Newkirk Images of Copiague, NY has delivered a very interesting New York City subway wall calendar for 2009. Opening to approximately 12" X 18", the calendar features a full page color photograph for each month along with color images and artwork on its outside and inside front covers, title page and rear cover. A number of eras are covered by the images presented as follows:
Front cover:
St. Louis Car Company builder's photograph of R33 9333 and two samples of NYCTA 1964 World's Fair advertising artwork
Inside front cover:
Publicity photograph of "Miss Subways" inside newly delivered R33 9306 at Times Square Station, 10/63
Title page:
The interior of R14 5837 painted orange and blue for the 1964 World's Fair
January:
Aerial view of a freshly painted blue and silver R16 leading an outbound JJ Train at Marcy Avenue Station in Williamsburgh, 1/83
February:
Work train crew replacing a signal at the Flushing Line's 90th Street Station - motive power is provided by "QX" Type 1640A, 2/20/55
March:
Interior of BMT " Standard" 2541, 4/7/68
April:
BMT "Multi-Section" cars approaching East 105th Street Station in Canarsie with the old grade crossing plainly visible (date unavailable; however, this equipment was removed from revenue service in 1961 so the image is at least that old)
In 1972, the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors introduced an upgraded version of its popular GP38 road switcher. Classed GP38-2, the new locomotive featured enhancements including a solid state, modular electrical control system and improved engine components designed to maximize the unit's tractive effort while reducing its emissions. Rated at 2,000horsepower courtesy of its 645E prime mover, the GP38-2 proved very versatile with over 2,200 units sold to customers in multiple countries.
In the successful tradition of its prototype, Atlas has released an outstanding rendition of the GP38-2 in N scale. The sample my review is based upon is decorated as the CSX 2717. The 2717 joined the road's roster when Conrail was officially split between CSX and Norfolk Southern on June 1, 1999. It is the former CR 8043. The locomotive wears the current dark blue scheme of CSX which has been splendidly reproduced on the model. Paint and lettering are evenly applied. Handrails are fully painted with safety yellow correctly adorning the ends per prototype practice. The road number is displayed in the proper font and colors within the number boards. In addition, assorted builder's, leasing company and warning signage is applied in the correct locations. The model is a genuine treat for the eyes.
Operationally, the GP38-2 runs as well as it looks. The locomotive features Atlas' highly regarded Scale Speed motor which enables prototypically correct speeds. ... [Read More]
Every so often, we uncover previously undiscovered jewels of great value to ourselves and those who share our passion for railroading. I did just that during a recent visit to www.nycsubway.org when I was directed a link to Mark's Subway Videos.
The catalog offers in excess of 70 individual programs, the majority of which are devoted to New York City's u... [Read More]
Set: 2 Car Non-Powered M-7 Commuter Set Producer: Lionel Road Name: Metro-North Railroad Release Date: January 2009
Almost 2 years ago, Lionel, ( which now holds the License ) cataloged a 4 car Metro-North Railroad set commemorating its 25th Anniversary of service. Along with the 4 car set, a 2 car add-on set was available to order as well to make a full 6 car M-7 Set.
After the November 2008 release of the 4 car set, I was a little puzzled on purchasing the set because of its looks, and detail, however, after receiving my 2 car add on in the mail the other day, Im thinking otherwise.
The 2 car M7 Metro-North Railroad set features:
-About 12 inches in length
-Manual Opening doors
-Interior lighting
-Intricate exterior car decals
-Draw-bar coupling connection; no knuckle couplers
-Light cars; They don't even turn my signal red when passing it. My signal is weight controlled via the trai... [Read More]