
Chartered in 1863, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway's first trains rolled the next year, and the line reached Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1880. By 1929, at its peak, the Santa Fe had over 13,000 miles of track. Santa Fe captures images of steam and diesel across this vast system.
view extra pics The Art of Model Railroading 2009
14 x 11 Charles Ditlefsen Trains Wall Calendar: This year's edition of the world's best-selling train calendar features spectacular images of steam, electric, and diesel locomotives across the United States and Canada.
Spectacular scenery and hardworking trains appear year-round in full-color photos
This beautifully illustrated calendar reveals the most interesting and most realistic model layouts to be found.
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS MAKE GREAT GIFTS - ENYOYED ALL YEAR ROUND!
DIESEL ERA (£5.40 - sub £32) July/Aug issue available
CLASSIC TRAINS (£4.25 - sub £17.00) Fall issue available
TRAINS (£4.25 - sub £45) Nov issue available
MODEL RAILROADER (£4.25 - sub £47) Nov issue available
NARROW GAUGE & SHORTLINE GAZETTE (£5.25 - sub £29) Sept/Oct issue available
GARDEN RAILWAYS (£4.95 - sub £28) July/Aug issue available
RAILFAN (£3.20 - sub £33) Nov issue available
RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN (£3.40 - sub £35) Nov issue available
N SCALE (£5.25 - sub £29) Sept/Oct issue available
Magazines UK p&p now included - Rest of Europe + £ 0.50 Annual Sub: UK p&p incl. - Europe £5
2009 CALENDARS Unbelievably two of the Tide-mark calendars have already sold out!!! • The Colorado Narrow Gauge 2009 • Howard Fogg 2009 So if you want any of the remaining calendars, it may be a good idea to get your orders in quickly.
Also the Leanin’Tree Christmas Cards are going fast so get your set of these stunning cards soon!
Stu
To Catalogue
