Hello and welcome back to the show that never gets old – the weekly Quick Hits! I hope everybody had a blast at the York convention this weekend, I know we here at Trainz were thrilled to be a part of the show again this year. While the party was happening at York, yours truly was back at HQ hard at work picking out newly arrived goodies. There’s some Z-Scale locomotive action and an HO steam engine you won’t want to miss. So buckle up, mark down the next stop, and enjoy the ride as we roll into the Quick Hits!
Micro-Trains 97001160 Z SOO Line SD40-2 Powered Diesel Locomotive #6609
Kicking things off in the world of Z scale trains, is this stunning SOO SD40-2 powered locomotive from Micro-Trains. This Z-Scale engine might be small in stature, but doesn’t lack a bit in excitement with a fun little motor that powers this SD40 on a thrilling ride around your layout. The headlight shines great too, and doesn’t lack the least bit in glow giving its smaller size.
The paint scheme is another top-class feature on this Z-Scale diesel engine – showcasing the iconic “Parallelogram” design introduced by SOO at the start of the 1970s. Several variations of this scheme exist, with slight changes to the cab roof and nose ends – though none hold up to the second version of the design you see pictured above. Ok, I lied, there’s a red/black scheme that’s got at least a little bit of an argument. The second version of the parallelogram paint scheme was introduced in the mid 1970s and added additional red to the cab sides, slightly dialing back the intensity of the mostly white base. The change was a genius decision in my opinion, and made way for the best variation of the parallelogram design.
The SOO Line Railroad was originally established in the late nineteenth century, and operates in the modern day as a subsidiary of the CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City railway). The SOO roadname may not have the celebrity recognition that a Union Pacific might have sure – but fame isn’t only achieved by being everybody’s favorite. No, the SOO road name draws heavy on those who remain faithful to the long scrapped and rebranded company – which firmly cements its palace as a cult hero in my book.
I’ve got the listing for this diesel hero right here, and a ton of other fun powered Z Scale locomotives ready to report for duty!
Product Info:
Manufacturer: Micro-Trains
Model Number: 97001160
Road Name: SOO Line (SOO)
Scale/Era: Z Scale
Model Type: Diesel Loco
Broadway Limited 6184 HO PRR S2 6-8-6 Turbine Steam Loco w/ Sound/DC/DCC #6200
Moving on forward I’ve decided to roll out something special with the best DCC/DC Ho locomotives to hit the market this year! This HO Pennsylvania Railroad S2 6-8-6 from Broadway Limited is a total show stealer from aesthetics to performance, and I couldn’t resist the urge to check one out for myself. Personally I love the 6-8-6 design, and to this day wish we’d have preserved at least one of these awesome steam turbines. Sadly, that didn’t happen, but we can relive history through Broadway Limited’s version of the famous steam engine.
There’s a ton of detail all throughout this HO locomotive from the cab’s interior to the boiler front. This HO-Scale Steam turbine is also equipped with Paragon 4 giving you sound features like never before with record and play options as well! The smoke unit and light features only add to this steam engine’s hype with both delivering well above expectations. A YouTuber by the name of JlWii2000 has a great video you can check out here that showcases all of the Broadway Limited S2’s great qualities.
If you have somebody special in your life that collects model trains, and happens to be an HO operator – this makes for the ultimate Christmas gift. I’ve got a listing with all of the features laid out for you here. If you don’t want to wait for the holidays to add another HO piece to your collections, we have tons of HO locomotives with DC and DCC capabilities ready to grace your layout!
Product Info:
Manufacturer: Broadway Limited
Model Number: 6184
Road Name: Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR)
Scale/Era: HO Scale
Model Type: Steam Loco
Hornby R2339 OO LNER "Mallard" 4-6-2 Class A4 Steam Locomotive w/Tender #4468
Here’s the midpoint, and I’ve decided to dive into some waters that aren’t as frequently traveled. That’s right OO-Scale lovers, we’re over in your territory again, and boy do I have one of the neater OO locomotives you’re going to see. The 4-6-2 A4 “Mallard” sporting the LNER road name you see above may be unfamiliar to some, and that’s because this blue (but not sad) steam locomotive saw its action across the pond in England.
Holding the record as the fastest steam locomotive in history, topping out at 126 mph, the Mallard is a legend in British railroad history, and I think it’s time we make it a mainstay in the USA too. First off, let’s start with the “Garter” blue paint scheme, it’s already a winner. The design is very reminiscent of the famous “Blue Comet” steam engine which coincidentally also happens to be a 4-6-2. The gold lettering is a great final touch to the heavy blue base, and is a close second in overall design in the week’s showcase falling short to the SOO SD40 mentioned earlier.
It’s a great piece to add to collectors in the OO-Scale realm of model trains who want something unique for their collections. You can check out the listing here, along with a ton of great Hornby locomotives on our website. I’ve also got plenty of other OO locomotives ready to get to work as well so be sure to check them out too.
Product Info:
Manufacturer: Hornby
Model Number: R2339
Road Name: London North Eastern (LNER)
Scale/Era: OO Scale
Model Type: Steam Loco
Dwarvin DVIDBS302 O Dwarf Block Signal Kit Lamplighter DFL
The layout accessory pick of the week is in, and this one is glowing, and glowing bright! That’s right we’re bringing layouts to life like never before and amplifying the dynamics of your model train experience to unprecedented heights with Dwarvin lighting! Designing a layout can be a daunting task as one may struggle with materials and trying to find a great original idea. Well, that’s where our Dwarvin products come into play. We’ve made lighting assembly easier than ever before with tons of starter kits to get you started. No more soldering and the peskiness of programming as our easy DIY kit gives all you need to get started. I’ve got a full display of the kit pictured below, and you can see the minimal effort it takes to get started at just first glance.
This kit includes
-Lamplighter DFL
-2 side-on detectors
-2 Dwarf Block Signals
This product system allows you to integrate 2 Dwarf Block Signals together with 2 side-on Detectors all controlled by the Lamplighter DFL unit.
There is absolutely no programming or soldering required. The 3 wires from the detectors are attached to the control unit using screws built into the control unit. It couldn't be easier.
The fibers are inserted into two "chimneys". Each can hold either a 1.0mm fiber or a 0.75mm fiber. The HO Dwarf Signal uses a 1mm fiber.
When purchasing this item without a power supply, you can use your DC bus from your layout which must be >7V with center positive wiring into the power jack connector provided in the kit and you are done.
It’s a great new way to get both your layout design skills sharpened, and have a hassle free installation. Believe me, if you’ve ever had to wire fifty lamps, you know exactly how tedious the process can be. Check out the listing here, and tons more Dwarvin lighting products over on our website.
Product Info:
Manufacturer: Dwarvin
Model Number: DVIDBS302
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Accessories
Atlas 2001607 O Gauge Union Pacific Pullman-Standard Hopper Car #74444 (3-Rail)
We’ve made it to my favorite part of the showcase – the budget pick of the week! This time around, I’ve got a special piece of O-Gauge rolling stock coming at you from Atlas! This Union Pacific Hopper is a star-spangled masterpiece dripping in patriotism with its great red-white-blue design.
The stripes on the sides of the hopper are a wonderful break from traditional brown and black base schemes and personally make this car fun. Who says freight cars can’t have personalities too? Atlas said hold my drink, and wasted no time making one of the most memorable freight cars in recent memory. For under a hundred bucks, this is one of the best O Gauge freight cars you’ll come by.
I’ve got the listing for this hopper here, and plenty more great O Gauge rolling stock coming in at less than a hundred bucks on our website!
Product Info:
Manufacturer: Atlas
Model Number: 2001607
Road Name: Union Pacific (UP)
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Freight Cars