O Scale Trains Magazine Online

REVIEW: Proto-Switch Switch Stand, MSRP: $2.99 per pair plus shipping.
Motiveworks Hobbies, 1205 16th Street, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127
www.proto-switch.com
reviewed by Joe Giannovario
Motiveworks has produced this nifty little trackside detail for the modern model railroader. You get a pair of stands per package with a
choice of handles, straight or triangular. The straight is the more common type seen. Our samples came with one of each type handle.
The parts are molded in plastic and are very clean with no evidence of flash. Everything fit together very well. The instructions tell you to
drill a hole with a #62 drill to mount the handle. I found it easier to start the hole with a much smaller bit and the finish up with the larger bit.
Other than the drill bit, all you need is tweezers (to hold the parts) and liquid plastic glue to assemble these stands. In fact, it took longer to
paint them than assemble them.
These are non-operating items but, with a little ingenuity, I think the targets
could be made to move with the switch points.
Okay, I do have one gripe. The instructional text on the package is way too
small to read. I’m nearsighted and still had trouble. Other than that minor complaint,
these are a very nice detail.
NEWS: Keystone Model Works PRR H21 Quad Hoppers; MSRP: see text.
Keystone Model Works, P.O. Box 143, New Cumberland, PA 17070-0143
www.keystonemodelworks.com
Keystone Models Works is now shipping its PRR H21 quad hoppers. Currently available are several versions of the H21a, and the
H21b and H21e rebuilds. This run of cars represents the “sawtooth” H21 hoppers with Westinghouse AB brakes. The “shallow
hopper” and KD brake versions, as well as fully detailed PRR 2E-F2 70 Ton Crown trucks, will be available at a later date. The
models are available as “S” series cars at $359 with working draft gear and scale couplers, and as “K” series cars at $328 for use
with Kadee O Scale couplers.
July/Aug ’06 - O Scale Trains • 57