Southwest Diesel Freight With TrainSounds Train Set [Lionel Trains 6-30022]

The powerful GP38 locomotive pulls a boxcar, a hopper, an operating searchlight car, and a caboose. In addition to the impressive locomotive and rolling stock, the Lionel Southwest Diesel Freight also features a CW-80 Transformer and a loop of FasTrack track.

GP38 diesel locomotive, boxcar, 2-bay hopper, operating searchlight car, caboose, three straight FasTrack sections, eight curved FasTrack sections, a FasTrack terminal section, CW-80 Transformer.

• Transformer controlled forward, neutral, and reverse operation
• TrainSounds sound system with diesel engine revving, horn, bell squealing brakes, and operator-controlled, multi-part crew dialog
• Operating headlight
• Dual operating couplers
• Dual powerful maintenance-free motors
• Metal frame
• Operating strobe light
• Operating couplers
• Operating searchlight on searchlight car
• Interior illumination in caboose
• Individually boxed

Lionel Southwest Diesel Freight Train Set Details:

• Minimum Curve: O-27
• Length: 48 1/2”
• Layout dimensions: 40” x 60”
• Gauge: O Gauge
  Minimum Curve: O-27

In 1994, GE delivered the first AC4400CW locomotive, their answer to EMD’s successful SD70MAC. Nearly 10 years later, the AC4400CW has become one of the most successful locomotives in the history of North American railroading. The AC4400CW is operated by railroads from East to West and Canada to Mexico.

Union Pacific’s large fleet of AC4400CW locomotives, with hundreds of locomotives on the roster, is full of variation. Some of UP’s locomotives have come through mergers with Southern Pacific and Chicago & North Western.

The Kato AC4400CW is a popular model train with N scale enthusiasts. When AC locomotive transmissions reached its peak in the 1990s, the AC4400CW was a used widely because of its lugging capabilities.

The AC4400CW can be easily spotted in any form, model or real thing, because of the DC-to-AC inverter cabinet on the left side behind the cab. Also, the dynamic brake grids right above the inverter are an easily spotted feature.

The Kato AC4400CW features a Cab Headlight, Inverter Cabinet, and Number Board details accurate for each prototype roadname. Models have directional headlights and lighted walkway-mounted ditch lights, as well as lighted Number Boards.

HO trains have boomed and today HO trains are the most popular choice among railroad hobbyists. That’s not to say that other scales like N, Z, O etc are not popular – they are.

It is estimated that well over one hundred thousand collectors choose HO trains as their scale of choice. This is partly due to the wide range of parts, accessories and structures available in HO scale.

To experienced train collectors this means they have the ability to build complete replicated railroad layouts that operate reliably and look authentic.

For beginners, HO trains are a great way to get started in the hobby of model railroading, because there is an excellent selection of HO scale train sets available in hobby shops and on the internet.

The new Lionel 2006 Christmas Catalog is now available on line or at local hobby shops.

There are 24 new offerings from Lionel including the Hot Chocolate Car, Candy Cane Single Dome Tank Car and the North Pole Central 4-4-0 Steam Locomotive.

One of the most interesting new items is the Polar Express Add-on Hot Chocolate Car. This car is a coach car (not a diner) with silhouettes of the dancing “hot chocolate” waiters and seated children in the windows and also includes a replica Polar Express ticket.

Some of the silhouettes on the windows of last year’s Diner car are similar to the silhouettes of the Hot Chocolate car. The Diner car also has silhouettes of children holding up cups of hot chocolate.

Sure to be popular will be the new Lionel Polar Express items. There is a Lionel Polar Express Add-on Figure set which includes Santa, the Hobo, the Lonely Boy (Billy) and the Hero Girl. This is a good add-on to the four figures included in the Lionel Polar Express Set (The Conductor, Hero Boy, Smoke and Steamer).

There is also a new Polar Express Elf Handcar, including elves hanging from the handcar’s handles. This is a replica of the hand car the elves in the movie use to deliver the detached observation car back to the train.

All of the Lionel O Gauge items will operate on O-27 track. Some of the items are also offered in S Gauge and there is one G Scale Holiday Boxcar which could be meant as an add-on for the new G-Scale Holiday Tradition Express which debuted earlier this year.

The Lionel website is www.lionel.com.

This list of railroad terms continues with another eight listed in this posting:

Rules-in-effect
The specific operating rule (or group of operating rules), as designated in the Timetable, that govern the use of tracks.

Running Track
A designated track for movements by signal indication or at a Restricted Speed.

Schedule
Indicates the direction, number, frequency, and times for trains on a destignated timetable.

Semi-Automatic Switch
A hand-operated switch that is designed to be trailed through in either position.

Siding
A track used for meeting or passing other trains adjacent to a main track.

Slide Fence
A fence placed along trackage to warn of rock slides. When the fence is activated, it changes the aspect of the signals governing that block to Stop.

Speed Control
An engine safety braking device incase the engineer fails to reduce the train’s speed to the speed required by the cab signal indication.

Spotting Cars
Switching freight cars to a specified location for loading and unloading.

I came across this definition of model railroading the other day and I must admit that it brought a smile to my face. Not that I am criticising, it is just that it makes the hobby sound so formal.

Model Railroading: The art and science of designing and erecting a place that is a miniature setting for dramatic events involving trains, terrain, and associated human activities.

For 122 years the Pennsylvania Railroad was one of the largest in the world. The keystone crest of Pennsylvania is “The Standard Railroad of America.” With more than 10,000 miles of tracks, the Pennsylvania Railroad accomodated almost 7,000 locomotives and more than 250,000 cars running on the tracks.

To commemorate the long and distinguished history of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Bachmann Industries has released the HO Spectrum. The Bachmann Keystone train set comes with a K4 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive with tender that features a working headlight.

The cars are approximately six inches long and one and a half inches high. There are enough sections of track to allow assembly of several track layouts that are very easy to change. Also included are a plug-in terminal re-railer and power pack that converts household AC current to DC current to allow operation of the locomotive and all lights.

The HO scale Bachmann Keystone train set also comes with a VHS tape detailing the set up of the track. This is an ideal starter set into the wonderful hobby of model railroading.

The distinctive green of the BR trains of the early 1950’s. This one is the Hornby OO BR County Class 4-6-0. Having a length of 253mm it’s not too long for a tight curve and would often be seen on a branch line. The Hornby OO BR County Class 4-6-0 would most likely be seen pulling rolling stock rather than coaches.

The 773 Steam Engine (usually referred to as “The Hudson”) was introduced by Lionel Model Trains in 1950. The Lionel 773 Steam Engine was available for only one year.

Lionel Trains reintroduced a modified version of the 773 Steam Engine in 1964. This Lionel model was sold for three years (through 1966).

The 773 Steam Engine was the largest steam engine produced in the postwar era. It was decorated with a bell, whistle and turbo generator. These were located on the top of the boiler. A complete set of drive wheel hardware accented the large, spoked drive wheels. The open-grill cow catcher was unique to the Hudson in the postwar era.

The 773 Steam Engine (usually referred to as “The Hudson”) was introduced by Lionel Model Trains in 1950. It was available for only one year.

Lionel Trains reintroduced a modified version of the 773 Steam Engine in 1964. This Lionel model was sold for three years (through 1966).

The 773 Steam Engine was the largest steam engine produced in the postwar era. It was decorated with a bell, whistle and turbo generator. These were located on the top of the boiler. A complete set of drive wheel hardware accented the large, spoked drive wheels. The open-grill cow catcher was unique to the Hudson in the postwar era.

Another five common railroading terms:

Interlocking (Int)
A predetermined sequence of signals and signal appliances to ensure that movements must succeed each other in the correct order. This is to prevent signals being displayed simultaneously on conflicting routes.

Interlocking Appliances
Are parts of any interlocking capable of movement like: switches, movable point frogs, derails, locks, movable bridges etc.

Interlocking Limits
The trackage between the opposing home signals of an interlocking.

Interlocking Signals
The fixed signals of an interlocking.

Interlocking Station
The location from where an interlocking is operated.

Happy Railroading!

Cabooses were like a home in the early days of railroading.

Each crew was assigned its own caboose which served as rolling home for days at a time. Some crews took great pride in equpping their caboose with lace curtains and picturesque lithographs. Some even added cook stoves, chairs and their own mattresses and bed linen.

As railroading developed the trains went faster and travelled further and the need for lavishly equipped cabooses declined as crews were assigned to their own districts.

Construction of the Florida based Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club layout began in 1981 when a few of the original club members were offered space in a local hobby shop.

HO in scale, the layout has seen numerous revisions; it even was disassembled and stored in sections when the hobby shop closed. The members reassembled it in the current building on Eglin Parkway. The Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club layout fills a 16′ x 44′ area.

The layout in theme is termed by the members as “freelance”. The scenery favors a 50’s and 60’s look. Any era rolling stock is permitted.

The current revonation incorporates a “double deck” and a new yard, which will accommodate over 200 cars.

Notable features of the Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club layout include:

Handpainted Backdrop
Up-to-Date Railroading with DCC (Digital Command Control)
A 16″ x 4′ Built from Scratch Trestle with Waterfall
Loads-In, Loads-Out Powerplant and Coal Mine with Visible Shaft
Helix with over 400 feet of track Logging Community

Modular HO Model Train Layout Popular Addition

The Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club’s modular HO layout started as a four corner, 8′ x 8′ layout. Individual club members have contributed their personal modules to the project, and it has grown to a layout size of 15′ x28′. It packs efficiently in the club’s travel trailer for setup at varied locations.

Other individual members of the Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club, anxious to work in other scale models besides the club’s HO standard have created modules in N scale.

The Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club’s permanent layout building is located at 1255A Eglin Parkway in Shalimar, Florida 32579, USA.

Model railroading is a wonderful hobby and great way to make friends. There are numerous model railroad clubs and organizations you can join where you can meet with like-minded people from all walks of life who share your passion for the hobby of model railroading.

As a member of a model railroad club you’ll have the opportunity to share ideas, get expert advice, attend model railroad conventions, build a model railroad as a group project, and even take train trips together.

Flemington in New Jersey is home to “Northlanz”, which has 8 actual miles of HO track and 100+ model trains running at one time. 25 years went into sculpting 35 foot mountains and building 40 foot bridges. It features thousands of handmade buildings and over 10,000 freight cars. Incredible!

Another model railroading place worth a visit is the Pasadena Sierra Pacific Club, located in Pasadena, CA, which operates the Sierra Pacific Lines. This is one of the largest HO Scale operating model railroads in the world covering almost 5000 square feet. The model railroad has over 30,000 feet of hand laid steel rail. The 1700 foot single to quad track mainline with ten cabs allows for operating of up to ten 30 foot trains (up to 60 cars long). Yard panels throughout the model railroad allow for operation of another 15 to 20 model trains. Worth a visit!

NTRAK is an international grass roots association of model railroaders which has created a set of standards that anyone may use to build N Scale model train modules, or model train layout sections. These sections join together to form large portable model train layouts.

These modular train layouts have the flexibility to fit into areas of different size and shape, from warehouses to small bedrooms. Modelling small sections enables even those who live in townhouses or apartments to enjoy the hobby model railroading.

NTRAK also connects together with model railroading enthusiasts who follow the NTRAK Standard the world over.

“N” Scale model trains get their name from the rails they run on, which are spaced nine millimeters apart. N scale model trains are about half the size of the more common “H.O.” (half “O”) scale model trains, and only a quarter of the size of the Lionel “O” scale type model trains.

The smaller N Scale model trains allow greater amounts of scenery to be created for a more true-to-life look. Smaller, more portable layouts are easily created with N Scale, and much longer model trains are possible than in most other model train scales.

The Piney Woods Model Railroad Club is an informal, but tight knit group of modelers in the East Texas area. The area covered by the group ranges from the Houston area to the corridor to the North(Tyler and Longview), and from Rusk and Jacksonville in the East to the Mexia/Teague/Lake Richland Chambers area to the West. Members range in age from those still in high school to those who have retired!

The layouts range from the 1920’s to modern day in both N and HO scale. The Piney Woods Model Railroad Club meetings consist of operation sessions utilizing a 4 turn waybill system. Most members utilize the Digitrax systems, however Easy DCC and NCE are also used on members layouts; as well as DC.