Details: Written by Josh Baakko; Category: Side-By-Side Reviews; Published: 29 May 2023; Hits: 1894

Side-by-Side Review: Overland and Tangent GATC 4500 Covered Hoppers

The Overland Models Inc GATC 4500 Covered hopper was one of my "Holy grail" models. In 2023 enter Tangent with their own model of this Covered hopper! I knew I had to have one.

Paraphrasing Tangent's history of the GATC (General American Tank Car) 4500 cubic foot Covered hopper, we learn that the prototype came about in 1963 with over 1200 made for several railroads.

I've always desired to paint an Overland Models version in ATSF billboard letters and patching it to more modern 2nd hand lease service.

Details: Written by Josh Baakko; Category: Side-By-Side Reviews; Published: 28 September 2020; Hits: 2860

Side-by-Side: HO Scale Railgon Models

Models released in 2020 from Arrowhead Models and Walthers Mainline.

In late 2019 Walthers quietly announced a new gondola in HO scale, to represent the popular Railgon cars, in their Mainline series of models. In July of 2020, Arrowhead Models popped into Lombard Hobbies for a live facebook event announcing their version, which they promised to be the most accurate. Read more about the model on it's own here: Quick Review: Arrowhead Models Greenville 2494 Railgon

This article is intended to be a supplement to the quick review, and allow the buyer to compare the models without having to buy both.

Details: Written by Josh Baakko; Category: Side-By-Side Reviews; Published: 28 May 2019; Hits: 4977

HO Scale 60' flat Side-by-Side Comparison

Intermountain and MTH 60' wood deck flat cars.

Allowing you to compare the two models on the market, models representing a 60' wood deck flat car with 4 tie down channels.

The 60' flat. Modeled in two main forms for HO scale modelers. Athearn/Roundhouse has a wood deck 60' flat, but why is it not represented here? Well the models offered by Intermountain & MTH represent a flat car with 4 tie down channels. Both models featured here are Ready to Run (RTR).

Details: Written by Josh Baakko; Category: Side-By-Side Reviews; Published: 18 February 2019; Hits: 3549

HO Scale 33” & 36” Wheel Painting Mask Side-by-Side Comparison

Products from American Model Builders, MinuteMan Scale Models, and Modeler's Choice.

This side-by-side compares four separate wheel painting masks, for both 33” and 36” wheels in HO scale. One of each size comes from American Model Builders, MinuteMan Scale Models, and Modeler's Choice.

Details: Written by Josh Baakko; Category: Side-By-Side Reviews; Published: 25 August 2020; Hits: 1896

Side-by-Side: HO, Scale Test Cars

Cars from Bachmann, and Walthers.

Many years ago, Walthers released a Scale Test Car in HO scale. This was an amazing product for it's time, however, being injection molded plastic, it had severe tracking issues. This was commonly overcome with replacement Reboxx metal wheels, I've determined the replacement axles from Reboxx to be 1.020", with 33" wheels. In 2019 Bachmann's die-cast metal version was released. I managed to find a great sale on one, while I was ordering other supplies from M.B. Klein.

The new Bachmann version has an MSRP of $41, and shows as still available from Bachmann direct.

Details: Written by Josh Baakko; Category: Side-By-Side Reviews; Published: 20 February 2019; Hits: 2942

HO Scale Concrete Segmental Bridge Side-by-Side Comparison

Products from Scale Segmental Bridge Co. and BLMA Models (now Atlas).

This side-by-side compares two concrete segmental bridge products on the market for HO scale modelers, thus allowing you to choose which would be better for your layout.

Details: Written by Josh Baakko; Category: Side-By-Side Reviews; Published: 11 February 2019; Hits: 2366

HO Scale Maxi-IV Side-by-Side Comparison

Kato and Intermountain/A-line Maxi-IV's.

Allowing you to compare the two models on the market as of late 2008, and pick which one you want, in an educated
manor.

Gunderson/Greenbrier Maxi-IV: http://www.gbrx.com/PDFtecbulletins/StackCarsMaxiIV.pdf

The Maxi-IV is a 3 unit, articulated intermodal "stack car", with 53' wells. It rolls in a A-C-B set, with 70T trucks (33"
wheels) on the ends, and 125T intermediate trucks (38" wheels).

Major carriers include BNSF & TTX, with others such as NW Container, Pacer, AOK & IAIS also running some.

Kato USA, and Intermountain Railway Company both have released assembled, painted models on the Maxi-IV in late
2008 for the HO scale market.

As of Early November 2008, Kato has released TTX & BNSF cars, IMRC has released BNSF Early & Late, and NW
Container so far, with plans to release Pacer, AOK, IAIS, & TTX in December 2008.