Welcoming A New Sponsor - TM Books & Video

It's my pleasure to announce another new sponsor of OGaugeWatch.com, TM Books & Video.  Those of you familiar with the immensely popular and award winning I Love Toy Trains video series probably know that the series was produced by TM Books & Video.  I own all twelve parts of the series plus the Final Show and the Oh No! bloopers episode.  My son and I love them all!

The letters "TM" in TM Books & Video are the initials of the owner Tom McComas.  Mr. McComas published his first piece of work about toy trains with co-author Jim Touhy in 1974 and has been creating books and videos about the subject ever since.  In addition to the "I Love Toy Trains" series, TM's catalog of products includes a series of videos about John Deere, CAT Machines, Cowboys, Lionel Trains, Big Trains and much more.  For a complete history of TM Books & Video click here.

TM Books & Video's latest video is titled Lionel Nation No. 1.  Lionel Nation No. 1 is a 65 minute DVD that carries on the TMBV tradition of high quality train action and music that the whole family can enjoy.  As the title implies, the focus of this video series is Lionel trains.  Whether you're new to Lionel trains or an avid enthusiasts, this video for you.  The video contains all new footage of Prewar, Postwar and Modern era Lionel trains.  Lionel Nation No. 1 is available for $19.95 + shipping.  Visit the TM Books & Video website for a preview.  Order online or call 1-800-892-2822 to get you copy of Lionel Nation No. 1. 

Mr. McComas supplied me with 5 copies of Lionel Nation No. 1 to give away to OGaugeWatch.com readers.  Stay tuned for more information about how you can have a chance to win a copy of this great video.

 

GUEST BLOGGER Carmine Piecora - My Favorite F3

The following guest post was submitted by Carmine Piecora.

I guess Lionel trains have been in my consciousness since the age of four when my parents gave me a Lionel train set for Christmas in 1958.  I can't really remember that Christmas morning too well, but I've had that same cherished New Haven F3 train set in my possession ever since.    

There were so many classic Lionel engines, especially the F3 diesel engine, produced in the postwar era.  The F3 was produced in many memorable road names, most notably the Santa Fe War Bonnet, is etched into the mind of anyone who holds nostalgic thoughts about the 50's. When I picture this locomotive in my mind it conjures up memories of things like '57 Chevys, Elvis, black and white TV and Rock and Roll. It is yet another 1950's icon that has become legend in the mind of baby boomers. 

Court Approves Lionel's Bankruptcy Plan and Settlement with MTH by Erol Gurcan

In what should be one of their last court appearances, lawyers for MTH, Lionel and Sanda Kan (Lionel’s principal manufacturer of trains) appeared in a New York Bankruptcy Court on March 27th.

At the end of the hearing, Judge Burton Lifland approved Lionel’s confirmation plan for reorganization. The court also approved Lionel’s settlement with MTH.

Click the link below to read on

Lionel Big Boy Review By Erol Gurcan & Eliot Scher

The following appeared in the February '08 edition of The Lion Roars, the magazine of the Lionel Collectors Club of America and was reprinted here with permission from the authors.

Viewpoint I
by Erol Gurcan

During the last two years, my reviews in TLR have concentrated on less expensive locomotives and train sets. In my view, the two major commercial O-gauge magazines often ignore this segment of the market; they choose instead to concentrate on more expensive trains, as some car magazines focus on exotic, expensive, and powerful automobiles. However, not everyone can afford a $1,000-or more O-scale locomotive and/or has a large layout equipped with O72 minimum radius curves necessary to run it.

Click on the link below to read on

New Version of MTH's DCS Software Available

MTH released a new version, version 4.0, of their DCS (Digital Command System) software.  Visit the MTH website for more details.

Weaver Models Featured On How It's Made

Many of you probably watch the Discovery Channel/Science Channel show How It's Made.  The show takes a look at the manufacturing process of just about anything.  In Episode 25, the creators visited the Weaver Models factory to film how miniature train cars are made.  You can catch this episode of How It's Made on the following dates on the Discovery Channel:

March 20, 8:00 PM
March 21, 12:00 AM
March 26, 7:00 PM
March 30, 9:00 AM

Watch A Video of MTH's New HO GS4

MTH has posted a short video of their new HO GS4 locomotive in action.  Check out the video here.

GUEST BLOGGER Mike Spanier: American Model Toys

AMT (American Model Toys) started in 1948 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Jack Ferris had a dream. Could he possibly create a company to offer toy trains for which he felt the market was ready? Would he be able to challenge the Big Dogs - Lionel? American Flyer? Marx? Jack felt he could make his way into the market. What happened?

Click on the link below to read on

Video Of MTH's 4-12-2 Locomotive

MTH put together a video of their new Union Pacific 4-12-2 locomotive in action.  View the video here. 

More information, including great detail shots of the locomotive, are available on the MTH website.

Isolating Outside Rails On SuperStreets Track

The folks over at Three Rail Innovations, Inc put together a nice "How To" guide describing the process of isolating the outside rail of K-Line by Lionel SuperStreets track.  View the guide here.

Weaver's "Spring Cleaning" Sale

Weaver models released a "Spring Cleaning" flyer on their website.  The sale items are available while supplies last or until April 30, 2008.  Check out the flyer here (pdf).

March '08 Issue of Toy Collector Magazine Available

The March '08 issue of Toy Collector magazine is available on-line.  I continue to be impressed by the content of this on-line magazine.  This month there is a great piece about tin plate train stations and a photo of a $140,000 Diamond encrusted Hot Wheels car made to celebrate the production of the 4 BILLIONTH Hot Wheels car.  Check out the magazine here.

Atlas O March '08 Announcements

Atlas O has announced new paint schemes for the Atlas O USRA 0-6-0 Locomotives, new paint schemes and numbers for the Atlas O DASH 8-40BW & 32BHW Locomotives and a new Industrial Rail O-27 4-Bay Coal Hopper.  Visit the Atlas O website for more details.