http://www.agsem.com/200806-mcdowellf.html

I’ve written many articles for The Ignitor to date, most of which (rightfully) focus on the people, activities and progress of our organization, the Short Track Railroad at the AGSEM. Well, I thought I’d “change it up” with this particular edition and focus a bit on the “state of the hobby” pertaining to “N-scale” and how it has affected our club.

That is not intended to devalue the work that has been done with our layouts in the past few weeks. Our “track-gang” has been hard at work on our permanent layout, the Donner Pass Exhibit, (DPE). We’ve added more track to the mainline and yards. Our mountains now boast some actual (simulated) rock and color. A few mock-up buildings have even sprouted. But, as mentioned before, it’s best to stop by our clubhouse (aka Section House)and see our progress for yourself; we are usually there every Saturday morning.

As members of the AGSEM, we are proud to exhibit a portion of our nation’s industrial past. We give our visitors a view of the past that is not readily apparent to the general population, including a sample of American culture in our layouts. For example, when was the last time you saw the following...

Steam Engine (no, the little ones at Knott’s Berry Farm or Disneyland don’t count)
Caboose
A “signature” Passenger Train (in other words, NOT Amtrak)
Roundhouse
Drive-In-Movie

Model Railroading is comprised of many elements, such as electrical work, carpentry, design, model-making, research, painting…etc. However, at the core, the very foundation of the hobby, are the actual model locomotives that “star” in our quasi-theatrical world. An article about N-Scale locomotives would be far beyond the scope of this brief article. However, since our guests often pose questions about train engines, I thought I might exhibit just a few of the new locomotives that have hit the shelves in the local hobby shops. Why just the “new” ones? I’ll tell you.

“I’ve got this old train engine in a box at home…It’s probably very valuable, since it’s old. Where do you think I could take it to get a tune-up?” I have personally fielded this one many, many times. Well, in short sir (or madam) it’s probably not valuable, just old; it’s not worth fixing unless it’s of extreme sentimental value and in most cases you’d be much better off just buying a new one, one that has been manufactured and more importantly, designed in the past few years.

Why? Primarily, thanks to our friends, the Japanese. Yes, a company that formed in the Post-WWII era, “Kato”, (pronounced, “KAH-toe”) revolutionized the industry when they came up with a better design for motors in model locomotives. Other manufacturers have caught on, and there are now several makers of superb model locomotives (although unfortunately, there are still several “dogs” out there too.) As experienced model railroaders, we can firmly testify to the concept of “Quality vs. Quantity”. It’s much better to spend the extra money and get a good model, than several “cheapies”.

So, in keeping with our membership in the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, (emphasis added by the author), I thought I’d exhibit just a few of the newer model steam locomotives that are now, or will be shortly available for purchase.



This is the Kato GS-4 “Daylight” locomotive in N-scale. It has received rave reviews for appearance, power and reliability. Its prototype ran from Los Angeles to the Bay area in the 30’s and 40’s. It was owned by the now defunct Southern Pacific and was widely regarded as “the most beautiful train in America”. Its’ entire consist of passenger cars is also available, all accurate depictions of the prototype…not simply existing cars painted as such.





The next excellent model I’ll feature is the Athearn Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy”, the largest steam locomotive in North America. This model was released in late 2007 and even boasts “sound” through tiny speakers located in the tender. It is also an excellent performer, featuring a unique wireless remote that allows it to be controlled as the user walks around the layout. Athearn also sells the “Big Boys” younger sister, the 4-6-6-4 “Challenger” and it is a solid runner too.





Finally, we come to another giant steam engine, soon to be released for the first time in N-Scale, the AC-12 “cab forward” locomotive. This Southern Pacific beast, featured a unique reverse design, with the cab in front of the firebox, and the smokestack at the rear. This allowed it to pass through the many tunnels in the system, without making the crew “pass out” from the attendant concentration of fumes. While not yet rated, this loco from the Colorado-based Intermountain Railway, looks to be another solid performer.

So, now you know a little more about why we are so excited in our building. Yes, we are happy about all the progress being made on the layouts, but we are also enthusiastic about the future of our hobby. With new editions like these model locomotives to look forward to, the future looks bright indeed. Come out and see us sometime soon. I’m sure you will get to see some of these monsters in person if you do.

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