Athearn:

Atlanta, February 12, 2011: Athearn ( http://www.athearn.com) introduced pre-production samples of a Union Pacific DDA40X diesel locomotive today at the World’s Greatest Hobby Show in Atlanta. Measuring in excess of over 14-inches overall, the HO scale Genesis series model faithfully replicates the distinctive prototype. Details on pricing and availability of the Athearn model are expected to be announced soon. An HO model of the DDA40X released by Bachmann several years ago is no longer in production.

Introduced in April 1969, the prototype was nicknamed the Centennial locomotive in honor of the 100^th anniversary of the golden spike ceremony in Promontory, Utah. The unique combination of a cowl-type cab from an FP45 with a DD-style car body combine to make the 98-foot monster unmistakable. The prototype was powered by two EMD 16-cylinder model 645E3A prime movers generating a total of 6600 horse power.

ExactRail:

On February 8, 2011, ExactRail  ( http://www.exactrail.com) released HO scale ready-to-operate models for FMC 5277 combo-door 70-ton Plate-C boxcars in four roadnames. The cars come with two versions of Stanray non-overhanging paneled roof. Additional spotting features include 6-rib box-corrugated non-terminating ends, and both a 6' plug door and a 10' Youngstown sliding door on each side.

Cars with the full X-pattern impressed in all roof panels are available for CN and RailBox-ABOX with a small herald (above) dating from a late prototype production run.

Models available with blank end roof-panels include the original ABOX car (large herald) and the subsequent MD&W car seen above. The new FMC 5277 combination-door boxcar is in ExactRail's Evolution series and has and MSRP of $26.95 each.

ExactRail has also released an HO scale 48' depressed-center flat car that is similar to prototype cars produced by General Steel Industries in which the sill, body bolsters, cross bearers and coupler draft pockets are all produced in a one-piece steel casting. Of various prototype adaptions, ExactRail's Evolution series model comes closest, but not identical, to the Conrail (ex-Erie Lackawanna) class FE2A car seen above.

In addition to Conrail, ExactRail has decorated the depressed-center flat car for QTTX, Southern, Southern Pacific, CNW, and ATSF. The Evolution series ready-to-run model comes with ASF 100-ton ride-control trucks with machined metal wheels. It is priced at $26.95.