This page shows a listing of news entries from the past month.
The new "Battery Power" page in the "How-to" section has been added and completed.
Both photos and a track plan have been added for Bill Young's layout.
While maybe not as exciting as that other election later this year, the NASG will have another election in early 2021. Up for election are these positions: President, Treasurer, Central Region Vice President, Eastern Region Vice-President, Western Region Vice-President.
This is a reminder that your nominations are due to Jamie Bothwell, our election chairman, by November. Follow the link for more details about NASG elections.
by Johnny Lightning
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The set includes:
- 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass
- 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Custom
- 1976 Chevrolet G-20 Van
- 1990 Ford Crown Victoria
- 2000 Nissan Skyline
- 1969 Plymouth Road Runner
by Johnny Lightning
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The set includes:
- 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass
- 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Custom
- 1976 Chevrolet G-20 Van
- 1990 Ford Crown Victoria
- 2000 Nissan Skyline
- 1969 Plymouth Road Runner
by Railmaster Exports
Railmaster Exports will be closed from August 11, 2020 until the end of September as its owner is undergoing surgery.
Bob Hogan helped make sense of the various configurations of Bob McCarthy's "The Supply Car" box car kits. Bob also provided some more photos of models he has recently completed, specifically the NP reefer car (which was a rare kit).
Dick Karnes offered a comparison photo of the original Enhorning 4-wheel passenger car truck and SSL&S' reproduction of it.
John Gibson provided photos of the "undecorated" composite GS gondola by Pre-Size Model Specialties.
In 1896 Edward Bowness scratchbuilt the second known S-scale model ever. We have added to this web site the pages of a re-published article of his, in which he describes who he is and how he built the model.
Cabin Fever Auction has been commissioned to auction off MTH Electric Trains' items to liquidate all content of MTH's 124,000sqft warehouse in Columbia, MD. There is no specific mention of S-scale products, so there is no guarantee that there will be anything there of interest to S-scale modelers. The auction house mentions that the items will include those from MTH's showroom, workrooms, library, archives, and storage rooms, totaling approximately 8 tractor trailer truckloads. There will be a series of auctions, with the first one being on September 26, 2020, with in-person preview available on the 25th by appointment only at 1860 Weavertown Rd. Douglassville, PA 18518.
Chuck Kemper reports that the American Models MNS cars have arrived and are being shipped out to those whom have ordered them now. Please be aware that shipping times will vary depending on how each region is responding to the Covid-19 issues.
by B.T.S.
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B.T.S. is now taking orders for a re-run of this kit. It will be slightly different from the original version. Kits will be manufactured on a per-demand basis, so expect about a two-week delay in shipping.
by Die Cast Promotions
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With high-roof sleeper and 53' utility refrigerated trailer.
Bill Lane shared photos and a video of his P-B-L standard-gauge Shay.
Bill Lane shares with us a model he built from scratch using his 3D-printer.
Brooks Stover offered a link to his web site where he has a page where he covered some of his scratchbuilt models. Brooks also made available to us a PowerPoint presentation on how he scratchbuilds wood-frame structures without spending a lot of money. You can download it from the page linked to above.
Paul Washburn completed the construction of two ATSF Caswell gondolas. He sent us some photos, and so a page was added to this web site to document that project.
by MTH Electric Trains
As you may know, MTH's CEO is retiring and closing the company. Whether or not the company's product lines will be taken over has not been announced. They are planning on closing in May 2021, so items in the latest MTH S-scale catalog are going to be produced. However, they have announced that the following items will not be manufactured (either due to lack of demand, or due to them not being able to get them delivered by May, 2021):
- 20051-1, 20052-1: CSX NW2
- 20029-1, 20030-1: EMD DEMONSTRATOR SW8
- 20065-1, 20066-1: Southern F7 powered A-unit.
- 20067-1: Southern F7 powered B-unit.
- 20066-4: Southern F7 non-powered A-unit.
- 20065-3: Southern F7 non-powered B-unit.
Due to the corona virus reactions and lockdowns, delivery dates stated on MTH's web site are no longer valid. The current estimates are as follows (which may continue to be delayed):
September, 2020: fishbelly hoppers.
October, 2020: SW8 locomotives.
November, 2020: NW2 locomotives.
December, 2020: F7 locomotives.
Both photos and a track plan have been added for Ron Schlicht's home layout.
by Port Lines Hobby Supply
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Port Lines Hobby Supply announces that they are ready to take orders for the items that appear in the recently-released Lionel 2020 #2 catalog (see this page for that). Doug noted that Lionel's catalog has fewer American Flyer items, fewer O-scale items, and no HO-scale or G-gauge items. Port Lines Hobby Supply will take 20% off the Lionel list price for items in this catalog for rolling stock and train sets, and 15% off engines, if you place your order through them by August 15, 2020.
Port Lines Hobby Supply now has the following parts back in stock:
- gray, non-polarized transformer cords.
- AF #591-592-600 Crossing Gate arms.
- improved bulbs for "Sam the Semaphore".
- cast box car brake wheels with correct large mounting hole.
- re-stock of all their LED bulbs.
- re-stock of the entire Arttista S-scale figures line.
- #751 Log Loader solenoid coil rod & plunger.
- crane crank wheels with handle.
- 1.5" rod and collar for the side of the tin #606-906 cranes.
- box car metal brake wheels with the large hole for pin.
- the SHS/MTH connector which joins the turnout cable to the extension cable.
Port Lines Hobby Supply has received the following Lionel items:
- BAR sound box cars.
- TP&W sound box cars.
- WM three-bay hoppers.
- UP three-bay hoppers.
- Polar Express milk container flat car.
- Rutland box cars.
- GN box cars.
- GB&W box cars.
- Renkins container flat cars.
- Bordens container flat cars.
- Sealtest container flat cars.
- Florida Juice container flat cars.
by River Raisin Models
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Updated: River Raisin announces that the production models are being assembled and painted now. The current plans are to have the production models imported as early as September, 2020. This may be delayed due to the corona virus reactions and lockdowns. They are importing a limited run of these 4-6-2 models. The Southern Pacific models will feature the standard boiler locomotives and two streamlined versions. These are:
- #2479 standard boiler
- #2482 Skyline casing
- #2484 streamlined with Daylight colors (shown)
- #2484 streamlined in black
- #2487 standard boiler
The models are in standard DC, but Loksound V5 sound decoders can be factory-installed as an additional option. The sound files have been prepared just for these locomotives. There are still a few of the models available for reservation. Contact River Raisin for the available models. Photos are of the sample model that River Raisin reviewed.
by River Raisin Models
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Updated: River Raisin announces that the production models are being assembled and painted now. The current plans are to have the production models imported as early as September, 2020. This may be delayed due to the corona virus reactions and lockdowns. They are importing a limited run of these 4-6-2 models. The C&O F-19 models will feature all five of the original locomotives: #490, #491, #492, #493, #494. The models are in standard DC, but Loksound V5 sound decoders can be factory-installed as an additional option. The sound files have been prepared just for these locomotives. There are still a few of the models available for reservation. Contact River Raisin for the available models. Photos are of the sample model that River Raisin reviewed.
by River Raisin Models
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Updated: River Raisin announces that the production models are being assembled and painted now. The current plans are to have the production models imported as early as September, 2020. This may be delayed due to the corona virus reactions and lockdowns. They are importing a limited run of these 4-6-2 models. The C&O F-17 models that will be imported are the ones with these three road numbers: #470, #472, #474. The models are in standard DC, but Loksound V5 sound decoders can be factory-installed as an additional option. The sound files have been prepared just for these locomotives. There are still a few of the models available for reservation. Contact River Raisin for the available models. Photos are of the sample model that River Raisin reviewed.
by Ertl
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Each tractor is individually packaged. It represents 9 decades of John Deere tractors:
- John Deere A with Man represents the 1940s
- John Deere 430 represents the 1950s
- John Deere 4010 represents the 1960s
- John Deere 4430 represents the 1970s
- John Deere 4455 represents the 1980s
- John Deere 4960 represents the 1990s
- John Deere 8530 represents the 2000s
- John Deere 7250R represents the 2010s
- John Deere 8370R represents the 2020s
by Johnny Lightning
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This set includes:
- Chevrolet School Bus
- 1933 Ford Panel Delivery (available separately as well)
- 2004 Hummer H1
- 1958 Plymouth Fury (available separately as well)
- 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish (available separately as well)
- 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
by B.T.S.
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B.T.S announces a new kit now also available in S-scale. It is a 90-foot bridge. The kit includes the parts to make the bridge, and plenty of nut-bolt-washer castings to detail it to your heart's content. Rail and spikes are not included. O-scale model shown in the photo.
Jamie Bothwell provides a photo of the B.T.S. PRR XA box car kit built and decorated.
by Rusty Stumps Scale Models
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Walt announced in his newsletter and on his web site that the company is open again. They took a bit of a break when they announced that they closed late last year. Walt mentioned that the reason for re-opening the company is that they are looking for something to do. The previous product line of S-scale 3D-printed and resin casts are available again. He did ask to be patient with their shipping. Rusty Stumps offers a large collection of detailing parts for buildings (including HVAC piping systems) for both interiors and exteriors, and a lot of general scenery detailing parts.
Don Thompson provides two PDF documents related to the S-Helper Service's 2-8-0 locomotives. One is a general diagram and other is an updated document on how to repair a broken drawbar pin.
The content related to scratchbuilding that used to be on this web site has been re-formatted and brought into the new "How-to" section's "Scratchbuilding" menu option. Check it out, as there are a couple of new items added as well.
by Lionel
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The American Flyer products can be found on the last number of pages of the catalog. When you are on their catalog page, click on the down-arrow at the top-center of the page, which will display a "tool bar". In its "search" field, type "American Flyer". That will take you a page that mentions that text.
Both photos and a track plan have been added to Brian Nicholson's layout page.
by Crescent Creek Models
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Crescent Creek Models produces O- and HO-scale structure kits, and they are proposing the S-scale Conoco Gas Station kit that they are currently producing for HO-scale. HO-scale model shown in the photos. The kit is based on a prototype Conoco station that stood in Penasco, NM. The kit is laser-cut and will include many details. They are also working on some unique S-scale 3D-printed detailing parts. If you might be interested in this gas station kit in S-scale, please contact the company, so that they can get a feel for how many they would need to produce.
Richard (Dick) Kloes, a long-time NASG member, passed away due to cancer on June 22, 2020 at the age of 83. Dick was also a key member of the Badgerland S Gaugers club (for 45 years!). Dick's "Root River & Southern" appeared in the NASG Dispatch, the February 2003 issue on page 14. The layout was open during the 2003 NASG Convention. Dick introduced himself in the April 1997 issue of the Dispatch (pg. 13).
by Smoky Mountain Model Works
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Jim King, of Smoky Mountain Model Works, announced that the production of the S-scale kit for this car is getting started. The kit will include decals (your choice of HIAWATHA or OLYMPIAN), and Kadee 802 couplers. The kit will be priced at $90 each plus postage. The 40-ton trucks will be sold separately and should be available prior to shipping of the box car kit (trucks are $32 a pair). The full-rib body will be produced first, followed closely by the short-rib. SMMW is currently looking for you to confirm your prior commitments, with an accounting of the number of kits for each version that you want (short and/or long rib).
(this entry was originally posted on April 23, 2020, but more information about Bill has been provided, including the link above)
Long-time NASG member Bill Oertly passed away on April 17, 2020 due to complications from cancer. Bill was 70 years old. Bill, who modeled the Western Maryland (and the B&O), was a fantastic S-scale modeler and a member of the Potomac Valley S Gauge Association. He served the NASG as its Treasurer in the late 1970s (the first full-term one after the NASG, Inc. was created). Bill also wrote two books related to the Western Maryland. He was an expert on tank cars, as he was an inspector for the Norfolk Southern Railroad.
Gary Carmichael provides us with a brief introduction to his current project, which is a triple-gauge diorama based on Pittsburgh's West End.
John Agnew sent a number of photos and some information about his fantastic Sn42 (Sn3-1/2) layout on the other side of the world.
Both photos and a track plan have been added to Bob Johnson's layout page.
Darby Marriott shares with us additional photos and a video of William Flatt's layout.
A track plan of Jeff Madden's layout has been added to Jeff's layout page.
Brooks Stover has an article about the interesting engine house he built for his current layout.
Brooks Stover has an article about the Elk River Coal & Lumber Company Swandale Sawmill on his layout in this issue.
by Johnny Lightning
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The set includes:
- 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser with Open Trailer
- 1973 Chevy Caprice Station Wagon with Camper Trailer
- 1959 Ford F-250 with Enclosed Car Trailer
by Johnny Lightning
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The set includes:
- 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser with Open Trailer
- 1973 Chevy Caprice Station Wagon with Camper Trailer
- 1959 Ford F-250 with Enclosed Car Trailer
We did not have an entry for this locomotive in the Product Gallery section of the web site.
We had no Seltzer's freight cars listed, but George shares a few photos of models he has.
Added a page to the "How-to" section related to track for Sn2 modelers.
Ed Cooper's layout page has had a track plan and several more photos added to it.
Mike Fyten's layout page has had two photos added, as well as a track plan by Joe Kimber.
William Flatt's layout has more information about the layout, and a track plan and photos were also added.
A page has been added to capture information and photos of the NASG Switching Layout. You can access this page via the "NASG" button on the left, and then clicking on the "NASG Switching Layout" menu option. If you have any correction, extra information, and especially photos, please contact the NASG webmaster.
The public version of the July/August 2019 issue of the NASG's Dispatch is now available. Also, the members-only issue of the July/August 2020 Dispatch PDF can now be downloaded via the "Members Only" section.
by Smoky Mountain Model Works
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Smoky Mountain Model Works is planning to do a re-run of this engine's kit. The photo shows Bob Hogan's model from the first run of the kit. At this point in time the company is accepting a no-money-down reservation. Jim previously stated that the model comes with Stanton drives, but NorthWest ShortLine have over a two-month backlog on orders, so he is proceeding with this kit as the "unpowered" version. This version will accept the Stanton drives, so when they become available again, you should be able to install them. The unpowered kit is listed at $235 plus shipping. The kit will include the SMMW AAR-A sideframes. Contact the company with your reservations.
Effective today, the NASG has re-arranged the geographical areas flagged under the eastern, central, and western regions, each of which is represented by a vice-president. Follow the link above, scroll down to "Article IV REGIONAL ORGANIZATION", and see to which area you have been assigned.
What does that mean to you if you are an NASG member? If your geographical region is affected by this change (for example, you used to be in the eastern region, but you are now in the central region), the last character of your NASG membership number will change. The NASG Membership Secretary will start to update the NASG database now, and he is expecting it to take most of the month of July 2020 to apply the changes (over half of the members are affected by this).
You will likely see the biggest impact on this NASG web site, when you attempt to do any of the following:
a) log in via the "Members Only" page
b) purchase one or more products that require an NASG membership
c) you are renewing an existing membership.
At some point when the change is applied to the NASG database, you may no longer be able to log in. If this happens, contact the NASG Membership Secretary for him to give you your new membership number (or if you can figure it out yourself, try your new number).
If you have previously registered for access to the "Members Only" section of this web site and you have been assigned a new number, your previous registration will not work anymore. You will need to re-register with your new number, first, before you can gain access to the "Members Only" section.
by Johnny Lightning
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- 1971 Plymouth Duster 340
- 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback GT
- 1968 AMC AMX
- 1969 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible
- 1968 Pontiac Firebird
- 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass W31 Ram Rod 350
by Johnny Lightning
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- 1971 Plymouth Duster 340
- 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback GT
- 1968 AMC AMX
- 1969 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible
- 1968 Pontiac Firebird
- 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass W31 Ram Rod 350
by Smoky Mountain Model Works
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Smoky Mountain Model Works is planning to re-run the 2008 kit of this car. Jim announced that it will now include the 70-ton Barber S-2 roller bearing trucks. Further prototype information is now available, which includes the 10-post side design, which was purchased by Family Lines System ("FLS") for SCL, Georgia Road, Clinchfield, and L&N (all painted black with yellow stenciling) in 1980. Southern's cars were built in 1976 to the same design. Most of these cars made it to CSX; many were sold off and may still be operating on short-lines. The majority of Southern's cars soldiered on well into the NS era, often completely repainted. Like with CSX, a lot were sold to short-lines. The original SMMW kit was offered only for the Southern-style (without the door opening wheel and rack) which had one waffle missing at the lower left and lower right of the door (due to a reinforcing plate welded to the side in that area). FLS cars didn't have that plate so PS put a waffle in its place. The re-issued kit will have separate waffles so you can model the FLS cars (scrape off the "plate" before gluing on a waffle). To reserve this kit, contact SMMW. The kit is expected to cost $95. The 70-ton trucks are $32/pair. Southern decals are to be determined. CSX/NS decals likely available from Highball Graphics.
by Larkspur LaserArt
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Monster Model Works went on hiatus when the owner found a fulltime job. However, he appears to be back again. They have a new web site with a new name. So far, they have one S-scale structure listed.
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