News: Locomotives
This report lists locomotives that are available or in the works. This page may also contain detailing parts and other items applicable to locomotives. Click photos to visit the web sites.
S2/4, RS-1, 2, 3 In Stock by Railmaster Exports
John Agnew, owner of Railmaster Exports, reports that North Yard has resumed producing chassis (frame, motor, trucks, wheels) and so Railmaster Exports has the RS-1, RS-2, and RS-3 metal kits back in stock. He has one more Alco S2/S4 kit (uses NWSL trucks) in stock now also.
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Northern Ohio Traction and Light Co (NOT&L) GE Steeplecab by Jason's Brass Poles
The company announces their latest S-scale model, which is the 35-ton GE Steeplecab painted and decorated for the Northern Ohio Traction and Light Co. One of the trucks uses the NWSL Stanton Drive.
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6-amp E Unit by Dallee Electronics
Dallee Electronics announces their new 6-amp "E" unit available in June 2023. The Electronic Unit ("E" unit) provides direction sequencing (e.g. forward, neutral, reverse, neutral, forward) of locomotives that are designed to operate with AC track power. Their part number #406 measures 0.95" wide, 2.75" long, and is 0.5" tall. It is compatible with AC and permanent-magnet DC motors. This all-solid-state board (no mechanical parts that wear out) is designed to replace existing E units that are able to handle up to 6 amps. The 6-amp rating allows it to be used in two-motor engines. While most operators will use AC track power, this "E" unit will also sequence with DC track power. The initial "power on" state is selectable so you can decide if you want the locomotive to start in either forward or neutral. Provision is made so that a switch (not supplied) can be installed to lock the "E" unit in its initial state. Lock in forward for automation applications or lock in neutral to allow sound systems to function with a static locomotive. If power is off for a few seconds, the "E" unit will reset to its initial "power on" position. This "E" unit was also designed for easy installation of accessory items such as lighting. Many lighting variations are possible and easy to incorporate because of the design of this "E" unit. Complete installation instructions with lighting variations are included with the unit. The board costs $79.95. It does not yet appear to be available on their web site, so contact the company if you are interested. Right-click on the photos below to see a larger view.
Locomotive Projects by Adirondack Car & Foundry
The company had previously announced three locomotive projects, the Thousand Island Railway #500 industrial switcher (photo #1), and the CN narrow-gauge (Sn42) NF210 diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors for service on the island of Newfoundland (photo #2), and a GE 25-ton industrial switcher (photo #3). The kits are part etched-brass and part 3D-printed. The owner has shown photos of the 3D-printed parts in development and in October 2022, he showed an etched brass sprue for the TIR switcher's cab and deck (see the fourth photo). However, the web site that he was using now states that it is closed due to illness, with a reference to "cancer" on it. His last posting on his Facebook page was in November 2022 (click the switcher photo below to visit it). Online research shows that he has been developing kits (he's an industrial designer) in various scales since at least 2011. We sure hope he is OK.
Railway Steam Engine Parts and Kits by New Zealand Finescale
The New Zealand company has added a good number of items, some of which may be of use outside of the NZR. Only some are highlighted here; view the web site for additional parts. The also have NZR number plates. For generic use, the company sells two different kinds of coreless motors, locomotive wheels, and even laser-cut wooden storage boxes with built-in slots for the wheels.
Trolley Pole by Jason's Brass Poles
Brian Weisman of Jason's Brass Poles sent in this photo of the trolley pole he carries.
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GE 35-ton ITC Steeplecab by Jason's Brass Poles
Brian Weisman announces today that he has the new ITC steeplecab available for $75, plus shipping.
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Mason Bogie 2-6-6, 2-8-6, 0-6-6 by Leadville Designs
Bill Meredith, owner of Leadville Designs, is planning to produce these locomotives in Sn3. Production is slated to begin in early 2024, and delivery is expected about two years after the production commences, i.e. 2026. If you are interested in any one of these engines, Bill is asking for a refundable $450 deposit for each model that you want. The final cost is estimated to be between $2,500 and $3,500 each, depending on the model. The models will be painted, and outfitted with DCC and sound. For placing your reservation and for some more details, be sure to visit their web site. The diagram shows the model parts designed so far.
Steeplecabs, Trolleys by Jason's Brass Poles
Jason's Brass Poles has the Baldwin B-1 steeplecab body available (3D-printed). The shell by itself is $40. It is also available with two trolley poles for $70. A detailed version with trolley poles and sideframes is available for $90, with the roadnames Springfield Terminal Traction Co., or the New Haven & Yakima Valley. Other road names may be offered as well.
Brian also offers a 50-ton GE steeplecab (no photo). The shell by itself is $35. It is also available with two trolley poles for $50. A detailed version with trolley poles and sideframes is available for $80.
A 35-ton GE steeplecab is also available (third photo).
And, also available are various styles of trolley car bodies (second photo).
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Announcing 2-6-6-2 and 2-6-6-2-T Mallets (updated) by P-B-L
P-B-L announced this project just ahead of the 2020 lockdowns, and so elected to postpone it. It is now time to get the project going again. Boo Rim Precision in Korea who will build these engines, was also shut down, but they are returning back to full production. P-B-L is indicating that this may well be a one-time opportunity to have these engines produced. Due to all costs having risen, they are requiring a $1,500 non-refundable initial deposit up-front for each model you wish to order, and the balance due at the time they receive the pilot models. They are expecting the models to cost $2,950 for the non-tender versions, and $3,450 for those with tenders. Keren has indicated that the expected initial run will be 80 models, covering the various versions, total. However, if demand is there, additional models can be produced. Conversely, if there is not enough demand for any one of the versions, that model will be canceled and anyone who has put a deposit out against that model will be refunded their deposit. However, once a model is flagged to be produced, the initial deposit is no longer refundable. More photos are available via the P-B-L web site. Update: All models will have factory-installed crew, lights, and DCC with sound. "Foreground" weathering will be performed by Jimmy Booth for free on these engines (each modeler will be contacted to confirm that they indeed want that). Custom-lettering for your road name is available.
ET&WCN Motorcar #1 by Merritt 3D Designs & Printing
The company offers a 3D-printed model of this Sn3 car based on prototype drawings. Take a look at their web site for the various options that are available when ordering.
Flexi-Coil Truck Sideframe Kit by Smoky Mountain Model Works
Jim King is planning on designing and creating a kit for the Flexi-Coil truck sideframe. This was a fairly common switcher truck that appeared in the early 50s and stayed with the original loco until retirement. Many roads had switchers using these trucks, including Illinois Terminal (then N&W), RF&P, New Haven, TP&W, and Western Pacific. Jim is considering two options, and is looking for your input; one is to make it such that it fits the NWSL Stanton Drive, and the other is to make it fit the S-Helper Service switcher truck. If you are interested in this project, please tell Jim which configuration you want. Plain bearing and roller bearing journal lids will be separate items to allow for maximum variations. Please indicate how many pairs you are considering buying.
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Steam Locomotive Junction Boxes by Lanes Trains
Bill Lane has designed and is offering brass junction boxes via his Shapeways store.
B&O GP7, GP9 Passenger Locomotive Decals
Ed Sauers has commissioned a run of decals for these locomotives. They are $12 per set, plus shipping. If you are interested, please contact Ed via e-mail.
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