News: Recent News
This page shows a listing of news entries from the past month or so. Click photos to visit the web sites.
NASG Membership Secretary
Dick Kramer has been the NASG's Membership Secretary for 13 years. He is looking to retire, and so we are looking for someone to fill his shoes.
The Membership Secretary position is one that aids the NASG Treasurer in maintaining the NASG's membership database, accepting and reviewing new-member applications, notifying members of renewal deadlines, sending out renewals notices (via e-mail and postal mail), handling member's requests and changes-of-address, etc., and maintaining the list of active members to whom NASG Dispatch magazines are to be mailed.
The position requires an active membership in the NASG. Behind the scenes, you will be working with the NASG Treasurer and the NASG webmaster. The ability to handle e-mail (most interactions are done this way) and willingness to contact members via telephone (especially for those for whom we have no e-mail address) is necessary for this position. Ideally, you will be able to handle e-mail on a daily basis, but at least several times per week. The ability to enter and review data in a database application on a laptop computer is necessary for this position. However, no "programming" is needed, as everything is already set up and has been working well for more than a decade. Dick Kramer will be able to train you and help you with all of the necessary steps. Ideally, you live in the Connecticut area, but that is not a requirement (it might just make training easier).
Please contact the NASG's President, Jim Whipple, if you are interested in helping the NASG with this important position (and to allow Dick to retire!).
Start an e-mail message (president@nasg.org).
Chet Brown
The Bristol S Gauge Railroaders club announced the loss of their member Chester (Chet) Brown, who passed away on August 23, 2026 at the age of 87. Chet was a member of the NASG for just shy of 40 years. Chet was very active in the local club, serving as its treasurer, local train show treasurer, was part of the crew that put on the club's Amherst show, and hosted club meetings at him and his wife Janet's home. We offer our condolences to Chet's family, and the Bristol club members.
Rare Kit Photos
One of the "perks" of going to an NASG Convention is that you may well come across a rare kit, a one-of-kind model, or something that has finally seen daylight after being in a modeler's closet. This is what happened to Jamie Bothwell at the 2026 NASG Convention, where he found an unbuilt, original "Rem's Railroad Models" kit from 1999. Hugh Heck, out of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and owner of the company only produced two kits of this "free-lanced" box car, a 30' Sn3 car and a 40' standard-gauge car. Jamie found the standard-gauge one. He shares a couple of photos of this rare find. He intends to build it, but not necessarily per the instructions (it's free-lanced, after all).
Fuel Distribution Center by Frisco Factory
This is a collection of buildings that make up a fuel center. These are 3D-printed, molded-in color but unpainted models, available fully built or in kit form (contact them for kit version).
Civil War Cannon by Homestead Scale
Homestead Scale has on offer a pair of S-scale Civil War-era cannons. These are 3D-printed and unpainted.
Tank Car Oil Unloading Kit by Finescale 360
Kelly Regan, operating as "Finescale 360", recently introduced himself to the Groups.io S-scale list stating that he discovered remnants of an tank car unloading site while out for a walk. He took measurements and created a CAD design for it. While he is an HO-scale modeler, he decided to produce the 3D-printed parts as a kit in S-scale as well (in addition to HO- and O-scales). The kit consists of a pump house (to be assembled), and enough piping and pipe supports to cover 6 unloading slots spaced 36 feet apart. The kit therefore makes it possible to adjust the number of unloading spot based on what you have available. The hoses and tank cars shown in the first photo are not included (the scene is photographed on his HO-scale layout). The next two photos are the ones Kelly shared of his initial S-scale prints. You can order the kit via eBay or via his web site. The pipeline kit is also available separately, for if you don't need the pump house or you need more than 6 unloading spots.
New Trucks by Die Cast Promotions
3000toys.com announces these models. Note that these are highly-detailed models. They feature an opening hood with authentic engine detail, accurately-detailed cab interior, poseable front wheels, pivoting fifth-wheel for trailer attachment, rolling wheels, working suspension, working landing gear, and a detailed chassis and undercarriage.
2026 NASG Convention Summary Page Finalized
The 2026 NASG Convention Summary web page is now complete. Additional photos are always welcome, but the core ones provided by Michael McConnell and Bill Lane have been added to the page.
NASG, Inc. Needs Insurance Agent
On behalf of the NASG's President, Jim Whipple:
Are there any insurance agents out there amongst the NASG membership who are knowledgeable about 501(c)3 organizations?
The NASG treasurer and myself would appreciate the opportunity to talk about the organization's insurance needs, this week if possible.
Start an e-mail message (president@nasg.org).
Pikesville Models Update
The other important reminder is that Dave Blum also announced his retirement and closure about a year ago. He is liquidating everything, so if you are looking for something, contact him.
*2025* NASG Convention Cars
Chris Crnich was able to attend the 2026 NASG Convention and so was able to pick up the remaining 2025 NASG Convention Cars (the ERDX reefers) from NASG Treasurer Roger Gerhart. So, all hard-goods now ship from Chris. He reports that we still have a number of each of the two road numbers available in both hi-rail and scale. This was due to the car being so popular that an extra run was commissioned of American Models, who then in turn sent us a few more last year.
New Military Vehicles by Johnny Lightning
3000toys.com announces these models. Note that Johnny Lightning made more in this series, but 3000toys has already sold out of them. Consider doing a search for the America 250 History Highlights series with other vendors.
Port Lines Hobby Supplies Update
Doug Peck has stated on his web site that he is close to completing the large backlog of orders he received when he announced his retirement. The store did indeed close on July 1, 2026, and he expects to have all orders shipped before the end of August. Until Doug's parts business is sold, he recommends that you contact Trains & More, LLC, out of Manchester, Connecticut.
Jerry Holmes' Layout Featured
The July 2026 issue of the Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine has a full 32-page featured article about Jerry Holmes' layout. The image is the cover photo of the issue of Jerry's layout. Joe Fugate, the editor, visited the layout himself as part of his effort to document layouts that were going to be open for the 2026 Annual NMRA Convention. The article is in an interview-style format with lots of good-quality photos of Jerry's layout. The magazine can be freely downloaded or read online. The article starts on page 85.
(ed: as an avid reader of MRH, I do not recall them having ever covered anything in S-scale, and especially not a full layout feature, but I could be wrong).
K and R Electronics
The company carries all sorts of electronic components, boards, and more. They are based in Michigan, and they were at the 2026 NASG Convention.
Southern 5277 Waffle Box Car by Smoky Mountain Model Works
Back in 2008 Smoky Mountain Model Works did a run of resin kits of this box car (see the photo). These were 50-foot cars produced starting in 1974. The Norfolk Southern ran them until a few years ago, and they can now be seen on secondary shortlines. Since that time, Jim King has switched to high-resolution 3D-printing, and he is proposing, based on several requests from customers, to do another run of these kits but using his latest technology. He has no final price yet, but expect something around the $120 mark per kit (depends on the cost of the decals). He has the appropriate 70-ton trucks and wheels already available, separately. Contact Jim with your interest and let him know how many kits you'd like, so he can gauge interest to determine if the project is a "go".
Start an e-mail message (jimking3@charter.net).
Bill Hobbs Sn3 Layout
Bill Hobbs recently "completed" his Sn3 layout, which resides in a dedicated building. His question was, What to do next? This is an interesting dilemma that some of us face when we reach that stage of the larger project and have to decide how to continue to enjoy the hobby. Bill has been working on this layout since 1992, so he's made quite an investment. He presents his plans in this 25-minute video hosted by the Narrow Gauge Off the Beaten Track YouTube channel.
Mike Swederska's 2-10-2
Not everybody arrives at this web site via the home page, so if you didn't, be sure to check out Mike Swederska's recently-completed built of the St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern 2-10-2 #1702. There are over 80 photos and several videos covering the build.
Lionel 2026 Christmas Car
The annual Lionel Christmas car is available for pre-order from your favorite dealer.
New 3D-printed Structures by Gozoda
The company has recently added two more structures to their S-scale line-up. These are 3D-printed, unpainted kits.
New Trucks by Diecast Masters
3000toys.com announces these models. These are heavy diecast models with free-rolling and detailed wheels, and tilting fifth wheel.
River Raisin Southern Pacific P-10 Pacific 4-6-2 (Price Reduction)
Stephen Lacey has for sale a River Raisin Models Southern Pacific P-10 Pacific 4-6-2 locomotive #2482. This locomotive sports a Skyline boiler and 120-C-5 tender. These models were built by Boo-Rim Precision in Korea and are simply stunning. The model is factory-painted and lettered and comes complete with factory-installed DCC sound. The locomotive has seen minimal running time, having been stored in its box since purchase from new. The locomotive and tender are in excellent condition and come complete with the original box and packaging.
Asking price is $1,895.00 (or near offer), plus shipping. This item is now located in Ohio, so the model can be sent via US Mail service from there, at buyer's cost. Payment via PayPal - if using G&S, payer to cover additional costs.
Photos are of the actual model for sale, and were taken by friend and professional photographer, Jonathan Bushell. Photos are used by permission and are copyright © Jonathan Bushell (jonathanbushell.com). Stephen and Jonathan have graciously allowed us to continue to show these photos on our web site as part of our Product Gallery.
Start an e-mail message (stephen.r.j.lacey@hotmail.com).
New Structures by Frisco Factory
These are 3D-printed, molded-in color but unpainted models, available fully built or in kit form.
Non-operational Lift Bridge by slycooper124
Important: the photo is of the company's operational HO-scale model. The S-scale version is non-operational, unless the modeler is willing to put in the effort. The parts are printed in white. The completed model will measure 49" long, 4-3/5" wide, and 18" tall.
S at St. Louis RPM
James McAuliffe, NASG Promotions chairman, took his Canadian National reefer to the St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet in July 2026. HO-scale modeler and manufacturer, Ted Culotta, took a photo of James' model and shows it on his blog. It is the fourth photo down that page; click the photo to see a larger version. RPMs are a great way to share your S models with other modelers, and maybe convince some of them to add or switch to S-scale!
Since the photo is now in the public domain, James responded online:
"Oh my, I did not expect this CN reefer to get any attention. I built this last year (yea after sitting for 8-10 years in my kit storage cabinet) and at the last minute I picked it up from the layout to take to the RPM. I had trouble with the roof and the ladder at the roof level so this is not in any way a good build; at 3 ft it is okay. Got the paint totally wrong but once I sprayed it I was not going back. You know the feeling when you have spent time on a model and you are really ready to move on."
He stated that he'll be at the NASG Convention showing a model that was not photographed.
Dan Malkiewicz
The Western New York S Scale Association regrets to inform us of the passing of Daniel Malkiewicz, of Kenmore, New York, on July 29, 2026. Dan was an NASG member as well. His layout was featured in the March 2018 NASG Dispatch on pages 24 and 25. He wrote a brief article about his C&NW Streamlined #400 in the January 2024 issue on pages 16 and 17. More photos of his large 18' x 50', floor-to-ceiling scenery, layout can be viewed on this web site. We offer our condolences to Dan's family and his many friends.
Be sure to see all, or other, products announced over the past year via the main News page.