Great update Chris!

Many years ago I purchased an Atlas C424 decorated for Reading with the intention of following the July 97 MR article on the conversion. The model has been sitting NIB in my closet along with many detail parts that I accumulated. I have to say that I doubt Atlas will retool the C424 to be more accurate for Reading. Atlas is probably just reissuing the paint scheme to grab whatever sales it can (Atlas seems to be lost in the crowd these days with companies like Rapido, IMRC, and now ScaleTrains making “new” model releases.)

However, one step in the detail process of the Atlas model has now become easier. Since Bowser released the C630 and C636, the air reservoirs are available as separate parts. These are better detailed parts than what is on the Atlas model. Three different part numbers are available since there are three air reservoirs on the C630 & C636:

691-87 @ $1.38
691-107 @ $1.38
691-108 @ $1.38

Sorry, I don’t know which number corresponds to which air reservoir, but given the low cost you could just buy all three. That’s probably much easier than reworking the Atlas part.

Yeah, it’s a bummer that Lee won’t do the phase 1 RS-3, but you have to respect his decision given the crowded market place for that version. You can never say “never”, so maybe in the future it will happen.

In other news…

Kadee is also rerunning a previously released Reading model: their 2 bay offset hopper painted as an HTv class, number 84000. These cars are pricey at $44 bucks a pop, but it is hands down the benchmark for HO 2 bay offset hoppers. In my opinion, Kadee is leaving money on the table by not tooling a northeastern 3 bay hopper. If they don’t do it soon, Tangent or Exactrail (or maybe even ScaleTrains) will beat them to it.

Thanks, Mark J.

Athearn has posted a picture of RDG 39-2 3412 on their web page...the picture isn't the greatest but the model doesn't look bad...any thoughts?

Eagerly awaiting mine; I preordered #3416 “way” back in September 2015.

Hopefully these will be a step above the Atlas Trainman version and not have any fit/finish QC issues.

The order confirmation I got said these were due August 1, so it looks like Athearn came pretty close to making that delivery date. Of course, I didn’t get a shipping notice from the vendor yet.

Thanks, Mark J.

Link to Athearn GP39-2

www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATHG40950

For anyone who missed it...Morning sun announced a new RDG book slated for May delivery,Readind Company Power Vol.1 by R.L. Davis Jr.

Some steam and first generation diesels.

About time........ LOL