HO — GHB International has announced the 1937 Reading Crusader train will be available in HO-scale late this year or early 2012. The Reading Crusader will consist of the famous streamlined G1 sas 4-6-2 pulling five Budd-built Crusader Passenger Cars. The cars will be lighted and will include full interiors. The 4-6-2 engine will be DCC ready and will be produced in roadnumbers 117 and 118. The train consist will include two observations, two coaches, and one diner. The train will be imported from China. Watch for updates and additional information. Retail price information is not currently available.

The Crusader operated between Philadelphia, PA and Jersey City, NJ with a ferry ride finishing the trip to New York City. The train was a joint Reading Railroad and CNJ (Central Railroad of New Jersey) operation. The inaugural run was made in December of 1937. The train made a pair of round trips daily, except Sunday. The non-typical consist choice of two observation cars was made to avoid the need to turn the train at either end point.

Model will be plastic - loco has metal frame - same location that made the Hiawath Set