O GaugeWatch.com

I like the fact that MTH will build regional items for markets that can support them.  According to the MTH email newsletter,  three more items have been added to MTH’s regional line-up.  Photos and descriptions were taken directly from the newsletter.

Marburger Dairy RailKing Modern Reefer Car

Item No. 30-78117 MSRP: $44.95 Anticipated Delivery: December 2009

Adam’s County Apples RailKIng Modern Reefer Car

Item No. 30-78118 MSRP: $44.95 Anticipated Delivery: December 2009

West India Fruit Premier Line 36_ Woodsided Reefer Car

Item No. 20-94359 MSRP: $49.95 Anticipated Delivery: December 2009

Each of these cars can be ordered from any M.T.H. Authorized Retailer.

The CEO of the Chinese model railroad manufacturer Sanda Kan, WaiShing Ting, has retired.  Kenneth Haedrich of Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc wrote a fantastic piece about Sanda Kan and Mr. Ting that is worth reading.  Sanda Kan has manufactured model trains for Atlas, Lionel, Aristo-Craft, Micro-Ace, S-Helper, Hornby, Brawa, Marklin, Tomix and others.  According to the Atlas O article:

It’s hard to appreciate the depth and breadth of WaiShing Ting’s impact on the model railroad industry without taking stock of just how large Sanda Kan would grow under his leadership.

So try to imagine, if you will, 10 factories with over 1.2 million square feet of space in Guang Dong, one of China’s most prosperous provinces. Picture upwards of 10,000 employees (and their housing) including 60 designers, 275 product and production engineers, 50 business engineers and 400 highly skilled toolmakers. Now consider that every component for every locomotive, every piece of rolling stock, track, transformer and accessory that Sanda Kan makes is created and assembled, essentially, under one roof - and you’re starting to get the picture.

Wow, I didn’t realize Sanda Kan was that big.  In 2009 Sanda Kan was purchased by Kader Manufacturing Trust at the beginning of 2009.  You can read the OGaugeWatch post announcing the sale of Sanda Kan here.  Model Retailer magazine also posted a short article about the sale here.

Thanks to Kenneth Haedrich for sharing his thoughts and insights about Mr. Ting and Sandra Kan and best of luck to Mr. Ting.

Lionel 2009 Volume 2 Catalog is on-line at Lionel.com.  A few things that caught my eye:

Lionel launched a new marketing approach strategy “New Family Traditions”.  There are 2 products presented under this strategy, a Lionel Little Lines plastic kids set that looks very similar to Fisher Price’s Geo-Trax line  and a computer animated DVD Movie entitled Lionelville DVD Destinations: Adventure.  With all the Lionel licensed and branded “toy” quality pieces on the market I’m surprised Lionel is offering such toys in their catalog.  I do like the idea of building a movie featuring Lionel product as part of the story line, it can help introduce more children to Lionel and O Gauge model trains.

Lionel is introducing “A Christmas Story” themed train set.  Fans of the movie will get a kick out of it.  The only thing missing is a flat car with the ladies leg lamp “trophy” as cargo.

Other new fantasy themed items:  Beatles themed box cars; Wizard of Oz themed set;

A new Norfolk Southern Heritage series that looks very nice.

New York Subway R30 set.

Also, Lionel is now offering an HTML index of all the items in the catalog making it easier for bloggers and others to link to their new products on-line.

Millhouse River Studio has announced the availability of a beautiful O Scale turntable available in two sizes - 34″ and 28″.  The turntable is the creation of Al Zamorski, AKA CSX Al on the OGR Forum.  The turntable is constructed with cabinet grade Baltic Birch plywood and can be used for 2 or 3 rail operation.  The 3/16″ aluminum welded bridge is controlled by an Industrial Belt Drive Drivetrain that produces 200+ lbs. of torque for smooth operation with even the heaviest locomotives.  The bridge is complete with Pewter Control Cab, Lattice Girder Electrical Arch, Bridge Bogies & Railing Stanchions.  The decking is laser cut and etched wood for added detail.  The depth of the turntable is 6.25″ and the corners can be cut off the top for tight installations.  The 34″ model is $1,100 plus shipping, the 28″ model is $950 + shipping.

Anyone planning to install a turntable on their layout should seriously consider this piece.  ”CSX Al” will have a booth at the October ‘09 York Train Meet with models on hand.  Save shipping costs by pre-ordering on-line and picking up at the York meet.  Check out the Millhouse River Studio website for more pictures and information.

Atlas O announced a “Labor Day Deal” for customers willing to shop at their on-line store.  Here are the details from Atlas:

Atlas is pleased to announce a Labor Day Deal for Atlas Online customers only. Purchase an Industrial Rail O-27 steam locomotive with tender for only $149.95 and you’ll receive 2 freight cars and a matching caboose for FREE! That’s a $250+ value for only $149.95.

Penn Loco W/ 3 Free Freights

Southern Loco W/ 3 Free Freights

Add a powerful 80 watt transformer for the discounted price of $79.95 and receive a large 40”x 60” loop of Atlas Roadbed track for FREE! A $147+ value for only $ 79.95!

80W TRANSFORMER W/ TRACK SET

The offer ends on September 14th.