NKPHTS
The Nickel Plate Road Historical & Technical Society
Modeler's Corner

The purpose of this page is to provide modelers and collectors of Nickel Plate model trains with information about available NKP products. The information is supplied by society members and visitors to this site. Contributions to this page are welcome. Please email us with news of a new product or model railroad web site. Be sure to visit our Company Store.

In addition, you may wish to visit any of our recommended online NKP forums to post a modeling question or search their archives for previous messages. The forums can be found here. Many modeling questions and answers have been posted in the last year or more which may help you in your NKP modeling projects. For your convenience we have also listed model train links, other online forums, webrings, and newsgroups.

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New NKPHTS Announces HO Scale Head and Hind End Special Project

Heavyweight Baggage Cars

Baggage CarThe NKP took delivery of 5 Heavyweight baggage cars, numbered 328-332, built by Pullman in December 1929. These five cars were distinctive in that they had 6 ft and 8 ft doors on each side. They were 61'-3" over the end posts and ran on 4-wheel trucks. They performed their assigned duties on various NKP trains from delivery up through the merger. It isn't clear whether any were repainted post-merger.

NKP Car Co. has produced etched brass cars sides to recreate these kits in HO. The complete kit includes brass car sides, core kit of underframe, roof, ends, trucks w/o wheelsets and various detail parts. The modeler must supply couplers, decals and some additional styrene strip. This limited run kit is available only through the NKPHTS. This complete kit retails for $60 and can be ordered using the order form on the NKPHTS website. The first run sold out within weeks so order soon since limited quantities are available.

1000 Series Caboose

CabooseA limited one time only purchase of the Wright Trak HO Scale NKP 1000 Series caboose. We have made arraignments to purchase a block of these cars from the manufacturer at a reduced rate. These kits are state-of-the-art resin models that build up into a great model of the classic NKP caboose.



For an order form for both cars, please click here.

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New JD's Trains Announces an O-Scale GGD Nickel Plate Road 80' H/W Coach Set

An O Scale first! Made by Golden Gate Depot and decorated by Weaver Models exclusively for JD's Trains. Only 10 total (2 & 3 Rail) sets will be made. Price $475.00. Estimated delivery - Summer 2009. Website:

http://www.jdstrains.com/ggd-hw4-nkp-2r.html

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BCG

Products Offered by Buffalo Creek Graphics

Be sure to visit their web site at http://www.trainresource.com.

  1. New BCG Nickel Plate Convention Car

    29000 Series Convention Car

    Buffalo Creek Graphics has just announced that, for the fifth consecutive year, they will be producing a special Nickel Plate O-scale freight car to commemorate the annual NKPHTS Convention; this year to be held in the Buffalo area. The 2009 release will be a Limited Edition, custom decorated 29000 Series 40' double door auto boxcar with DF loader designation. These cars are being designed to NKP prototype specifications by Crown Model Products and will be produced on Weaver carbodies. As in past years, the cars will be available in three road numbers, and as single cars and complete sets. One road number will carry a special Buffalo Convention designation on the B-end tackboard. 24500 Series Convention Car

    This is the last major variation of NKP 40' double door boxcars that will be produced by Buffalo Creek and will surely compliment the previous releases that included the NKP 24800 in original paint scheme, NKP 22000 series, W&LE 30000 series, and last year's NKP/WLE Lessee 23500 series cars.

    • A BUFFALO CREEK GRAPHICS EXCLUSIVE • NEVER BEFORE OFFERED IN O-SCALE
    • Available in Two Road Numbers in 3-Rail or 2-Rail.
    • Special Custom-Mixed Boxcar Red w/Black Ends • White Lettering & Graphics

    Prices:

    • OH98B - Prototype Version: $56.00
    • OH98C - Convention Commemorative Version: $58.00

    Also Available:

    • OH98A - NKP 24500 Series Double Door Auto Rack Boxcar w/Buffalo Return Markings: $56.00
    • OH98S - Complete Set of Three Road Numbers w/All Three Variations: $165.00
    • Optional Diecast, Sprung Trucks (Installed). Available for all cars: $8.00 Per Car 3-Rail • $12.00 per car 2-Rail

    Ordering and Shipping Information:

    • SHIPPING & HANDLING: Single Car - $10.00; 2-3 Cars - $13.00
    • PRE-SALE ORDER DEADLINE: AUGUST 15, 2009
    • Anticipated Delivery: Late September
    • Checks or Money Orders Payable To: BUFFALO CREEK GRAPHICS
    • Send to: BUFFALO CREEK GRAPHICS, PO BOX 243, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304-0243
    • Phone: 716-692-6206 email: BCKgraphics@aol.com

    For a PDF flyer complete with the above information and artwork, click here, or for a JPEG image, click here.

    As has become the tradition, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the annual convention commemorative cars to NKPHTS members will be donated to the NKPHTS Founder's Fund.

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  2. 2-Bay Offset Hopper

    Buffalo Creek Graphics is pleased to announce the release of a special custom run of New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickel Plate Road) 33000 series, 2-bay, offset hoppers. Issued in association with the Nickel Plate Road Historical & Technical Society, these Weaver O-scale cars have prototypical black car bodies and are lettered in the "as-delivered" paint scheme. Available in three road numbers, this offering is limited to an edition of only 33-sets (100 cars), and may be ordered as a 3-car set or as individual cars. The price is US $135.00 per set of three, or US $46.00 per car (road numbers our choice). We'll equip your cars with die-cast, sprung trucks for a small additional charge (see order form). Shipping & handling is $10.00 per order to addresses east of the Mississippi, $12.00 west of the Mississippi. Canadian customers, please contact us shipping information.

    Click here for an order form. Return order ASAP. Orders will be accepted in order of receipt. Please remit full payment including appropriate S&H with your order.

    Your order is subject to acceptance; and we reserve the right to reject any order.

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  3. Lackawanna Railroad Composite Reefer With Special NKP Return Plates

    ReeferBuffalo Creek Graphics is pleased to announce the release of a special custom run of Lackawanna Railroad Composite Reefers. These Weaver O-scale cars have prototypical yellow car bodies with boxcar red roofs, ends, and lettering. Each is equipped with unique, separately applied Nickel Plate Road return plates denoting assignment to the NKP. Available in three road numbers, this offering is limited to an edition of only 33-sets (100 cars), and may be ordered as a 3-car set or as individual cars. The price is US $145.00 per set of three, or US $51.00 per car (road numbers our choice). We'll equip your cars with die-cast, sprung trucks for a small additional charge (see order form). Shipping & handling is $10.00 per order to addresses east of the Mississippi, $12.00 west of the Mississippi. Canadian customers, please contact us for shipping information.

    Click here for an order form. Return order ASAP. Orders will be accepted in order of receipt. Orders will be accepted in order of receipt. Please remit full payment including appropriate S&H with your order.

    Your order is subject to acceptance; and we reserve the right to reject any order.

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  4. Detroit & Toledo Shore Line ARA 40' Boxcars

    D&TS Boxcar Buffalo Creek Graphics is pleased to announce the release of a special custom run of Detroit & Toledo Shore Line 40' ARA boxcars. Sure to be of interest to both Nickel Plate and Grand Trunk Western fans, these Crown/Weaver O-scale cars have boxcar red car bodies, with prototypically accurate lettering and herald in white, and are available in three road numbers. This unique offering is limited to an edition of only 33-sets (100-cars), and may be ordered as a 3-car set or individually. The price is US $132.00 per set of three, or US $46.00 per car (road numbers our choice). We'll equip your cars with die-cast, sprung trucks for a small additional charge (see below). Shipping & handling is $10.00 per order to addresses east of the Mississippi, $12.00 west of the Mississippi. Canadian customers, please contact us for shipping information.

    Click here for an order form (will open in a new window). Orders will be accepted in order of receipt. Please remit full payment including appropriate S&H with your order.

    Your order is subject to acceptance and we reserve the right to reject any order.

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2008 Lionel Nickel Plate Products

The 2008 Lionel catalogs show three new Nickel Plate cars.

  1. The 2008 Signature Edition catalog shows a Nickel Plate Boxcar with End Doors, item #6-27229 (pg. 105) and a 3-Pack of NKP PS-2 Covered Hoppers, item #6-27034 (pg. 109).
  2. The K-Line Catalog offers a Nickel Plate Die Cast 2-Bay Outside Braced Hopper, item #6-22152 (pg. 30).

You can see these items online by going to the Lionel website Product Finder at:

Click on "Product Finder" under the word "Lionel". On the next page do a Product Search for "Nickel Plate Road".

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Walther's New NKP Products

  1. PROTO 2000 AAR 53 Ft 6 In Flat Car w/Load - Time-Saver(R) Kit. Nickel Plate Road #3000 w/Generators; Walthers Part # 920-54497, p. 187 Walthers 2009 HO Scale Reference; HO scale, $19.98, currently in stock at Walthers.
  2. PROTO 2000 AAR 53 Ft 6 In Flat Car w/ Load - Time-Saver(R) Kit. Nickel Plate Road #3036 w/Wagon Boxes & Frames; Walthers Part # 920-54498, p. 187 Walthers 2009 HO Scale Reference; HO scale, $19.98, currently in stock at Walthers.
  3. PROTO 2000 52'6" Drop End Mill Gondola w/Load - Time-Saver Kit(R). Nickel Plate Road #66048 w/Ductwork; Walthers Part # 920-54088, p. 186 Walthers 2009 HO Scale Reference; HO scale, $27.98, currently in stock at Walthers.
  4. PROTO 2000 52'6" Drop End Mill Gondola w/Load - Time-Saver Kit(R) Nickel Plate Road #66005 w/Ductwork; Walthers Part # 920-54087, p. 186 Walthers 2009 HO Scale Reference; HO scale, $27.98, currently in stock at Walthers.
  5. PROTO 2000 52'6" Drop End Mill Gondola w/Load, Nickel Plate Road #66041 w/Ductwork - Assembled. HO scale, $34.98. Expected: 15-Dec-2008 (Limited Run).
  6. Nickel Plate HO-Scale PROTO 2000 Fairbanks-Morse H10-44 Powered Standard DC. Road #126. MSRP. $129.98. Expected: 02-Jul-2008 (Limited Run).
  7. Nickel Plate N-scale EMD GP18 diesels with road numbers 702 and 708. MSRP is $89.98. Web pages:
  8. NKP HO-Scale PROTO 2OOO Heritage Steam Collection USRA 0-8-0 w/Sound & DCC - Powered. Road Numbers 206 & 207 (w/decoder); 205 (standard DC). MSRP is $349.98.
  9. NKP N-Scale PROTO Heritage Steam Collection USRA 0-8-0. Road Numbers 206 & 207. MSRP is $174.98.
  10. Atlas NKP N-Scale Decorated Code 80 Plate-Girder Bridge. MSRP is $9.95.
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Atlas Nickel Plate Products

Please note that many of these products, if not already ordered by the deadline, may no longer be available. Check the Atlas web site or your local dealer.

  1. Atlas O Scale 40' 1937 AAR Single Door Box Car. 3-Rail MSRP: $62.95; 3-Rail 2-Pack MSRP: $125.90; 2-Rail MSRP: $67.95; 2-Rail 2-Pack MSRP: $135.90. 2 road numbers. Estimated Delivery: June 2009
  2. Atlas N Nickel Plate 2-Bay Offset Side Hopper- Peaked End. Single road numbers 33104 and 33324. 3-pack, road numbers 33075, 33187, and 33227. $16.95 single car MSRP; 3-pack $50.85. Estimated Delivery February 2009.
  3. N-Scale Trainman® 50' Double Door Box Car, NKP Road Numbers 85322 & 85333. Standard MSRP is $10.95. Estimated delivery is October 2008.
  4. N-Scale NE-6 Caboose, NKP road numbers 765 and 770, and W&LE road numbers 0201 and 0202. Standard MSRP is $21.95. Estimated delivery is September, 2008.
  5. O-scale Nickel Plate GP-9 Locomotive. Powered #'s 500 & 502; Unpowered #509. MSRP Powered: 3-rail $449.95; 2-rail $449.95; Unpowered: 3-Rail & 2-Rail $199.95. Estimated Delivery: March 2008. The deadline for placing your guaranteed order/reservation with your local Atlas dealer is Monday, October 15, 2007.
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Athearn NKP Products

  1. New Roundhouse 40' Wood Box Car. MSRP $16.98. Two road numbers. Orders due 7/17/09. Estmated arrival October 2009.
  2. New Ford F-850 Flatbead Truck. MSRP $19.98. Orders due 7/17/09. Estimated arrival November 2009.
  3. HO RTR 250-Ton Crane w/Tender, NKP #X50009. MSRP of $42.98.
  4. HO RTR 34' Rib Side Hopper w/Load, NKP (6). MSRP of $79.98.
  5. HO RTR Heavy Duty Flat w/Load, NKP #2904. MSRP $22.98.
  6. HO RTR Bay Window Caboose, NKP #424 & #411. MSRP $17.98.
  7. NKP HO RTR 40' 3-Bay Offset Hopper w/Load. Two 6-packs available plus 1 single hopper. Total of 13 different numbers available. 6-Packs MSRP $89.99; single $16.98.
  8. NKP HO RTR 1955 Ford F-100 Pickup. MSRP $10.98.
  9. NKP RTR 40 Ft. Express Box Car. The car comes in two configurations, Silver #1 and Silver #2. A picture of the car is available at http://www.athearn.com/Newsletter/041806/40_Exp_box_041806.jpg.

Athearn's Nickel Plate offerings can be seen at: http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=nickel+plate&Page=1.

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Nickel Plate Models Now on the Internet

Nickel Plate Models

Nickel Plate Models is now on the internet with a web site at http://www.trainresource.com/Nickel_Plate_Models.html. Nickel Plate Models produces model railroad products, parts and decals of interest to modelers of the Nickel Plate Road. The primary focus of the Company is on O scale (1/4 inch to the foot or 1:48 scale) modeling and modelers, although we occasionally do models in HO and other scales. The Company markets brass models, brass kits, plastic models and custom decals. We also publish a newsletter containing items of interest to O scale NKP modelers.

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Roundhouse Announces HO RTR 40' Wood Box Cars

Roundhouse has just announced two NYC&StL HO RTR 40' Wood Box Cars (RND84681 & RND84682). Suggested retail price is $16.98. Their website shows only one photo, road number 13397.

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Bowser Announces NKP Hoppers

Bowser has announced two 3-car series of NKP 70-ton 2-bay hoppers. The first series are for prototypes built in 1939 and the other are from 1941. Delivery is in June 2008. Cars are priced at $13.95 each.

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Division Point Upcoming Projects

  1. Nickel Plate (ex-W&LE) Class M-1 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado, 1940's, 20 ALCO-built, Nos. 6001-6020. 2008/2009 Project.
  2. Nickel Plate Class H-6a [601-610] #TBD Alco-built and Class H-6o [586-600] #586 Baldwin-built ex-LE&W 5540-5554 (1923). Web page at:

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InterMountain Railway Company

New N-Scale 18 Roomette Passenger Cars. MSRP $39.95. Estimated arrival November/December. 2 Names available.

HO Nickel Plate WWII War Emergency Boxcars. MSRP is $29.95 with an estimated arrival of September/October. Six road numbers.

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MTH RailKing NKP Product Releases

  1. Nickel Plate 0-6-0 USRA Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0 (Hi-Rail Wheels), road number 365. MSRP $599.95.
  2. Nickel Plate 0-8-0 Imperial Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0, road number 303. MSRP $399.95.

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Showcase Line from S-Helper Service Compatible S-Scale NKP Covered Hoppers

Showcase Line from S-Helper Service is offering Nickel Plate compatible S-Scale NKP USRA covered hoppers in two road numbers. Price for the hoppers is $49.95 and they are available now. To view and order the hoppers, visit their website at:

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Model Railroad Links

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Train Show Web Sites

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Model Railroad Online Forums, Discussion Sites, Chat Sites, Email Lists

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Model Railroad Newsgroups

To open the following links you will need a newsreader or an email client (e.g. Outlook Express, Netscape Mail & Newsgroups, & Entourage) that can be configured to read newsgroup messages. They will not open in standard browser.

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The NKPHTS logo and the name "Nickel Plate Road" are registered trademarks of the NKPHTS, Inc.