Athearn Genesis 2.0 Is Here!

Available in the following road names:

• FMG (Australia)
• Canadian Pacific
• Union Pacific
• EMD Demonstrator

Athearn Genesis 2.0 HO G27327 G2 SD90MAC-H Phase II, Union Pacific #8522 (DCC and Sound Equipped)
Part #: ATH-G27327
MSRP $339.98

EMD SD90MAC-H PHASE II WILL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING FEATURES:

• Available for the first time in Plastic!
• All lighting feature new LEDs
• Rubber MU hoses for durability
• All New Tooling
• Better than brass detail
• DCC+Sound models contain full-feature Tsunami2 sound decoder with EMD 265H prime mover sounds by SoundTraxx

UP FEATURES:

• Antenna dome on cab roof per prototype blue flag holders on engineers side of cab nose
• Nose door no window
• Cab side long style sun shades
• As delivered strut placement on truck sideframes

LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

• Brand new model previously only available in brass
• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run
• DCC-ready features Quick Plug plug-and-play technology with 21-pin NEM connector
• Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, photographs, and more
• Accurately-painted and -printed paint schemes
• Coupler cut levers
• Rubber MU hoses
• Trainline hose
• See through cab windows
• Full cab interior
• Walkway tread
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance
• Windshield wipers
• Lift rings
• Wire grab irons
• Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, & breather pipes
• Sander lines
• McHenry scale knuckle couplers - Kadee compatible
• Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, precision machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth & quiet operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
• LED Lighting for realistic appearance
• Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power
• Packaging securely holds for the model for safe storage

GENESIS 2.0 FEATURES:

• Etched, see-through walkway steps
• Illuminated number boards
• Illuminated ground lights
• DCC+Sound models feature dual Sugarcube speakers for optimal sound quality

SOUND EQUIPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE:

• Onboard DCC+Sound models have full-feature Tsunami2 sound decoder with EMD 265H prime mover sounds by SoundTraxx
• Sound units operate in both DC and DCC
• Full DCC functions available when operated in DCC mode
• Engine, horn, and bell sounds work in DC
• All functions NMRA compatible in DCC mode
• Precision slow speed control
• Program a multiple unit (MU) lashup with lead unit only horn, bell, and lights
• Many functions can be altered via Configuration Value (CV) changes
• CV chart included in the box

These models are available at selected retailers now.

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Program a Locomotive with a Sound Only and Motive Only Decoder

So I have a locomotive that has both a sound only and motive only decoder...now what?!?!

Step 1 - take a deep breath...
Step 2 - exhale slowly...
Step 3 - read on.

It's not as big a deal as you may think. The time honored method is to use the long and short addresses to separate them out for programming. Really?!?!... How?

First, you have to realize that it will be necessary to unplug/unsolder one of the decoders while you configure the addresses of the other one. That way you are guaranteed to not inadvertently program both with the same values (except for the long address...read on).

Second, set the short addresses of each decoder to be different and the long addresses to be the same. Many use the 4-digit cab number for the long address in both decoders, then use the first 2 digits for the short address for the sound decoder and the second 2 digits for the short address of the motive decoder. If your locomotive only has 2 digits then you are on your own (sorry).

So with decoder 2 unplugged set decoder 1's CV29 to use 2-digit addressing by setting bit 5 to 0 and set the locomotive's short address to the first 2 digits of the cab number. Then set CV29 bit 5 to 1 and set the locomotive's long address to the cab number.

Now, after plugging decoder 2 in and unplugging decoder 1, set decoder 2's CV29 to use 2-digit addressing by setting bit 5 to 0 and set the locomotive's short address to the second 2 digits of the cab number. Then set CV29 bit 5 to 1 and set the locomotive's long address to the cab number.

Here's an example. With a locomotive cab address of 5291, decoder 1 responds to address 52, decoder 2 responds to address 91 and both decoders respond to address 5291. (Don't forget to plug decoder 2 back in)

One caveat with this method. If the sound only decoder is a Digitrax SoundBug you can't use JMRI to assist with this method. This is due to the SoundBug's inability to provide an acknowledge signal after a change. JMRI must have that acknowledge signal to recognize the decoder.

This is just one method. If you know of another please leave a comment with a short description of how to do it.

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Digitrax PR3, JMRI DecoderPro and Non-Digitrax Decoders

There have been reports that occasionally when programming a non-Digitrax decoder with JMRI's DecoderPro, changing the locomotive address for example, the decoder's sound stops functioning. Digitrax support recommends a decoder factory reset and states that DecoderPro will sometimes change unwanted CVs.

This is an issue with the Digitrax PR3 and not JMRI.

Below is from the JMRI website.

Using the PR3 programming track to program Non-Digitrax Decoders

To implement that "neutral mode" described above, the PR3 automatically writes CV128 to 0 or 1. This happens when a JMRI throttle is used to run the locomotive on the PR3 programming track, and there's nothing JMRI can do to prevent it. Unfortunately, this can interfere with the CV programming on some non-Digitrax decoders. For example, it will set the "Master Volume" CV128 on some SoundTraxx decoders to a very low volume.

If you are using the PR3 with a decoder that uses CV128 for something, you should either not use a JMRI throttle to run the locomotive on the PR3 programming track, or remember to rewrite CV128 with the right value just before removing the locomotive from the track.

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A Word to the Wise - Don't Do This!!

or this!!

Re-evaluate your layout's shortcomings. It will save you a lot of heartache. Not to mention possibly your home.

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China Tariff Update From Walthers

Released by Walthers 15 Aug 2019:

As you have likely heard or read in the news, there has been a lot of activity recently relating to tariffs with China. In early August, it was stated that the administration would activate an additional 10% import duty on the final $300 billion in product the U.S. imports from China. This 10% tariff was to go into effect September 1, 2019 and would have included model trains and accessories. Yesterday, President Trump announced that an import duty on certain products will not go into effect on September 1st, rather they will be delayed until December 15th. Model trains and accessories are, indeed, on the list of products that will not go into effect until December. As of right now, we are pleased to say there will be no impact to the pricing of our Walthers branded product. We will continue to watch this situation closely, advocate for our products to be excluded should the tariffs come to pass, and inform you of developments that impact you as soon as possible.

We thank you for your continued support and wish you continued enjoyment of this great hobby.

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What exactly is a Unit Train...?

Many people I know, who are model railroaders, say a unit train is a train consisting of a single type of car, tank cars, coal hoppers, grain hoppers, you get the idea. Although close, this isn't exactly true. One of the best explanations I've read is by a person named dehausman (sorry but that's all I have). It was presented on the Model Railroader Magazine forums in a discussion of mixed 50 and 70 ton hopper trains. He centers the explanation on coal hoppers but as you can guess it applies to all types of rolling stock.

By strictest definition then, what exactly is a Unit Train?

A unit train is a train billed on a multi-car waybill. It will have blocks of cars, typically 25-50-75-100-100+ cars all billed on a single waybill, which means all the cars on the waybill go from the same origin to the same destination. The multicar waybill did not become popular until the 1960's and 1970's.

Unit trains can have railroad owned cars or private cars. The cars can have a painted panel or not. There are standard steel hoppers, auto unloading hoppers, rotary gons, combination rotary and bottom dump hoppers. Standard hoppers can be bottom dumped or rotary dumped.

For a 1950's layout there would be coal trains, but not unit coal trains. There would be a 100 car coal train with 100 cars with 100 waybills, all of which could go to a different destination. On a unit train there would typically be 100 cars and one waybill.

The mix of cars depends on who the customers are for the coal. It was common for railroads to collect coal cars at a central yard and build solid coal trains to some destination where they would be switched and sent to the final destination. For example on the Erie it could be some major city. In the 1950s a city would use a lot of coal so the Erie might send 100 cars of coal to a city and the yard there would switch it up and put the coal cars on 10 different locals to be delivered to 40 different customers. Or the entire train could go to one customer such as a steel mill or a rail to water facility.

Seventy ton cars actually became popular in the 1920's. The PRR, B&O and NYC all had lots of 70 ton coal cars in the 20's and 30's (the PRR had more H21 hoppers than some other roads had cars of all types).

dehusman on MRR forums

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JMRI Error Codes - Causes and Possible Fixes (for the frustrated)

JMRI Error Codes - Causes and Possible Fixes (for the frustrated)

This was taken directly from the JMRI help documentation here. Thanks to all the great work the extensive number of developers and writers do on this indespensible product.

Anytime you have to contact the JMRI User Groupe please furnish all information at your disposal such as JMRI version, DCC system type, command station type and anything else you think is relevent.

301 - No locomotive detected

The command station has reported that it doesn't see a locomotive on the programming track.

This can happen if the locomotive isn't making good electrical contact or if there's a wiring fault in the locomotive. Or the decoder is having a problem.

302 - Programmer busy

The command station has reported that it's busy doing something else, and can't do any programming right now. This usually means that some other part of the DCC system is doing a programming operation, e.g. a hand-held throttle.

Some DCC systems can't do ops-mode programming (programming on the main) while also using the service mode programming track, in which case they'll return this error message.

303 - Requested not implemented in command station

This means that JMRI has requested the command station do something that it doesn't support.

This is not supposed to happen, as JMRI should disable programming modes that the command station can't provide. If you do see this message, please report the circumstances on the JMRI users Group.

304 - Aborted by user

The user has requested that the read or write operation stop early.

This is considered an error, because the program doesn't know whether the decoder actually saw the operation complete or not.

305 - Confirm failed

Some command stations allow you to "confirm" the content of a CV, rather than read the value from it. In general, this is faster than doing a complete read. If the value in the CV doesn't match the expected value, this message is issued. It's considered an error because if the values don't match, we know that we don't know the correct value for the CV contents

306 - Timeout talking to command station

The program did not hear back from the command station when it expected to.

This is by far the most common error message when people first start using JMRI. In that case, it usually means that the connection to the command station isn't correct. This could be a problem with the cable(s) making the connection, or a problem with how the preferences are set. Picking the wrong serial port is particularly common.

Once JMRI is working properly, this error may occasionally happen due to a transient error. DecoderPro generally will retry it successfully in that case.

307 - Unknown error

An error has happened, but JMRI doesn't know enough about it to be able to report more detail.

In general, JMRI is pretty good at deciphering what went wrong, and this message isn't very common. If you do see this message, please report the circumstances on the  JMRI users Group.

308 - No acknowledge from locomotive

At the end of a CV read or write operation, the locomotive replies ("acknowledges") to the command station using a pulse of current.

If that pulse isn't seen, some command stations provide this error message. It could be due to poor electrical connections to the programming track or within the locomotive. It could also be that the decoder doesn't support read back.

Some decoders, particularly certain sound decoders, draw so much current that the reply pulse isn't detected by the command station. In that case, one of the various "programming boosters" may solve the problem.

Author's Addition - Current Keepers/Keep Alives can also cause this error by preventing the return current pulse from being generated back to the command station.

For more information on programming decoders and how to work with Keep Alives and Current Keepers read this article.

309 - Short Circuit on Programming Track

The command station has reported seeing a short circuit on the programming track. That prevents programming operations.

Check the electrical connections to the programming track, and also within the locomotive.

310 - Sequence Error

For some reason, the programming operation ended early and the command station returned to normal mode (left service mode) before it should have.

This error can occur when some operations are performed in JMRI during programming. Turning track power on during a programming operation on an XpressNet is one example of how to create this error.

If you haven't performed any operations durring your programming sequence, this error, might indicate that you've selected the wrong command station type in the preferences. Check that. If that's correct and it's still happening, ask for help on the JMRI users list.

311 - Communication Error between PC and Command Station

The data between the PC and the Command Station was corrupted and the corruption was detected before the Command Station processed the request.

If this error occurs frequently, this error might indicate a problem with the connection between your computer and the command station or an issue with your system interface. Wireless connections are more prone to this issue than connections with physically connected cables.

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Decoder Manufacturers, Speed Tables And CV2, 5 and 6

The NMRA S9.2.2 specifies that all decoders must provide CV2 (Vstart). The provision of CV6 (Vmid) and CV5 (Vhigh) is optional. These three CVs are to be active only when Bit 4 of CV29 is 0. Speed tables are also optional and use CVs 66 (Forward Trim), 67-94 (the actual speed curve) and 95 (Reverse Trim). These thirty CVs are to be active only when Bit 4 of CV29 is 1. The disadvantage of this speed table specification is that any tweaking of starting or maximum speeds requires reshaping of the entire speed curve. Here we'll look at Soundtraxx, QSI, ESU LokSound and BLI decoders and how CVs 2, 5 and 6 effect user defined speed tables.

Soundtraxx

SoundTraxx Tsunami decoders differ from the standard. When the speed table is active (Bit 4 of CV29 is 1), the value in CV2 is not ignored but is effectively (in the decoder) added to CVs 67-94 in the speed table, pushing it upwards. The advantage of this variation from the NMRA standard is that you can tweak the starting speed without reshaping the whole curve, but the disadvantage is that you can effectively flatten the top end of the speed table it the maximum speed was already high.

QSI

QSI decoders differ from the standard. When the speed table is active (Bit 4 of CV29 is 1), the values in CVs 2 and 5 are not ignored. If either of CVs 2 or 5 are non-zero, these become the actual Vstart and/or Vhigh and the effective values in CVs 67-94 are compressed or expanded (scaled) in the decoder so the actual curve starts and/or ends on any non-zero value in Vstart and/or Vhigh. The advantage of this variation from the NMRA standard is that you can tweak both starting and maximum speeds without reshaping the whole curve, but the disadvantage is that if your speed table already covered a restricted range, the curve will be expanded, with possible integer multiplication errors producing glitches in the speed table.

ESU

ESU V4 and Select decoders differ from the standard (except in some early firmware versions). When the speed table is active (Bit 4 of CV29 is 1), the values in CVs 2 and 5 are not ignored, but ALWAYS specify the actual Vstart and Vhigh of the loco. In addition the value of CV67 is fixed (read only) at 1 and the value of CV94 is fixed (read only) at 255. You therefore need to fit your speed table curve shape between these fixed end points. The effective values in CVs 67-94 are compressed (in the decoder) so the actual curve always starts and ends on the values in Vstart and Vhigh. The advantage of this variation from the NMRA standard is that you can tweak both starting and maximum speeds without reshaping the whole curve and without the possible multiplicative errors in the QSI approach. The LokProgrammer and JMRI DecoderPro software both enforce the restrictions on CVs 67 and 94 so you know what your speed table will actually look like. Also, the minimum value for CV2 is 1, so you cannot set the loco to be stationary at step 1.

BLI Paragon 2 & 3

BLI Paragon decoders v3 & 4 follow the NMRA standard. If CV29 bit 4 is set to 1, CVs 2, 5 and 6 have absolutely no effect on the speed curve. However, CVs 66 & 95 (forward and reverse trim) do have an effect on both the 3-point speed curve and the speed table speed curve regardless of the value in CV29 bit 4. In other words they ignore that value.

Moral Of The Story

Know which decoder you are working with, and what effects CVs 2, 5 and 6 have on it when working with speed tables.

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JMRI v4.15.6 Now Works with ESU LokSound v5 Decoders

After MUCH work by Dave Heap of the JMRI developers group, DecoderPro of JMRI now works with LokSound's new v5 decoders. Before clicking your heels though, read the following

JMRI Users Group user Mick Moignard reported the following,

"Just for the record: I just read a Loksound 5 XL (South West Digital A4 steam), via a Digitrax DCS240 connected with a Locobuffer. Successful read in Direct Byte mode, 128 minutes.". Read my previous blog post about saving time here.

Dave Heap's reply:

Thanks for that report. My NCE Power Pro takes about 50 minutes.
FYI:

A V4 definition/roster entry has 1016 CVs and 4410 Variables**.
A V5 definition/roster entry has 2035 CVs and 9895 Variables**.
There are also some CVs/Variables in both I'm not yet reading ~60ish from the import log.
I dont think any other definition in JMRI is in this CVs/Variables league...

When we get into this territory, command station processing speed, the inherent bit rate limitations in the DCC waveform and the protocol packet counts start to become limiting factors.

** A variable is something you can read/set, a checkbox, a number, a text box (as in the Loco Name).

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A Great Easy Time Saver For JMRI And ESU LokSound Decoders

Those of us who know and use the Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI) know that after you create a roster entry for a locomotive in JMRI you should immediately Read All Sheets of that entry to get all CV settings into JMRI. After that, you are free to change and tweak any of these settings. One serious issue with this read is with LokSound decoders. If you attempt this reading with a LokSound you will probably be close to finished reading War And Peace before it is complete (slight exaggeration).

Thanks to Dave Heap of the JMRI developers group for reminding this writer that if you are running a recent version of JMRI (as of this writing the version is 4.15.5) the procedure is nowhere near as bad as it used to be (time for an upgrade??). Take a look at the following and you will be able to save the cost of a copy of War And Peace.

1. Read the decoder data in your LokProgrammer (anyone with LokSound decoders had better have one of these!!)
2. Export CV List File is available in the Tools menu of LokProgrammer. Give the exported file a ".txt" extension
3. Open your roster entry in a recent version of JMRI
4. There is a File->Import->LokProgrammer CV List File Item of the opened decoder entry (in the File menu of course)
5. Use that to open the CV List File you exported from LokProgrammer
6. Watch the status bar at the bottom of your roster entry. When it changes from "Importing ..." to "OK" you are done and can Save the roster entry

You won't even have time to make a cup of coffee.

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Bachmann Develops Three New Train Models For Siemens Mobility

Philadelphia, PA. . .For immediate release April 24, 2019

Following the success of the HO scale Siemens ACS-64 model train, Bachmann Industries is excited to announce three brand-new HO products: the Charger SC-44 passenger locomotive, the S70 light rail vehicle, and a single-level mainline passenger car.

Bachmann has committed to producing full-featured models similar to the ACS-64 with DCC sound and lighting functions using Siemens Mobility’s original design documentation, and sound files for all three projects. Siemens’ Charger diesel-electric locomotive boasts high-speed, high -efficiency and clean energy performance, and their sleekly modern S70 has been adopted by many light rail systems across the United States. Their inter-city passenger car uses the latest engineering to offer passengers an extremely comfortable ride while providing state-of-the-art conveniences. Bachmann’s Charger models will be the first out of the gate, with a 2020 delivery date.

“Combining Siemens’ acclaimed designs and Bachmann’s modeling expertise, all three products will be sure to thrill any hobbyists who model in the modern era,” said Rich Janyszek, Bachmann’s Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. Spearheading the effort are Dave Ward, Chief Advisor for Siemens Mobility, and Larry Harrington, Vice-President of Product Development for Bachmann Trains.

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Athearn Announces Genesis 2.0

Genesis 2.0 is the latest brand to join the Athearn Trains family. The first model in this new line is the HO scale Electro-Motive Division (EMD) SD90MAC-H. The model is based on the Phase II version of the 6,000 hp, six-axle road locomotive.

The Genesis 2.0 model, scheduled for release in March 2020, will feature all-new tooling, with what the firm calls “better than brass detail.” Other features on the SD90MAC-H include etched-metal see-through steps, illuminated number boxes, and ground effect lighting.

Athearn will offer the SD90MAC-H decorated for Canadian Pacific, EMD demonstrator, Fortescue Metals Group, and Union Pacific. Direct-current models will retail for $249.98. Versions with a dual-mode SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder with EMD 265H diesel engine sounds will be priced at $339.98.

For more information, visit Athearn's website.

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Rust-Oleum Track Paint (updated 11 Aug 2019)

Latest from Model Railroad Hobbyist Magazine

In the past we used Floquil Tie Brown to paint flex track. As we know, this is no longer available but Rust-Oleum just introduced a roof accessory paint called Weathered Wood. It is a perfect match for tie brown, its low cost ($4.77 at one Home Depot, comes in 12 oz size, sticks to flex track and has a fine pigment so does not hide detail.

If anyone has tried this please leave a comment with thoughts on your experience with it.

Update
I've been told that this paint is no longer available. I disagree. Home Depot has it and if they have it, it's probably at other retailers.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Stops-Rust-12-oz-Weathered-Wood-Roof-Accessory-Spray-Paint-285217/205717533

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The Infamous 21MTC Interface Connector

This is the definitive reference work for 21 pin decoders, boards and adapters. If you thought that all 21 pin decoders would fit all 21 pin boards, you need to look at this. It goes into depth concerning all of the current 21 pin decoders and board types on the market today.

Those of you who use or are thinking of using 21 pin decoders (Scale Trainers and Bowers may have no choice) should dig into this article. Incompatibilities are generally near the end of the article so you may be able to start there but the entire article is enlightening.

The bottom line is:

You need to be sure the 21 pin decoder brand/model you intend to use matches the motherboard.

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JMRI's Decoder Pro also supports these non sound 21 pin decoders:

• Digitrax DH126MT (two function)
• Digitrax DH166MT (CV select logic/full)
• Lenz Silver 21 Pin (probably logic level)
• NCE D16MTC (CV select logic/full)

Note the CV in the NCE decoder to select logic/full is not in the decoder definition yet, it will be added in JMRI test version 4.15.5.

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Atlas Amherst Railway Society Show Product Showcase

Released by Atlas January 29, 2019

Hillside, NJ- The annual Amherst Railway Society Show in Springfield, MA represents a time when model railroad companies put their best foot forward with announcements and displays to create a buzz for the world’s greatest hobby. This past weekend’s model railroad show in Springfield was no exception as it was filled with anticipation, and the excitement inside the Atlas booth was palpable. If there was any doubt about the present and future activities and plans for Atlas, the latest announcements and products displayed quickly dispelled any possible concerns. Please read on for more information on some of Atlas’ highly anticipated announcements and arriving products!

Atlas Master® HO Multi-Max Auto Rack Car – NEW TOOLING!

In 2013, Greenbrier Companies introduced their new design of 89’ auto rack, the Multi-Max™. The new design allows for changing configurations from a Bi-Level to a Tri-Level (and back) without adding or removing decks. The racks are fully compatible with existing 89’ auto racks. To this date, most of the racks have been built on Greenbrier Companies’ own specially designed 89’ flat cars. These cars are commonly seen in cuts of other similar autorack cars or a solid unit train of autorack cars. Currently, almost 10,000 cars (with racks) are running on North American rails. Atlas’ rendition of the Multi-Max™ will feature multiple variations and road names. Stay tuned to Atlas’ website for more information!

Click here to download the PDF announcement poster.

Atlas Master® HO 5250 Covered Hopper – NEW TOOLING!

ACF introduced the 5250 cubic foot size covered hopper in 1964, and has since built nearly 20,000 cars and many are still in service today. Most of the cars were equipped with pneumatic outlets and eight 20” round hatches for use in transporting plastic pellets. In addition to the plastics cars, a number have been built or converted with gravity outlets and elongated hatches for grain type products. As with most cars that have long production spans, the design has evolved with changes in both the physical features of the body and the fixtures. Atlas’ model will include optional bodies to accommodate for many of these variations along with multiple roof styles, body variations, hatch types, and more. Stay tuned to Atlas’ website for more information!

Click here to download the PDF announcement poster.

The Atlas All Scales Signal System – NEW & IMPROVED

The recently announced Atlas All Scales Signal System features new capabilities across all scales while maintaining backward compatibility for existing users of Atlas signal products. This updated system is based around a universal control board (Atlas part number 70 000 046) suitable for use in all modeling scales (N, HO, O), and retains the same communication cabling as our existing boards – the new products can therefore be easily integrated directly into your current signaling layout without the need to upgrade or change a thing! Orders are being accepted and delivery is expected 2nd Quarter 2019. More information can be found on the Atlas website here and in the new Atlas All Scales Signal Manual.

Atlas O Turntable – NEW & IMPROVED

In the steam era, many railroads used turntables to turn locomotives for their next journey. Railroads still use turntables to assist in the maintenance of diesel locos and rolling stock. Based on a Santa Fe prototype, Atlas O has realistically duplicated its above ground details, and improved features & functionality so that adding a working turntable has never been simpler. What’s more, everything is included for easy tabletop installation.

Features:

• New - larger and more powerful motor
• New - flat cogged anti-slip belt
• New - deck support with more roller bearings for greater support of heavier locomotives
• New - redesigned metal contacts to power the rotating track
• Drive assembly is hidden under the utility shed
• Table diameter: 24”
• Proven Geneva-gearing for positive indexing
• Can be used for both 3 rail and 2 rail operation
• Will run on AC or DC power
• Compatible with TMCC and DCS (using TMCC or DCS accessory interface)
• Molded in appropriate colors
• Complete hook-up instructions
• Easy tabletop installation
• Motor Drive included in box for smooth and easy operation

Delivery is planned for 1st Quarter 2019. For more information or to order, please see your local hobby shop or visit www.atlasrr.com

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Take 'ONE"' Minute And Read A Little Of This

This is nothing like my original rant on the subject but please just take a minute. It may give you some ideas.

From Model Railroad Hobbyist

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Atlas Rolling Stock and Locomotive Production Update

From the Atlas Insider

Atlas was notified early July 2018 that a primary rolling stock and locomotive supplier would be closing its factory doors. Atlas immediately sent company representatives to the supplier to begin the transfer of Atlas molds and drawings and to plan production for materials in process. We are pleased to announce that all Atlas molds and recent supplier drawings have been transferred to an Atlas centralized warehouse where molds are being distributed to select suppliers and returned to the central warehouse upon production run completion.

In addition, Atlas was able to organize the production of all open purchase orders and they have been scheduled for completion throughout 2019. The most recent container has been shipped and is due to arrive at Atlas’ main warehouse in February. A list of these items will be posted next week. Keep checking the updated Atlas A-Z production schedule (found on the Atlas website) and the Atlas Blog for updates.

In the meantime, Atlas continues to work with both proven past suppliers as well as a select group of new suppliers to meet the growing demand of Atlas customers for high quality Atlas prototypical products. Atlas will be producing a wide variety of new and established model railroad products in all major scales throughout 2019. Stay tuned for more great news and product announcements from Atlas--including new tooling for two HO freight cars. Springfield Show announcements are available on the Atlas website as of Saturday AM.

As always, thank you for your support and interest in Atlas products and services.

Sincerely,

Paul Graf, CEO
Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc

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After Shinohara, Walthers Announces New Track

New Code 83 and Code 100 track announced from Walthers! WalthersTrack incorporates popular features from the original line produced by Shinohara from 1997 to 2018, while each item features new tooling with several important upgrades to enhance performance. Improvements include molded drill starter points on the underside of ties, turnouts with snap-action solid rail points, isolated frogs with a built-in jumper and current jumpers entering and leaving the frogs, and new spacer ties to equalize spacing when joining tracks and turnouts. All this and more with no increase in prices! Modelers can learn more about WalthersTrack at participating dealers, in the February-March 2019 Walthers Flyer and at walthers.com.

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Zephyr Express Starter Set Released!

From the Digitrax website

Jan. 3, 2019

Zephyr Express gives you simple to use Digitrax Complete Train Control for a great price. It offers simplified advanced train operation for any size layout and is fully expandable. You won’t have to start over when you want to do more with your railroad.

• 3.0 Amp LocoNet Command Station, Booster, and Throttle
• Color 2.4” LCD Display Screen
• Large Backlit Keypad
• Runs up to 20 loco addresses and throttles
• Control lights and sound with 29 functions (F0-F28)
• Integrated USB computer interface
• Simple to set-up with easy to read display
• 13.8 volt output for safe use in N and HO scales
• 2 Jump ports let you use DC power packs as additional DCC throttles
• Fully Expandable, LocoNet System

Comes Complete with DCS52 Command Station, PS314 Power Supply, LT1 Decoder Tester and LocoNet Cable, System Reference Manual and Decoder Manual.

Read full details here.

$235.00 msrp

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