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Newsletter - MARCH 2010

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Amtrak Across America Combo
by Pentrex

Featuring 2 Shows on 1 Disc!
• Amtrak Across America: 25th Anniversary
• Amtrak's X2000 Demonstration

From the early years when a rainbow mix of motive power and passenger cars pioneered its debut service, Amtrak has been a subject of avid interest to railfans. We celebrate the first twenty-five years of Amtrak history with two special documentaries. Included on this Combo DVD are:

Amtrak Across America; 25th Anniversary.
Climb aboard for a tribute to the first quarter century of America’s national passenger train service. Amtrak’s colorful history rolls across the screen, from the earliest years to the Genesis locomotives and high-speed corridors of the 1990s. Historic footage of passenger trains prior to Amtrak sets the stage. Then you’ll see great views of Amtrak as it evolved. Highlights include the Southwest Chief, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Desert Wind, Sunset Limited, and other well known trains as they travel on the Northeast Corridor, the Hudson Division, Horse Shoe Curve, Chicago Hub, and other famous routes. Travel to scenic locations across the country to see Amtrak at its finest!

Amtrak’s X2000 Demonstration.
Amtrak’s search for new equipment to serve the Northeast Corridor allowed ABB-Traction to demonstrate its futuristic X2000 trainset. After initial testing, the X2000 began scheduled revenue service in February 1993, running from Washington, D.C. to New York City and occasionally on to New Haven and back. The sleek, high-speed train amazed everyone with its looks, speed, and ride. Pentrex takes you aboard the train to see how its radial self-steering trucks, car body tilt functions, and regenerative braking systems operate. A cab ride gives you an idea what it’s like to zip down the corridor at 135 mph. Then we go trackside and airborne for shots of the train racing through the countryside. Join Pentrex for a ride on Amtrak’s X2000 Demonstration!

60 minsColorNarration
Regular price £25.00
NEW RELEASE OFFER WHILST STOCKS LAST - £18 (free UK & European p&p)


New From KALMBACH

DCC Projects & Applications Vol. 2
Mike Polsgrove with David Popp

DCC Projects & Applications Vol. 2 answers questions about starting with or upgrading Digital Command Control equipment, selecting state-of-the-art gear, and installing and operating these new electronics. Based on the popular Model Railroader magazine column, DCC Corner, this volume focuses on actual readersí problems and gives real-world solutions that apply to commonly available contemporary equipment.
Offers tips on upgrading equipment, acquiring state-of-the-art new gear, installation, and operation. More than 25 new DCC projects. Based on DCC Corner, a popular Model Railroader column
Softcover; 8 1/4 x 10 3/4; 88 pages; 155 color photos;

£ 14.50 (Incl. UK p&p)

The Model Railroaderís Guide to Steel Mills
Bernard Kempinski

The Model Railroaderís Guide to Steel Mills makes modeling this archetypical American industry possible for the average modeler. Author and expert Bernard Kempinski explains the industrial process and the massive complex built around steel production. The reader will better understand how to create a realistic mill area and set up its rail operations. Chapters are included for steelmaking, steel mill railroads, steel mill track planning, and modeling tips.
• Steel from start to finish
• Track plans with steel mills included
• Features historical photos of railroad-served steel mills
Softcover; 8 1/4 x 10 3/4; 96 pages; 150 color photos;

£ 15.50 (Incl. UK p&p)

New From WITHERS

EMD's FP7 and FP9 - The Dual-Service Cab Unit

At first glance, the General Motors’ FP7 or FP9 looks like their freight-service counterparts. But on closer examination, the model’s extra four feet of length can be seen in the space between the first porthole and first louver. This extra space was used to increase the boiler water capacity for the steam generator, allowing the unit to operate over longer distances, matching the unit’s fuel capacity without the need for intermediate water stops. The model’s popularity is reflected in its sales numbers – 362 FP7s for 27 customers and 93 F9s for four customers. Major U.S. owners include Atlantic Coast Line, Louisville & Nashville, Milwaukee Road, Pennsylvania, and Southern. North of the border, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific found the model(s) ideal as did Mexican railroad, National de Mexico. One chapter will cover the FP’s close relative, the FL9. All owners, as well as secondary owners and operators in North America are covered in this 120 page, softcover book with a varied selection of color and black-and-white photographs.

£ 31.00 (Incl. UK p&p)

CSX Transportation Locomotive Directory 2006-2009

• Unit-by-unit Listing
• 150-plus color and b&w photos
• New ES44AH, ES44DC, and road slugs
• Handy 6" x 9" size to carry in the field
• 152 pages Softbound
Limited press run


£ 21.00 (Incl. UK p&p)

Norfolk Southern Locomotive Directory 2009-2010

Unit-by-unit listing
150-plus photos including rebuilt slugs, GP40-2s, ES44ACs, and new GenSet units
From official NS records
Handy 6" x 9" size to carry in the field
160 pages, soft cover

£ 22.00 (Incl. UK p&p)

New From SIGNATURE PRESS

The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway
By: Patrick C. Dorin

The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway was well described by its slogan, "Around -- Not Thru Chicago." For most of a century, it was owned by United States Steel, and was a critical freight conduit for both the Gary Works and the South Chicago Works, but also served many other shippers along its 130-mile line. In addition, it interchanged with fully 35 railroads around Chicago, carriers from the west, east and south, making it a busy interchange and transfer road also.
Pat Dorin, a well-known rail historian, worked for the EJ&E at one time, and has drawn on company records and employee interviews for this history of the road. In addition to operational details, complete descriptions of both steam and diesel motive power, and of the freight car fleet, are included. The dust jacket watercolor is based on a photograph by Russ Porter.
This fine volume is a complete account of the history, construction and operation of the EJ&E. This book will appeal not only to fans of the EJ&E and of Chicago-area railroads, but also enthusiasts of mainline American railroading.

£ 45.00 (Incl. UK p&p)


New From

Anthracite Railroads and Mining In Color
by Chuck Yungkurth

The special relationship between coal company railroads like Wanamie and the class one railroads that served the industry are examined by Scranton resident Chuck Yungkurth.

 

£ 42.00 (Incl. UK p&p)

Rio Grande In Color Volume 5: Second Generation Diesels
by Timothy Morris

Spectacular scenery surrounds the GP30's and SD45's of the Action Road during its final decade.

 

£ 42.00 (Incl. UK p&p)


New DVDs

Reliving the Memories, Milwaukee Road #261
by C. Vision Productions

Join the Friends of the 261 as we showcase this magnificent locomotive from shop repairs to high speed main line excursions!
The 261 has been in active excursion service since its rebuild in 1992. The locomotive's shining black attire and its thundering power bring a sense of awe to all who see it rolling across the tracks in the new millennium.
Step back in time to 1994, when the 261 led an excursion on the former Wisconsin Central. The video then highlights the 1998 Burlington Northern Santa Fe Employee Special, along with anAmtrak Marketing Special. You will also get a behind the scenes look at locomotive maintenance, as crews replace stay bolts during annual winter repairs.
Hop on board as the 261 travels throughout Minnesota during several excursions in 2001. You'll leel like you're riding the train with on board and cab views, and you'll also enjoy the beauty of the train as it rolls by picturesque scenery. A unique site of an all Milwaukee Road train set for the Milwaukee Road Historical Association is also featured in this video. The finale: the 261 is seen on its home rails for the first time since its regular service on the old Milwaukee Road main line from St. Paul to LaCresent, Minnesota!
The thrills of steam live on with the Milwaukee Road 261 in "Reliving the Memories!"

76 minsColorNarration
Regular price £21.00
NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 19TH APRIL 2010 - £20 (free UK & European p&p)

A Tribute to the ICE (Iowa Chicago and Eastern)
by C. Vision Productions

The Canadian Pacific purchased both the Dakota Minnesota and Eastern and sister railroad, Iowa Chicago and Eastern in October of 2007.
Ownership formally changed hands in 2009. Although the Iowa Chicago and Eastern had a short life, the railroad changed the face of the former Milwaukee Road lines in Illinois and Iowa. In this program, Marshall Beecher follows the IC&E's route from Chicago to Savanna, Illinois.
In our journey, witness the variety of traffic the IC&E ran on their Chicago Sub., their gateway to the windy city. The tour will begin on the rails of the Belt Railway of Chicago, the windy city terminus for most of IC&E's trains, and will cover their movements on Metra/CP's Elgin Sub. back to home rails west towards Savanna, Illinois. From heavy ethanol extras to small wayfreights, you will see many sequences of IC&E trains showcasing a variety of locomotive lashups, from solid sets of'blues' to mixed consists of CP Action Red and DM&E power, the sight of their all-EMD roster powering trains across the Land of Lincoln isa sight to be seen! Pre and post-CP takeover footage is featured, so don't miss one more look at a unique fallen flag in A Tribute to the Iowa, Chicago and Eastern, Volume 1: Illinois!


113 minsColorNarration
Regular price £21.00
NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 19TH APRIL 2010 - £20 (free UK & European p&p)

The Milwaukee Road In The Midwest Vol 2
by C. Vision Productions

The Milwaukee Road was a Class One railroad that operated until 1986. The Milwaukee had most of its presence in the Midwest with many branch lines and secondary routes. This classic railroad sported many different locomotives on its roster and played an important part in the Midwest economy. Photographer Fred Crissey captured several Midwestern Milwaukee Road lines in the 1970's, and in Volume 2 of The Milwaukee Road, C. Vision features Fred's films in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota.
Enjoy the sites of trains on Milwaukee's main line from Montevideo, Minnesota to Hettinger, North Dakota along with the New England Line. Fred even captures Milwaukee Road's Bicentennial painted SD-40 dash two as it leads a train across northeastern South Dakota! Then we view several scenes of Milwaukee Road trains running via trackage rights on the ex-Northern Pacific's Skally Line from Superior, Wisconsin south toward the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Then several trains are seen around St. Paul and St. Croix Tower in Minnesota along with the branch to Stillwater, Minnesota and the main line along the Mississippi River! Also, trains encounter the tunnel at Tunnel City, Wisconsin. Finally, we view Milwaukee's Rapid City line from Mitchell to Murdo, South Dakota.
Great Milwaukee Road action is here for you to enjoy in "The Milwaukee Road, Volume 2."

76 minsColorNarration
Regular price £21.00
NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 19TH APRIL 2010 - £20 (free UK & European p&p)

 

RE-RELEASE - SPECIAL OFFER!

The Milwaukee Road In The Midwest Vol 1
by C. Vision Productions

In Volume 1 of The Milwaukee Road, C. Vision features Fred's films in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
You will be amazed when you see 4 SW-1 locomotives pulling a local freight between Rushford and Austin, Minnesota. Also, GP-20's are in charge of a train between Marquette and Mason City, Iowa. Then we capture trains along the Mississippi River from Savanna, Illinois and northward in Iowa. It is on this line that "F" units were charge of freights! Fred also followed the Milwaukee Road from Kansas City, Missouri to Ottumwa, Iowa just after the Soo Line purchased the Milwaukee in 1986. Finally, you will enjoy the action on two Wisconsin Branch Lines from 1978. An SD-9 works the Mineral Point to Janesville train and SD-10 number 555 is in charge of the Sparta to Viroqua train.
Great Milwaukee Road action is here for you to enjoy in "The Milwaukee Road, Volume 1."

80 minsColorNarration
Regular price £21.00
RE-RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 19TH APRIL 2010 - £15 (free UK & European p&p)

SPECIAL OFFER
BUY BOTH Milwaukee Road VOLUMES FOR ONLY £30

Plandampf Polska
by Highball Productions

The last steam hauled passenger trains in regular service in Europe run out of the steam center at Wolsztyn, Poland. Join us for a Plandampf, a special steam event organized by The Wolsztyn Experience. We'll see three types of engines, O149-7, Pt47-65 and Tr5-65 on regular service trains to Poznan and on specials and a freight, hard at work, in October, 2009.



75 minsColorNarrationWidescreen
Regular price £20.00
NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 19TH APRIL 2010 - £19 (free UK & European p&p)

ALSO AVAILABLE IN BLU-RAY!
Blu-Ray Price £25.00
(FREE UK & Europe p&p)

BLU-RAY 16:9 1080i HIGH DEFINITION DVD'S
Regular and up-converting DVD players will NOT play Blu-ray DVD's, you must use a Blu-ray DVD player. Before ordering please check your player and make sure that it will play BD-R DVD's.

Great Model Railroads Vol. 64
David Trussell's Greeley Freight Station Museum, Part 1

by Allen Keller Productions

The Greeley Freight Station Museum in Colorado is the life long goal of David Trussell. The 5,500 square foot Oregon, California, and Eastern with its own 9.600 square foot building is the result of all his preparation. This layout is so large we had to divide it into two shows.
The HO scale OC&E connects Klamath Falls and Lakeview, Oregon in 1975. It hauls freight as a bridge line between these two points using its own motive power and equipment from the Southern Pacific, the Great Northern and the Denver & Rio Grande. The line has 2,000 freight cars and 150 locomotives that require regular maintenance because of the heavy running during public open houses on Saturdays. It takes a train 1 1/2 hours to cover the entire railroad. The building was started in 2003, and construction began on the layout in 2004. By the summer of 2009 the layout was 95% complete.
The layout features huge scenic mountain vistas that are just not possible on a home layout. Some of the mountains are 10 feet tall or more. The layout also has a 40 foot dock scene at Coos Bay with multiple big ships in port. David will show you how a prototype boxcar provided additional storage, how to paint and pour a river and how he makes his mountains look so real. The OC&E was featured in the Dec. 2008 MR.. The OC&E is a Great Model Railroad because David has created the ultimate vision of the kind of layout most of us would build if we had almost unlimited resources.


60 minsColorNarration
£ 30.00
(free UK & European p&p)

Historic Programmes by Charles Smiley

Empire of the North
- The Forming of BURLINGTON NORTHERN
by Charles Smiley Presents

See the historic formation of the American giant of the North - Burlington Northern. We cover those great vintage trains of the GN, NP, CB&Q and SP&S from the fifties into the seventies. Learn the history behind the James Hill lines and the legacy of building not only a rail empire, but a good portion of the US economy. See the early Zephyrs and the California Zephyr, plus the trains of the NP and GN that brought travel with style. Another superb tape from Charles Smiley!


91 minsColorNarration
Regular price £21.00
RE-RELEASE OFFER - £14 (free UK & European p&p)

Donner Pass Thunder
Old Sacramento - Reno, NV
by Charles Smiley Presents

We present the many challenges of the Sierra crossing. Filmed over three decades in all types of weather and with every type of train. There's also plenty of contemporary action with some great video camera work. Early diesels from 1959 to surviving 'high hoods'. Ride a F7 powered train through raging snowstorm. See flangers, spreaders and rotary plows. Visit the old Roseville Humpyard. Regional history and early Central Pacific days. History of snowsheds, double tracks & reefer blocks. Cab forward pacing and many other surprises. Contemporary Donner Pass action in the 90s.


90 minsColorNarration
Regular price £21.00
RE-RELEASE OFFER - £14 (free UK & European p&p)

WP Vintage West
by Charles Smiley Presents

Remember the WP from the late steam era into the eighties with film from 18 different sources. We bring the real WP to the screen with freight and passenger trains plus interchange with other railroads. A Sacramento Northern section of electric freight along with other surprises will show the variety of WP business interests. Follow the Zephyr story from 1934 to 1970 with extra coverage of the WP's partners, Rio Grande and CB&Q. Footage from a number of sources and across the years to bring another winner to our screens. Each time you watch this you will learn more.


90 minsColorNarration
Regular price £21.00
RE-RELEASE OFFER - £14 (free UK & European p&p)

DIESEL POWER on the SANTA FE 1965 to 1985
by Charles Smiley Presents

The Santa Fe we knew is gone, but the imprint it left on the west is shown with a number of film sources showing the late great Santa Fe through a variety of motive power changes that reflect the Santa Fe’s ability to respond well to an evolving industry. Visit old Cajon, Tehachapi, Mojave, Barstow also Stockton and Pasadena Subdivisions. See LAUPT & other locations with passenger & freight trains. Vignettes from IL, NM & AZ.


90 minsColorNarration
Regular price £21.00
RE-RELEASE OFFER - £14 (free UK & European p&p)

KEY SYSTEM EMPIRE
And Golden Gate Treasure
by Charles Smiley Presents

See the Key System from its early days with ferryboats to the Bay Bridge era. Learn the history from start to finish of the great East-shore Empire. Visit all the lines and cross the bay by ferry and bridge-rails to San Francisco. Streetcars, Bridge-articulated units and many surprises, plus cameo appearances of early Muni and IER make this a transportation story.


61 minsColorNarration
Regular price £23.95
RE-RELEASE OFFER - £14 (free UK & European p&p)

MILWAUKEE ROAD WEST
The Long Road to Extinction
by Charles Smiley Presents

See the Milwaukee and its rivals from 1955 to 1978 covering the electrics, diesels and some lingering steam. Plenty of runby and trackside views. Marvel at the GE Box-motors, Bipolars and 'Little Joes' and visit a number of locations
We review the history and technical aspects of the Milwaukee and how they fit in with their rivals and allies. The end of electric railroading and eventually the Pacific extention is covered in the era of great mergers and changes.


67 minsColorNarration
Regular price £20.00
RE-RELEASE OFFER - £14 (free UK & European p&p)

 


view extra pics
The Art of Model Railroading 2010

The Art of Model Railroading wall calendar features 12 of the year's best layout photos taken from Model Railroader magazine. You will enjoy them all year long in any room of your home or office.


£ 10.95
Now Only £5 (FREE UK p&p)

 

Don't Forget,
Magazines Subscriptions make great presents enjoyed the whole year round

MAGAZINES

DIESEL ERA (£5.80 - sub £34) Jan/Feb issue available

CLASSIC TRAINS (£5.00 - sub £18.50) Spring issue available

TRAINS (£4.60 - sub £49) April issue available

MODEL RAILROADER (£4.60 - sub £49) April issue available

NARROW GAUGE & SHORTLINE GAZETTE (£6.40 - sub £34) Jan/Feb issue available

GARDEN RAILWAYS (£4.95 - sub £28) Mar/April issue available

RAILFAN (£3.20 - sub £35) April issue available

RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN (£3.40 - sub £37) April issue available

N SCALE (£6.00 - sub £34) Mar/April issue available

Magazines UK p&p now included - Rest of Europe + £ 0.50 Annual Sub: UK p&p incl. - Europe £5



SEE SPV AT

The London Festival of Railway Modelling
Sat - Sun 27th-28th March 2010
Alexandra Palace, London
about

Derby Model Railway Exhibition
Sat - Sun 15th-16th May 2009
Moorways Sports Centre, Moor Lane Allenton, Derby.DE24 9HY
about

Your chance to watch the DVDs, see the books and browse the magazines

SPV CHAT

February is always a busy month for SPV as we have two large 3 day shows at the opposite ends of the country - Brighton and Glasgow!
Brighton always falls over the Valentine weekend and I was fortunate enough to convince Carly (my girlfriend) to join me there. It was her first time at an exhibition and although she was a bit daunted by the prospect, I think in the end she actually quite enjoyed it. I think I will break her into the world of trains gently and hope she joins me at other exhibitions in the future.
Two weeks later I was at Glasgow which is almost exactly 500 miles from the office. Unfortunately Carly couldn’t come with me due to other commitments. It is quite exhausting setting up and breaking down the stands let alone manning it over 3 days on my own but it is always good to see some of our customers at the opposite end of the country.

The next exhibition is The London Festival of Railway Modelling at Alexandra Palace, London. Fortunately I will have some help there as Claire Clarke always comes to offer a hand. Many of you may know her either from my stand or through her father, Nobby Clarke, an avid NMRA member.
I hope to see many of you there where you can see the books, DVDs and magazines.

Stu