Note: The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) held its annual convention in San Jose, California, the first week in August. Several of the new items listed here were either displayed or announced at the show. Special thanks to Dan Goins of Lonestar Models and Brian Kreimendahl for their assistance gathering this information!
Athearn had on display at NMRA an exceptionally well executed new model of a Monon 53' plate wall domestic container unique to the J.B. Hunt fleet. While this particular prototype was used only by J.B. Hunt, they had lots of them! Will be available as single unit in undecorated or painted for Hunt and in a 5-pack painted for Hunt.
Boley had samples of their upcoming International 4900 series trucks with a concrete mixer body and a coal dump body. These die-cast models feature windshield inserts, mirrors, and very good paint jobs; these are due in the U.S. in September. The International fire truck series have been delayed by licensing approval from Navistar; they are anticipated by year end. In a change from previous information, the forthcoming International 9200/9400 truck tractor will be die-cast as opposed to injection molded plastic.
City Classics, whose collaborative effort with the Mid-Central Region of the NMRA the mobile home we announced last month, was at the NMRA convention in San Jose in early August with their kits for sale. Having now seen them, I can tell you these are very good kits! City Classics had several models assembled on display and they were extremely well received (see above photograph). One feature we were unaware of until we saw the display models is that there is a very fine detail set of photo-etched accessories. These include a barbecue grill, lawn chairs, small table, and a television antenna. The #113 Roberts Road Mobile Home represents a 40 foot unit from the early 1950s. The model is an injection molded kit that is being produced as a fund raiser for the region. Currently, the Mid-Central Region has exclusive marketing rights. If would like to purchase a kit, you may contact:
MCR-NMRA P.O. Box 152 Greensburg, PA 15601-0152
The prices are $14.98 for one + $2.00 S&H, two for $25 + $3.00 S&H for more than one kit.
GHQ Models had a sample on display of their extraordinary '32 Ford three window coupe. This model, cast in pewter, promises to be a hit! The engine compartment is open with a neat little flathead V8 with triple carbs. Tires are "fat" ones with "baby moon" type hubcaps. Accessories are expected to include a male driver wearing a tee-shirt with a pack of cigarettes rolled up in his left sleeve! Also included will be a female pedestrian we're told. Keep your eyes out for this one!
Model Trucks & More has these four new tank trucks available. For more information go to their web site www.bam.on.ca/mtm
Promotex, in cooperation with Trucks N' Stuff, will have an announcement on a newly tooled North American prototype truck tractor around October. There was a test shot of the new model at the NMRA convention and it is a very good model. Quite common, recent vintage, and well done! Stay tuned!
