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New products for the week of August 1, 2013
Hi, does anyone know what radius curve the Walthers P2K 0-8-0 switcher can cope with? Also, is the DC version DCC ready, for someone who wants to add a chip without the cost of sound? The Walthers website just says “Loco & Tender Electrical Pickup”, no mention of DCC ready.
TIA,
Bill.
I wish Atlas would update its piggyback flats to include some of the hardware necessary to keep the trailers on the flats, and perhaps an upgrade kit for the many models already out there. (Sounds like something for an aftermarket company…)
Undecorated USRA locos, please . . .
If it is still the basic pre-Walthers P2K model, it can certainly take an 18" radius curve (if not sharper) and can easily be converted to DCC with a drop-in decoder. The original model uses low-voltage bulbs; therefore, check what is in the current model before selecting a decoder. But to be sure about both issues, contact Walthers customer service.
Fortunately, nothing I need or don’t already have. Wallet is safe. 
More new products that fixed income senior citizens and minimum wage workers can’t afford! Wonder what the current shipping rates are for the containers coming from the sweat shop factories in China? They are of course passed on to the consumer! My armchair is about worn out but here I remain, a stranded model railroad tycoon.
Bring back the train making to the USA and I’ll get a part time job to get in the hobby again! The only exception are the high quality models made in Japan by Kato! Keep’em coming Mr. Kato!
I agree with Joe Toth. Some of us are getting priced right out of the hobby through no fault of our own.