It’s that time of the week again, folks, and the spotlight is bright today! I’ve got a couple of O-Gauge items that you don’t see too often, and some childhood nostalgia in my budget pick this week. So buckle up, check in with your engineer, and let’s get this Quick Hits train going!
A Rare Road Name Powers This O-Gauge Standout
MTH 30-2364-1 Arizona & California SD-45 Diesel Engine #4002
Well, I mentioned in the intro that the O-Gauge picks were items we didn’t see too often, and I think it’s only right we kick things off with one of them. This SD-45 diesel locomotive from MTH is an O-Gauge beast, sporting a smooth green-and-white base paint job with yellow striping on the shell and trim pieces. Based on looks alone, I was already a fan.
But it’s the road name that caught my attention. I’m not very familiar with the Arizona & California railroad, and lo and behold – it’s because we don’t have a ton of locomotives and rolling stock with that road name in our inventory. Ok, so why is there such a low number of ARZC road names?
Well, for starters, the Arizona and California railroad (ARZC) was initially just a subdivision of the much larger and more prominent Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. Things didn’t come to fruition until the spring of 1991, when the ARZC broke away from the much larger ATSF network to begin its own operations. The ARZC enjoyed a smooth 20-year run along the West Coast from Cadiz, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, before being acquired in 2012. For those of you looking for layout ideas, the ARZC travels through two major deserts, the Sonoran and the Mojave.
With limited stock, ProtoSound 2.0, and a ready-to-run motor, I say, why not give this ARZC model a try? I like anything that gets a conversation going, and this model is certainly a conversation starter. Mostly because you’ll be the one stuck giving the history lesson on this locomotive – ha! No, just kidding – but as so often is the case for these lesser-known railroad companies, you’ll probably have a question or two to answer once somebody sees the road name.
Be sure to check out the entire O-Gauge catalog while you’re there, too. We’re always adding more to our O Scale shelves!
- Manufacturer: MTH
- Model Number: 30-2364-1
- Road Name: Arizona & California (AZRC)
- Scale/Era: O Modern
- Model Type: Diesel Loco
Hollywood Icon Meets Z-Scale in the Black Widow F7
Marklin 8861 Z Southern Pacific EMD F7 Diesel Locomotive
Oh baby! Who is that coming down in the Black Widow paint scheme? Just one of the most famous diesel engines to grace American railways…and the Big Screen! I won’t waste a ton of time on the history of the EMD F7 diesel engine since it’s one of the most widely recognizable locomotives in the world. No, instead I’ll give you something better – the celebrity scoop!
Over 2,300 F7 models were produced during the 20th century, with a handful even making appearances in famous films like “Bad Day at Black Rock,” “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” for all of you sci-fi buffs, and even the Simpsons featured an F7 ( the Black Widow paint scheme wasn’t used for the episode). There’s no specific reason why the F7 was such a Hollywood darling during the 20th century – my guess personally is that its popularity and familiarity extend to people beyond the model railroad community.
Have you ever felt such a presence from a little Z-Scale engine? I haven’t, and I think it’s that Black Widow paint scheme that has something to do with it. First off, what a cool name for a paint scheme, secondly – check out the application! The engine relies heavily on its muted black base and couples the red/yellow striping wonderfully, keeping this F7 from falling flat on the eyes. The key to my model railroading heart is great design, and this Southern Pacific F7 came chuggin’ right on when I took her out of the box.
I’ve also got plenty of F7 models in the famous Daylight Scheme as well, if that’s more to your taste. And as always, that Z-Scale catalog only grows, so be sure to stop by to grab some track or rolling stock for your locomotives.
- Manufacturer: Marklin
- Model Number: 8861
- Road Name: Southern Pacific (SP)
- Scale/Era: Z Scale
- Model Type: Diesel Locomotive
A Rare K-Line G-Scale Find with Classic Beer Car Appeal
K-Line K923-003 "G" Scale Anheuser-Busch Beer Reefer
Moving right along with some more of those items we don’t often, and here’s a neat one! How about some K-Line G-Scale? Yeah, that’s right, I said K-Line – not LGB, not USA Trains, but some good old-fashioned K-Line. I’ve only seen G-Scale K-Line in catalogs, so getting this G-Scale Beer Reefer this week was a new experience for me, and maybe even for some of you.
Boasting the Anheuser-Busch road name, I personally feel like it’s the perfect man-cave piece. For those of you unfamiliar with Anheuser-Busch, they’re a massive conglomerate consisting of various well-known beer companies like Budweiser and Stella Artois, to name just a couple.
Not a beer drinker? Don’t worry, it’s an aesthetically pleasing model too boasting a great red/white design and some wonderful imagery throughout the car. Oh, and take a look at the font of the lettering, so regal, so majestic, so Anheuser-Busch. Ok, that’s enough branding for Anheuser-Busch.
I’m sure you want to see this beautiful G-Scale beer reefer for yourself. You’ll probably need some freight cars to accompany this reefer – no worries, the G-Scale catalog has plenty.
- Manufacturer: K-Line
- Model Number: K923-003
- Road Name: Budweiser
- Scale/Era: G Scale
- Model Type: Freight Cars
A Rare Lionel Operating Zoo Brings Layouts to Life
Lionel 6-24180 Lionelville Operating Zoo
The accessory pick is here, and again, it's something that I don’t see often. That’s right, it’s the Operating Zoo straight out of Lionelville from Lionel.
If you were scrolling through a Lionel catalog in 2004, chances are you saw this O-Gauge Zoo – and if you couldn’t get it then, I got you now! The Lionelville Zoo hasn't been cataloged since 2005, and I don't foresee a return anytime soon. I personally don’t like showcasing a ton of one-off items, but when the Zoo came to my desk, I couldn’t say no.
The Operating Zoo is stocked with lions, tigers, kangaroos, and more! Oh, and they’re not there for show; the Zoo has three different animations that bring the whole yard to life. It’s an absolute delight that young hobbyists would find tons of entertainment from, and it makes for an awesome immersive experience for somebody who’s looking for some added dynamics to their layout.
All in all, I’d have to say that this is my favorite accessory pick of all time. Though my love for animals may be playing into a slight bias there. Depending on what type of layout you're running, this could be a really easy addition or a tricky one, but that’s where all the fun lies.
I’ve got a bunch of O-Gauge accessories to keep your layouts humming!
- Manufacturer: Lionel
- Model Number: 6-24180
- Years Manufactured: 2004
- Scale/Era: O Modern
- Model Type: Buildings
Rosie Brings Color and Character to the Rails
Bachmann 58816 HO Thomas & Friends Rosie Engine with Moving Eyes
The budget pick this week is just plain awesome and is one for all my OO and HO-scale operators out there! Thomas the Engine is an icon in our community and rivals the pop-culture relevance of other entertainment giants like Mickey Mouse and Superman. Well, Thomas doesn’t come alone, and like Mickey has Donald, Thomas has Rosie!
Based on a 0-6-0 Southern Railway locomotive, Rosie is decked out in a fun lavender paint job, and her red stripes match her feisty attitude. That’s right, folks, don’t let the lavender fool ya! Rosie is a “can-do” kind of gal, and she’s never shy of tackling any obstacle she sees.
In addition to being just plain cool, Rosie has taught Thomas numerous lessons over the years, ranging from the simple fundamentals of friendship to sticking up for the right thing even when nobody else will.
Rosie is my favorite out of the bunch, thanks to her attitude and a paint scheme that stands out completely from the rest of the gang! Check out Thomas and the rest of the crew in our Thomas the Train & Thomas & Friends Toys product lineup!
- Manufacturer: Bachmann
- Model Number: 58816
- Scale/Era: HO Scale
- Theme: Thomas the Train
- Model Type: Steam Loco
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