Milwaukee, Wis. - Walthers announces the release of the all-new Solarium Observation car in HO Scale. This distinctive model will be offered in 17 different roadnames (which match other Walthers heavyweight releases) and an undecorated version. Fully assembled and highly detailed, the cars are priced at $44.98 each and will be available in March 2007.

With wide windows and comfortable chairs for first class passengers, the Observation was the signature car of the finest trains. While the open rear platform provided a panoramic view of the passing scenery and allowed riders to get some fresh air, anyone brave enough to ride there was buffeted by wind and dust. And in cold or rainy weather, the space was completely un-useable. To overcome these problems, the Burlington introduced a new type of observation with a completely enclosed rear solarium or "sun parlor" in 1909. Located at the rear of the train, this open space provided comfortable chairs and oversize side and end windows for a better view of the scenery in any weather. This novel idea soon caught the attention of other railroads and similar cars could be found on many lines within a few years. The rest of the car was typically a lounge with wider seats and a kitchen or bar, but some also included a drawing room that converted into a bedroom to provide extra revenue. During the Depression, many were upgraded with air conditioning to attract riders back to the rails. While lightweight streamliners caught the public's attention following World War II, production delays, declining ridership and increasing costs led many roads to repaint and remodel older solariums to match newer cars. Many soldiered on through the end of passenger service, or were rebuilt as maintenance-of-way equipment.

A distinct finish for period passenger service, Walthers latest HO Scale heavyweight is packed with features including:

• Multi-Colored Interior
• Superb Paint & Lettering
• Factory-Installed Electrical Pickups
• Easy DC or DCC Interior Lighting Installation
• Wire Grab Irons and Railings
• Detailed Underbody
• Correct Truck Sideframes
• Working Diaphragms
• Metal RP-25 Wheelsets
• Knuckle Couplers
• Car Name/Number Decals

Painted to match earlier Walthers releases, the cars will be offered in the following roadnames:
932-10451 Pullman
932-10452 ATSF
932-10453 CB&Q
932-10454 PRR
932-10455 UP† (gray)
932-10456 CNW†
932-10457 NYC*
932-10458 UP† (yellow)
932-10459 SP†
932-10460 B&O*
932-10461 DRGW†
932-10462 MILW
932-10463 GN
932-10464 SOO
932-10465 Chicago & Eastern Illinois†
932-10466 IC
932-10467 NH
932-10450 Undecorated

The new HO Scale Solarium Observations will be arriving in March 2007. For more information on Walthers passenger cars, or to locate a dealer, visit Walthers on the Internet at walthers.com, call 414-527-0770 or write Walthers, P.O. Box 3039, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3039.

*CSX proprietary marks used by permission of CSX Transportation, Inc.
†Union Pacific licensed product.