Milwaukee, Wis. - Walthers announces the release of its #535 Series 52-Seat Coach, an authentic Milwaukee Road model made especially for the 1955 Twin Cities Hiawatha. The Walthers HO Scale Twin Cities Hiawatha train, produced in honor of Walthers 75th Anniversary, is based on a typical 1955 consist.

From 1935 on, Milwaukee Road's Hiawatha was the fastest and best the road had to offer. Successful from the start, Hiawatha trains incorporated the latest streamlined technology and innovative modern design. Roomy and comfortable coaches, lounges and diners offered "a delightful atmosphere of rest and relaxation." Observation cars provided spectacular views and a series of powerful locomotives ensured a quick trip.

Superbly detailed inside and out, the #535 Series 52-Seat Coach is equipped with factory-installed electrical pickups, diecast knuckle couplers and correct eight-foot wheelbase Nystrom trucks with RP-25 wheels. The #535 series coaches reflect the underbody and roof details of cars equipped with Waukesha air conditioning (Walthers #498 series coach, #932-9200, has "steam-injection air conditioning"). The car is handsomely painted in Milwaukee's distinctive maroon and orange colors and comes complete with car name and number decals. It features the correct prototype length and underbody detail so a minimum 24" radius is recommended for operation.

The #535 Series 52-Seat Coach is available decorated in orange and maroon Hiawatha colors (#932-9208) and undecorated (#932-9280). The cars retail for $44.98 each and will be available in February 2008. Additional Hiawatha cars and PROTO 2000 E7 diesels will be arriving in the coming months.

For more information on Walthers Hiawatha series or to locate a dealer, visit Walthers on the Internet at www.walthers.com. Call 414-527-0770 or write Walthers, P.O. Box 3039, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3039.