Hobby News – Page 4 – Notes on Designing, Building, and Operating Model Railroads

Prototype Data Files – pt 1

One of many prototypes for the new Accurail models.

As announced here a couple of months ago, Accurail is working on an HO scale 36-foot box car model. They are planning four variations and have announced the initial paint and lettering schemes. Ray Breyer has pulled together prototype photos and details for each of the introductory models that will have fishbelly center sills and steel ends. He has created a very nice resource that can help modelers understand the similarities between the model and prototype. The initial PDF data sheet is posted on a special blog page, Accurail Prototype Data.

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New box car coming soon!

Trainfest was recently held in Milwaukee and a number of new model railroad products were announced. Of particular interest is an HO scale model that should become a favorite of anyone modeling the 1910-1950 time span. Accurail has announced a 36-foot, double-sheathed box car addition to their line. The model is mainly inspired by a 1914 New York Central box car design, similar to the above image. There will be a few variations available with different ends and center sills. Here’s the Accurail announcement as a PDF.

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Speedwitch Media Relaunch

News of Ted Culotta restarting Speedwitch Media was posted on the Steam Ear Freight Cars YahooGroup. The company had produced a line of top quality HO scale resin freight car kits, decals, and books that cover model and prototype freight car subjects. Speedwitch had been on hiatus for a few years but is now on the way back.

Ted needs to upgrade computer software and hardware, and to replenish consumables for the model making process. He is employing a crowd sourcing tactic to raise funds to get rolling again. Check further details on the new website and review the perks that are linked to the contribution levels.