Alkem Scale Models
) is selling a
craftsman kit for an HO scale DODX 41000 series flat car. The
U.S. Army designed the prototype specifically to transport M1
Abrams tanks that are 12’ wide and weigh up to 68 tons.
The kit is composed of photo-etched brass, a laser-cut acrylic
core, and 3D printed detail parts. The components feature
engineered slots and tabs that self-jig and simplify assembly
with CA. No soldering is required. Of note are the photo-etched
chains, tie-downs, shackles, and rings that come with the kit
along with appropriate decals. Couplers and trucks (Athearn
100-ton trucks are recommended) are not included. The kit is
available at $39.99 each through the above website. A three-
pack of kits is priced at $99.99. Additional tie-down chains are
available separately for $14.99.
Alkem owner Bernie Kempinski, who took the above prototype
photo at Fort Hood, TX notes that Chris Mears, Dave Olsen, and
Gene Gounley all contributed to this project.
Athearn
) has scheduled the next release of its
Genesis series MP15AC diesel switcher for June 2015. The HO
News column - 5
scale model fea-
tures an illumi-
nated Stratolite
beacon on the
cab roof, square
air filter box,
and Blomberg-B
trucks. The
switcher will be
available with or without sound. Models decorated for Soo
Line will be available with all-weather windows (1532, shown
here) or with an all-weather window only on the engineer’s
side of the cab (road number 1534). Other roads will be CSX
(boxcar scheme), GATX, Long Island Railroad, and Nacionales
de México.
A Ready-to-Roll series SD45 diesel locomotive is also listed on
Athearn’s June release schedule. Road names will be Delaware
& Hudson, Frisco, Southern Railway, Southern Pacific, Union
Pacific, and Norfolk Southern in the Horsehead scheme.
Freight cars coming next June include a 50’ steel gondola, an
85’ TOFC flat car, and another production run of Athearn’s
Trinity-built 5161 cu.ft. covered hopper car in both 10-panel
and 12- panel versions.
Also set for
release in June
is a 40’ derrick
flat car. It will be
available for Santa
Fe, Baltimore &
Ohio, Burlington
Northern,
Canadian Pacific, and CSX.
MRH-Nov 2014
