The cars were used to transport
hot metal from the blast furnace
to the Bessemer plant.
Patterns for the HO scale resin
cast model were made by Jim
Reuter, a retired Smithsonian
model maker. John Glaab, owner
of Peach Creek Shops, expects to
have the initial run ready for
release next month. The cars will
be offered assembled but
unpainted. Pricing is TBA. Samples of the finished model will be
shown at the 2014 Steel Mill Modelers Meet, to be held August
27-31 in Bethlehem, PA. See MRH Selected Events for addi-
tional information about the meet.
Rapido Trains
has
released HO
scale models of
VIA Rail Canada
coaches. The
ready-to-run cars replicate details of the Budd-built prototype
including complete underbody details and a realistic stainless
steel finish. Additional features include tinted windows,
News column - 10
window blinds, individually molded seats and antimacassars,
and simulated etched-glass decorative panels. The interior
lighting is track-powered. Canadian flag and “Canada” decals
are included with each car.Pricing and ordering information are
available on their website.
Rapido continues development work on HO scale versions of
the Canadian-built FPA-4 and FPB-4 passenger locomotives.
The model is being produced by Rapido exclusively for MLW,
which is a contemporary model train investment company, not
the now defunct Montreal Locomotive Works.
However, it will be available through all regular Rapido dealer
outlets. The FPA-2 profile and Alco 251 prime mover made the
prototypes unique to Canadian National. They were delivered
from Montreal Locomotive Works in 1958 and ‘59 and contin-
ued in Canadian and American main line service into the late
1980s. Many of the retired FPA-4 and FPB-4 locomotives have
found new life on tourist railroads across the United States.
A principal feature of the model is the accurate rendering
of the unique FA nose. The design of the HO scale nose is
based on a series of 3D scans of a prototype FA locomotive at
MRH-Jul 2014
