Friday, 5 September 2014
Thursday, 4 September 2014
Watch the DASH Mobile App in Action
I already took some time to describe the DASH Model Trains app in detail, but now we have a great video showing you all of the app's incredible features in action. You'll see why it really is the ultimate tool for railroaders on the go.
If you don't believe me, just take a few minutes to watch the app in action below. DASH team member Bill has taken some time to show you exactly what it can do in an easy-to-follow step-by-step video. You'll be downloading and using the appin no time after watching this!
After seeing that demonstration, I know you're ready to download the DASH app right now. So here are a few links you'll need to get going and finally start carrying your entire train collection in your pocket.
- Download the DASH Model Trains App for Android
- Download the DASH Model Trains App for iOS
- Upgrade to a DASH Club Membership to fully unlock all app features
- Upgrade to a DASH Premium Membership to access values on the app
As a regular user of the DASH mobile app, I know how useful it really is. I'm sure once you've got it in your pocket, you'll never be able to collect without it again. It's a railroaders best friend, and will truly help you get your collection on track.
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
Details on New Athearn Genesis HO Southern Pacific Passenger GP9
HO railroaders who are fans of Athearn and Southern Pacific should be prepared for some excitement. The manufacturer just released some great details and history on their new Southern Pacific Passenger GP9s.
These locomotives feature a gorgeous flat black color with some iconic paint features, and they've been captured wonderfully by Athearn with this newest product. It's available in stores now (along with a few GP9s on the DASH Marketplace), and you'll have to grab one after reading the following product details and seeing the gorgeous pre-production photos.
Until the emergence of modern commuter railroads in the late 1980s, the only commuter rail operation in the western United States was SP service from San Jose into downtown San Francisco. In April of 1955, SP took delivery of the four GP9s numbered 5622 through 5625. Like the other eight GP9s purchased by SP for secondary passenger service, they were equipped with steam generators and dual controls and carried the “double-ended wings” version of the Black Widow paint scheme with orange and silver striping on both ends. The GP9s 5622 through 5625 differed by having 1200-gallon fuel tanks and 1200-gallon water tanks, which required the air tanks to be moved to the roof.
In addition to being the only SP “torpedo-boat” GP9s, they were also the only SP GP9s that were not equipped with dynamic brakes.
Although they briefly served on secondary passenger trains, these four GP9s were soon assigned to the San Francisco commuter pool. In commuter service, they usually spent Friday night and the weekend hauling freight in the San Joaquin Valley before returning to commuter service Monday morning.
In Stores Now: Genesis HO Southern Pacific Passenger GP9
SP Passenger GP9s with "double-ended wings” are in-stores now. They were the only SP “torpedo-boat” GP9s and were also the only SP's GP9s with non-dynamic brakes. 5623 was restored to this scheme and is on display at the Niles Canyon Railway Museum in Sunol, CA.
Model Features:
• SP light package
• Passenger pilots
• Steam generator
• Sunshades
• Four 36” diameter radiator fans
• Non-dynamic brake
• Roof-mounted air tanks
• 1200-gallon fuel tank
• 1200-gallon water tank
• Wagon wheel antenna mounted on the steam generator vent
• Nathan M3 hornFor item numbers and road numbers, visit our website. http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=ATHG+GP9&CatID=THLD&RN=SP&Status=In+Stock
Note: pre-production sample shown. The windwings on the production model are clear with thin silver frame.
I absolutely love this train thanks to its subtle, yet beautiful winged paint applications in iconic Southern Pacific colors. It gives it a classic feel that doesn't steal from the rich black base, making it a perfect utilitarian example of vintage color schemes. And Athearn has captured all of that personality with this magnificent HO scale piece. The details are all in place and look wonderful considering the scale. Between the stunning looks and its variety of features, this is a fantastic little model train.
You can find it on Athearn's website, or keep your eyes on the DASH Marketplace for an even better bargain. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes out for this beauty, because I'd love to take a ride on this "torpedo-boat".
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
More Top Celebrity Model Railroaders
As the best hobby there is, it's no surprise that celebrities of various sorts are drawn to model railroading. We already identified the top five celebrities in model railroading, but now we have five more famous railroaders that might surprise you!
It's a welcome feeling to know that so many influential and identifiable folks share our passion for trains, and that's exactly why I've decided to discuss even more celebrities that love to spend time with their layouts and show off their collections. There's a good chance some of these folks even use DASH to manage their famous collections!
5. Tom Snyder
This former host of The Late Late Show regularly discussed trains on air and expressed his passion for the hobby with a Lionel standard gauge layout in his home. Since his death in 2007, the famed TV personality's layout has been on public display at the New Jersey Hi-Railers model train club, allowing Tom to continue entertaining onlookers years after his passing.
4. Michael Gross
Although most people will recognize Michael Gross from acting roles in Family Ties and Tremors, his presensce in the rail transport community is unmatched. Gross is extremely active in efforts supporting various facets of the hobby, and is even part-owner of a working railroad, the Santa Fe Southern Railway. His influence as a railroader might just exceed his fame as an actor.
3. Tom Hanks
As one of the most famous actors in the world, Tom Hanks may be the most recognizable model railroader in the world. His self-professed love for trains doesn't define him, but likely influenced his participation in The Polar Express film, which honored the only train in existance equally famous to himself!
2. Mandy Patinkin
This popular actor from The Princess Bride and dozens of other prominent roles is one of the few celebrity railroaders who isn't shy about his love for the hobby. He regularly discusses his passion for trains, and even played a model railroader on TV! Mandy actually discussed and operated trains with Tom Snyder (from earlier on our list) on national television, too.
1. Walt Disney
Walt Disney is one of the most influential businessmen in the history of the world, and one doesn't have to look far into the history of Disney to see his love for trains shining through the various cartoons, amusement parks, and other aspects of the business. You can really see the joy he finds in railroading throughout this touching home movie of Disney playing with a garden railroad. It just doesn't get any better than that.
These five fine fellows certainly aren't the only famous railroaders out there, and I might have to make another list in the near future to reveal five more. I'd love to hear about your favorite celebrity railroader or discover another famous railfan, so please feel free to leave a comment below.
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