Amtrak’s 50th anniversary provides the theme for Model Railroad News‘ May 2021 edition. You’ll find a variety of Amtrak models reviewed and news on coming releases for this U.S. passenger rail carrier. Among the big happens for Amtrak HO enthusiasts is the arrival of Bachmann’s all-new Siemens Charger SC-44 diesel locomotive model.
The fully assembled HO-scale reproduction provides an example of the latest motive power to serve Amtrak. The first release from late 2020 sold out quickly and Bachmann has another production planned for 2021 delivery of the four offerings in this initial run: Amtrak Cascades 1400, Amtrak Midwest 4611 and 4618, and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner 2111.
This officially licensed model includes electronics produced by Train Control Systems (TCS) for Digital Command Control operation, LED lighting features, and extensive audio output capabilities. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look the Bachmann and TCS journey out to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s facility in southern Colorado in a TrainWorld Virtual Live Event hosted by Ken Bianco, Jr., with Bachmann’s Larry Harrigton, Dan Mycio from TCS, and Model Railroad News‘ editor Tony Cook:
ABOVE: The process involved in recording Charger sounds included multiple microphones to allow for reproduction of dimensional audio making the miniature model sound like the real thing. — Bachmann photo
In addition to its HO-scale Siemens Charger SC-44 diesel locomotive with DCC and TCS WowSound, Bachmann plans to announce Amtrak’s new Siemens’ Venture passenger cars. Watch for reviews of the Cascades and Midwest editions of Bachmann’s HO-scale Charger and news on the coming Venture passenger car models in Model Railroad News.
Bachmann Trains
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