Walthers announces the arrival of the Hulett Unloader, the newest HO Scale kit in the Ashland Iron & Steel series.

Fast Facts: As the steel industry grew, demand for Michigan and Minnesota ore skyrocketed, but the introduction of larger boats presented problems for existing unloading machinery. In 1899, an experimental unloader, the brainchild of engineer/inventor George Hulett was installed on the docks of the Carnegie Steel Company in Conneaut, Ohio. Fast, efficient and cheap to operate, "Huletts" as they were known were usually built in groups of two or four and became the backbone of ore handling operations along the lower Great Lakes for the next 80 years. The conversion of most ore boats to self-unloaders brought an end to most of great machines by the 1980s. While a handful have eluded the scrapper's torch as of 2009, their future is far from certain.

Features: One of the most requested kits, Walthers has captured all of the size and power of the prototypes in this completely new HO Scale model. The finished Hulett will be a focal point at a stand-alone waterfront facility, or alongside a model steel works, and two or more can be placed side-by-side to model standard prototype installations. Each kit builds a complete unit with lower gantry and upper carriage with walking beam, digging arm and bucket. Major parts are positionable, so the model can be assembled to capture the look of a Hulett hard at work, or waiting for the next boat to arrive.

BREAKING NEWS - While details are not final at press time, Walthers is teaming up with Sylvan for an exclusive HO Scale kit of a typical Great Lakes Ore Boat. This resin kit will feature deck hatches that clear the bucket of the Hulett Unloader (sold separately), and are also spaced to match the chutes on Walthers Ore Dock kit (#933-3065, sold separately). More details will be posted at walthers.com shortly.

These new kits are part of a complete line that provides modelers with everything they need to model the steel industry:

HO Scale Ashland Iron & Steel Series
933-2966 Hulett Unloader
Expected Delivery: August 2009
Retail Price: $169.98

696-10501 HO Scale Great Lakes Ore Boat
Expected Delivery: June 2009
Retail Price: $294.95

933-2957 Blower Engine House
Expected Delivery: May 2009
Retail Price: $149.98

933-2958 Blower Engine House Piping Kit
Expected Delivery: May 2009
Retail Price: $39.98

933-2973 Blast Furnace
In Stock
Retail Price: $239.98

933-2971 Rolling Mill
In Stock
Retail Price: $159.98

933-2972 Coke Oven & Quench Tower
In Stock
Retail Price: $129.98

932-40501 series Gold Line™ Michigan-Style Ore Car
Expected Delivery: May 2009
Retail Price: 12-Pack $169.98

932-3132 series Gold Line™ Bottle Car
In Stock
Retail Price: Single Car $31.98, 3-Pack $89.98

932-3142 series Gold Line™ Slag Car
In Stock
Retail Price: Single Car $29.98, 3-Pack $84.98

HO Scale Ashland Iron & Steel Series Detail Kits
933-2963 Reversing Mill Stand
Expected Delivery: August 2009
Retail Price: $39.98

933-2964 Larry & Quench Cars
Expected Delivery: September 2009
Retail Price: $59.98

933-2965 Blast Furnace Stairways & Railings
Expected Delivery: August 2009
Retail Price: $49.98