Model Train Derailment Could Be A Fire Hazard

MDK Inc. is recalling about 20,000 model trains that may create a fire hazard if the train derails, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday.

The danger comes if the coupler coil spring overheats, although neither the commission nor the company is aware of any injuries.

Trains involved are the Heavyweight line of O-scale passenger cars, sold under the brand name K-LINE Electric Trains, produced from 1991 through 1995. These cars are 1-to-48 scale models of railroad passenger cars from the early 1900s, designed to operate on a three-rail, O gauge track.

Cars included in the recall are: coach, pullman, baggage, railway post office, diner and observation car. They sold for about $75 to $125 per car.

For a free repair kit, call the Chapel Hill, N.C.-based company at (800) 866-9986.