News: Company Announcements
This page lists announcements related to company-level information, such as new companies that have been formed, existing companies that are closing-up shop, ownership transfers of companies, or any other such information. Click photos to visit the web sites.
Berkshire Valley Models Web Site Gone
The owner of Berkshire Valley Models, Richard Rands, reports on his Facebook page that the company with which he hosts his web site has gone belly-up, and so his web site is gone. He is working on a new one.
Introducing Scale Model Engineering
This company has been around for a number of years. They produce parts, kits, and plans for structures, scenery items, and freight car loads in all scales, including S. Some 3D-printed items are available unpainted or painted. They only sell through eBay.
Tomalco Track Changes Owners
Today, I received the official notice from Larry Morton, notifying us that Tomalco Track has changed ownership from him to Shane Lambert. Shane is in the process of moving to Winona, Minnesota. Shane ran the NASG Company store in 2020 and 2021, and is an NASG member.
Showcase Miniatures Returns to S
For those who have been in S for a while, you will remember the Sunkist Packing Shed kit that Showcase Miniatures produced for us a number of years ago. When the owner, Joe Warren, retired and sold the company to the new owners, Walter and Debbie Vail, S-scale content was removed from their site. This week, they announced that they are returning to S, by introducing their S-scale signaling parts kits.
Updates by Port Lines Hobby Supply
Doug Peck reports that his major American Flyer parts source has been bought out by another company, and so he expects to be able to restock reproduction parts again in the Fall. He also states that cork roadbed material is back in stock, and that he has a large inventory of S-Helper Service track system components.
Lake Junction Models
People have reported that they have paid for an order but have not received it. Their web site has a page that states that the computer used to run their equipment has died and they are in the process of replacing it. It is dated April 2023. No newer information is available.
Introducing Phoenix Precision Models
This is a brand new company, which is owned by the same people who own Tru-Color Paint. This new company is offering 3D-printed construction equipment, wall sections, wall capstones, and more. They are producing S-scale items right from the start. The image is from the S Scale Resources magazine's ad (right-click to see a larger version); the company's web site has photos of additional items that they are starting off with.
Figure STL Files, Special Announcement by Modelu
Modelu has added a new feature to their web site, which will allow you to buy and download their STL files for some of their figures. An STL file is the key file that allows you to print the content of the file on your own 3D-printer. The company states that this is only for your own personal use (i.e. you cannot sell the files or the products that you print from those files). If you already have the hardware, the big plus of this is that you save on shipping costs.
The additional announcement that they made is that Yarmouth Model Works, based in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, is now a North American retailer for Modelu 3D-printed figures. This is a big boon for those of us in the U.S. and Canada as shipping from England can be quite high. Yarmouth Model Works owner, Pierre Oliver, announced that they will be stocking HO- and O-scale figures that have a North American flavor to them, but that they will be able to order S-scale items by special request. So, if you have been eyeing some of their beautiful figures, but were worried about the high shipping cost, contact Yarmouth.
Custom Model Depot Update
The recently discovered company, Custom Model Depot, has many S-scale items listed on their web site. Presumably due to "growing pains", the company had not properly enabled their PayPal configuration, so even though one was able to place an order, one could not pay for it. The owner has indicated that he will fix this soon. If you wish to contact the company, try using this e-mail address: info@custommodeldepot.com
Updates by Port Lines Hobby Supply
Doug Peck reports the following:
- a major AF parts dealer closed its business permanently, so Doug will be expanding his listing on his web site.
- Dallee Electronics introduced a 6-amp electronic reversing unit, perfect for dual-motor AF engines.
- Doug has increased his inventory of Crown Models, S-Helper Service (including track components), and Downs products.
- He reports he has plenty of cork sub-roadbed in stock.
- Doug will be closed while attending the 2023 NASG Convention.
- All diesel locomotive can motor conversions are discontinued (steam conversions are still offered).
New:
- hand ballast spreader (part #20462).
- Greenberg's 2023 AF Guide (part #20448).
- Greenberg's 2023 Lionel Guide (part #20447).
Updates by Port Lines Hobby Supply
Doug Peck reports that his web site and phone lines will remain closed for new orders for the duration of the month of April 2023. This is in an effort to continue to catch up with the large number of orders he has been receiving. Nevertheless, he is announcing these new items or items back in stock:
- Pre-war plated axles, both 1-7/8" and 2" lengths.
- Streamline passnger car power axle-wipers for both rivet-mount, and eyelet-mount.
- Pikemaster track pins, both metal and insulating.
- PA diesel clear windshield inserts.
- Trailer clips for the 24566 Auto-Transport flat car.
- The 654 brass Observation Car end-railings.
- AF 2-bay hopper real coal load inserts.
- Beacon Tops.
- Complete decal set for the 21925 & 21925-1 UP Alco diesels (#20540)
- Hudson & K5 plated eccentric crank linkage.
- "NEW HAVEN" white decals, 2.5" , suitable for tenders.
- Several Downs Models tank cars and flat cars.
- A modern Automatic Electronic Reverse Loop Relay. Less than $35. (#20463)
- TRACK HAND BALLAST SPREADER; (#20462)
- GREENBERG's 2023 A.F Price Guide (#20448). Also Lionel's (#20447).
- S-233 flathead screw for SIT frame to tender floor (#20455)
- COUPLER plate & pin; for Gilbert O-gg 533 & 571 Northn boiler (#20454)
- Plated DRAWBAR, 2.5", for Gilbert O-gg Atlantic & Royal Blue (#20453)
- TENDER 2-pin Jack-panel for the 5-digit tenders (#06217)
- "AF OPERATING & REPAIR MANUAL for S-HO-O", from SSS.
- Oil Drum Loader carts.
- The "Clam Box" Restaurant laser-cut structure kit.
- Several new S-scale vehicles
- Steam-engine brass brush-tube caps
- S-scale figure sets: "Police Line"; "DPW Crew"; "Bikini Babes".
- LIONEL-AF (2019-2021): NH Heavyweight passenger cars; Coal hoppers; Army tank car & caboose; T-Rex tank car and Fuel Storage Tank.
- 693 AF Track Locks
- Pikemaster Track Pins
- 1449-LED non-directional engine bulbs
- Dry-transfer silver cab numbers for most prewar Gilbert O-gauge engines, and for the VIRGINIAN hopper (black lettering and data).
- AF boxcar tabbed door guides
DALLEE 400 Electronic Reverse Units are temporarily out of stock.
Updates by Port Lines Hobby Supply
Doug Peck reports that he is receiving orders faster than he can ship them, so he asks that you be patient; you will get your order a.s.a.p.
Please note that all American Flyer diesel repair and motor-replacement jobs have been discontinued. He continues to offer steam engine motor replacement services.
New and in stock are the following:
- K5 and Hudson eccentric crank assemblies.
- pre-war plated axles, both 1-7/8" and 2" lengths.
- Streamlined passenger car power axle-wipers for both rivet-mount, and eyelet-mount.
- Pikemaster track pins, both metal and insulating.
- Complete decal set for the 21925 & 21925-1 UP Alco diesels (#20540).
- Flat car rocket clips; now made of spring-steel, like originals! (#04553)
Back in stock are the following:
- PA diesel clear windshield inserts.
- Trailer clips for the 24566 Auto-Transport flat car.
- The 654 brass Observation Car end-railings.
- AF 2-bay hopper real coal load inserts.
- Beacon tops quality reproductions.
- Several Downs Models tank cars and flat cars.
Temporarily out of stock:
- DALLEE 400 Electronic Reverse Units, until May.
Stackable Organizer Trays by Prawn Designs
The Canadian company Precision Design Company has sold their laser-cutting product line to Prawn Designs owned by Bob Schrempp. While this is not S-specific, many of us have small parts and tools and are always looking to organize these. This company makes laser-cut kits of 8" x 4-3/4" stackable boxes that are shipped in kit form. They are all the same size, but they offer them in 1" and 1-1/2" heights, as well as with different configurations (i.e. dividers). You can even have the boxes custom engraved for an extra fee (their FAQ page shows sample engravings). Prawn Designs does have the S-scale laser-cut rail joint bars listed on their web site, but they are flagged as "coming soon...".
Scalecoat Paints are Gone
As the NASG webmaster, I have been suspecting this, as their web site (Minute Man Models) has been inactive for a number of months. I do not know the reason for the shut down and I have no information on whether someone will continue this line of railroad paints. Someone reportedly visited their address and the building was completely empty. One second-hand account I saw on a forum was that someone talked with the owner and he apparently stated that the regulatory burden was too much. Another person mentioned that he had heard that supply-chain issues were making it impossible to obtain the glass bottles. Neither of these are from the owner himself, so they should be taken with a grain of salt, but, if close to accurate, that may explain the reason for the disappearance. Many people who placed an order late last year do appear to have lost their money.
Micro-Mark Buys Laser-Art
Micro-Mark announced in December 2022 that they have bought the Laser-Art product line from Branchline Trains, and states that the product line will be listed in their 2023 first-quarter catalog. The product line will be called "Laser-Art by Scientific". "Scientific Model Airplane Company" was founded in 1928 in Newark, New Jersey and is the parent company of Micro-Mark. So, the company's foundation has always been in wooden kits, and they are returning to their roots in their new Berkley Heights, New Jersey facility. Branchline Trains still lists their kits on their web site. It is unclear as to whether or not Micro-Mark will continue the S-scale kits that Branchline had. Micro-Mark is a retailer for Bar Mills Models' S-scale kits, and they have one of the American Model Builders kits listed on their web site. They also sell 1:64 boat kits. So they are aware of S-scale :-)
S-scale Catalog by Jason's Brass Poles
Brian Weisman, owner of Jason's Brass Poles, has made available a new, updated product-inventory PDF file, specifically listing only the S-scale products he carries.
Start an e-mail message.
3D-printing An Entire Train Set by RamBros Workshop
With the advent of 3D-printing and the incorporation of on-board power in the form of cellphone-sized batteries, the theoretical concept of 3D-printing an actual model layout is a distinct possibility. To some extent, the concept isn't that weird, because if you have been to any large train show in recent years, you will likely have seen the Lego train displays. These run on hard-plastic tracks and the engines are battery-powered. Well, someone under the name of "RamBros Workshop" has made publicly available the necessary files for you to 3D-print your own layout, and he happened to have chosen to do so in S-scale. He has made a YouTube video available showing the set of cars and engines he has printed, as well as the track. The currently available, open-source files include an F7 and GP7 locomotive, a tank, gondola, hopper, and box car, straight and curved track, as well as turnouts and a crossing. Be sure to visit and view the entire linked-to page, as it fully describes all that they have available, complete with photos and videos. Granted, the models aren't going to win any contests, but this concept does provide a glimpse into the future.
(re-)Introducing Simpson Models
The company has been around for a while, but they now have their web site mostly up and running. The company's primary focus is the West Side Lumber Company. They produce decals for Sn3 engines and cars, window frames for buildings, WSLC plans, scale brass stock strips, and brass track gauges (standard-gauge, narrow-gauge, and dual-gauge). They are a dealer for the Bragdon Enterprises Geodesic Scenery product line. Additionally, the company can do custom work requiring laser-cutting, 3D-printing, and/or plastic injection molding.
River Raisin Models Update
Dan Navarre has stated on his web site that the site will be taken down on February 15, 2023. However, if after that date you still want to see his web site, you can find it forever on the Web Archive web site.
Introducing CB Train Junction
Michael Byle and his wife have started a restoration and repair service for A.C. Gilbert and Lionel products. They are based in Colonial Beach, Virginia. They have a 9' x 9' A.C. Gilbert-based layout set up in their shop. Check out their web site for photos and a blog. Michael attended the 2022 NASG Convention, and won 1st place in the Craftsman HiRail Steam Locomotive and Craftsman AF Imagineering categories!
Updates by Port Lines Hobby Supply
Be sure to visit Doug's web site for the latest status (apparently he is currently backlogged with a large number of orders).
Doug Peck reports he has the following in stock:
- A.C. Gilbert #654 Observation Car brass end railings.
- Trailer-clips for the A.C. Gilbert #24566 Auto Transport flat car.
- Clear plastic windshield inserts for all Gilbert and Lionel PA diesels (part #20484).
- Tender 2-pin Jack-panel for the A.C. Gilbert 5-digit tenders (part #06217).
- "AF Operating & Repair Manual for S-HO-O".
- Oil Drum Loader carts.
- steam engine brass brush tube caps.
- Z-Stuff electronic items (Z-Stuff has stopped manufacturing their S product line).
New products:
- Automatic Electronic Reverse Loop Relay (part #20463).
- Hand ballast spreader (part #20462).
- Greenberg's 2023 A.F. Price Guide (part #20448).
- Lionel's Price Guide (part #20447).
- S-233 flathead screw for SIT frame to tender floor (part #20455).
- The "Clam Box" restaurant structure kit.
- Lionel NH heavyweight passenger car set.
- Lionel coal hoppers.
- Lionel U.S. Army tank car & caboose.
- Lionel T-Rex tank car and Fuel Storage Tank.
- 693 AF Track Locks.
- Pikemaster Track Pins
- 1449-LED non-directional engine bulbs.
- AF box car tabbed door guides
Doug has made the following changes to his web site:
- All Lionel FasTrack components now have photos.
- GarGraves product photos are being added.
ScaleTrains Commitment to S
Of course, by now most of us know that ScaleTrains bought the former SHS/MTH tooling, but I just stumbled across this video where ScaleTrains president Shane Wilson describes his S-scale acquisition (the video link is queued to where he starts talking about S). The video is from February 2021.
Updates by Port Lines Hobby Supply
Doug Peck reports that he now has online payments enabled on his web site.
He has the following new parts in stock:
- #693 Track Locks
- plated Pikemaster Track Pins
- flat car stakes
- Shell emblem decals for #24328 tank cars
- EP-5 pantograph hold-down clips
- black dry-transfer lettering for the prewar #508 Virginian hopper
- clear plastic windshield inserts for the Gilbert and Lionel-Flyer Alco PAs
- silver dry-transfer cab numbers for most of the Gilbert pre-war engines
He also announces that he now carries reproduction boxes for MINI-CRAFT and FLYERVILLE buildings, just like the originals (see photo). These are shipped flat, with kraft sealing tape.
He has a lot of new 1:64 vehicles in stock.
Another run of the "OPERATING & REPAIRING AMERICAN FLYER TRAINS: HO-O-S" book by T. Seccia (332 pp., hardcover) are in stock at Port Lines (see photo).
Tour ScaleTrains' New Location
ScaleTrains recently moved their headquarters to Cleveland, Tennessee, and president Shane Wilson takes you on a brief tour of their new facility. No S content, though.
HobbyTools.com S-scale Rulers
HobbyTools.com offers rulers in various scales, including S. They offer two lengths. Their 13" ruler measures out 12 actual inches on the scale along the bottom edge of the ruler, and S-scale feet along the top edge. The zero-number is the left-hand edge of the ruler itself. The 7" ruler measures out 6 actual inches, but is otherwise identical to the longer one. These two-inch wide rulers are made out of 0.060"-thick styrene.
Updates by Port Lines Hobby Supply
Doug Peck reports that he now has the following new, or back in stock, products:
- Clear plastic windshield inserts for all Gilbert & Lionel-Flyer PA diesels
- A modern Automatic Electronic Reverse Loop Relay. Simple installation (#20463)
- a limited amount of SHS #258 -10" Straight Track, boxed (#20461)
- TRACK HAND BALLAST SPREADER; (#20462)
- GREENBERG's 2023 A.F Price Guide (#20448). Also Lionel's (#20447).
- S-233 flathead screw for SIT frame to tender floor (#20455)
- COUPLER plate & pin; for Gilbert O-gg 533 & 571 Northern boiler (#20454)
- Plated DRAWBAR, 2.5", for Gilbert O-gg Atlantic & Royal Blue (#20453)
- the TENDER 2-pin Jack-panel for the 5-digit tenders (#06217)
- "AF OPERATING & REPAIR MANUAL for S-HO-O", from SSS.
- Oil Drum Loader carts.
- The "Clam Box" Restaurant laser-cut structure kit.
- Several new S-scale vehicles
- steam-engine brass brush-tube caps
- S-scale figure sets: Police Line, DPW Crew, Bikini Babes.
- LIONEL-AF (2019-2021): NH Heavyweight passenger car set, coal hoppers, Army tank car & caboose; T-Rex tank car and Fuel Storage Tank.
- 693 AF Track Locks
- Pikemaster Track Pins
- 1449-LED non-directional engine bulbs
- dry-transfer silver cab numbers for most prewar Gilbert O-gauge engines, and for the VIRGINIAN hopper (black lettering and data).
- AF boxcar tabbed door guides
Archer Fine Transfers Closing (updated)
Woody Vondracek, the owner of the company that pioneered the 3D resin strips of rivets (as well as a large military modeling business), is closing up shop on November 16, 2022 (moved up by two weeks from the previous announcement). As of Nov. 16, their web site is completely gone!
B.T.S. Detailing Parts Status
Bill Wade announced that the Korean caster that he has been using for 37 years for his metal detailing parts, has decided to no longer produce model railroading parts. What B.T.S. has listed on their web site is all that they have remaining in their inventory.
Micro Engineering News
Sorry for being a little late to the game, but I just became aware of the fact that Micro Engineering was sold back on August 1, 2022.
Micro Engineering, of Fenton, Missouri, announced the purchase of the assets, intellectual property, and inventory of Micro Engineering Inc. by Warbonnet Enterprises L.L.C. of Macon, Missouri. The company will operate under the name of "Micro Engineering Company" and will continue to offer the complete line of Micro Engineering products. New products will be added to the company catalogue in the near future.
Jack Dwiggins, Operations Manager, said "We look forward to continuing to offer high quality, American-made, track and turnout products as well as bridge and building kits to our model railroad clients and business partners."
Ron Rands said, "My Daughter Donna and myself could not be more pleased with the purchase by the Dwiggins family. In our dealings with Jon and his family over the last several months, it has become obvious they possess the energy and ability to continue Micro's success. I know Micro Engineering customers will find them very friendly and easy to work with. My father, Bob Rands, would be delighted that the Dwiggins family is purchasing the company he started in 1964 and Donna and I are thrilled to see my father's legacy continue. We would like to thank all of our customers and friends over the last 58 years for your business and friendship."
The company address, phone numbers, and website will remain unchanged.
Micro Engineering Company
1120 Eagle Road, Fenton, MO 63026
Voice: 636-349-1112
Fax: 636-349-1180
www.microengineering.com
info@microengineering.com
As an addendum, American Models uses Micro Engineering rail, and Joe Calamia indicated on the S-scale Facebook group that AM has received their full order of supplies to continue to produce the AM track products. The AM web site reflects that.
Updates by Port Lines Hobby Supply
Doug Peck reports that he now has the following new, or back in stock, products:
- #20463: A modern Automatic Electronic Reverse Loop Relay
- #20461: a limited amount of SHS #258 -10" Straight Track, boxed
- #20462: hand ballast spreader
- #20448: Greenberg's 2023 A.F. Price Guide
- #20447: Lionel's 2023 Price Guide
- #20455: S-233 flathead screw for SIT frame to tender floor
- #20454: coupler plate & pin for Gilbert O-gg 533 & 571 Northern boiler
- #20453: plated drawbar, 2.5", for Gilbert O-gg Atlantic & Royal Blue
- #06217: tender 2-pin jack-panel for the 5-digit tenders
- "AF Operating & Repair Manual S-HO-O"
- Oil Drum Loader carts
- The Clam Box Restaurant laser-cut structure kit.
- Several new S-scale vehicles
- steam-engine brass brush-tube caps
- S-scale figure sets: "Police Line", "DPW Crew", "Bikini Babes"
- Lionel AF (2019-2021) NH heavyweight passenger car set
- Lionel Coal hoppers
- Lionel Army tank car
- Lionel Army caboose
- Lionel T-Rex tank car
- Lionel Fuel Storage Tank.
- #693 AF Track Locks
- Pikemaster Track Pins
- 1449-LED non-directional engine bulbs
- dry-transfer silver cab numbers for most prewar Gilbert O-gauge engines,
- dry-transfer for the VIRGINIAN hopper (black lettering and data).
- AF box car tabbed door guides
Doug also reports that shipping costs are continuously going up, so be prepared for that. He is adding more images and photos to his web site on an almost daily basis. His minimum order amount is now $10 of physical goods, excluding the cost of shipping. He mentioned that not all items in his inventory have been listed on his web site yet, so if you are looking for something specific, contact him.
Doug mentioned that he is discontinuing his "American Flyer" aerosol spray paints as his wholesale price is now $30 per can! He will only sell what he still has in his inventory.