Collection Thinning Sale!

The party continues over at Ebay, as much as I hate using it.  Kato, Atlas, IMRC and other modern locos and rolling stock.  I've got to thin out this collection of stuff or I will continue to get hung up on finishing the design of the new layout.  Visit my Ebay page here.

Available Again!

Show everyone that this is the USA - not Russia. We have a right to photography anything on public property. Visit our CafePress Store.

Kato GEVOs

Back in July I predicted that Kato would offer the GEVO locomotives (GE ES44AC and/or ES44DC) in N-scale. Of course I was incorrect - at the time. Fox Valley Models, who make a really excellent line of N-scale freight cars did announce one, initially by placing a mysterious "coming soon" ad in N-scale Railroading.

My opinion at the time was that this was a crazy move, and I've never stopped believing that. It is so OBVIOUS that Kato would offer the GEVO. Modern power is the core of the Kato North American model range. They would never allow an upstart to invade their "turf". A discussion I had with Kato many years ago implied that they want to be offering the most common, currently available locomotive platforms and the GEVO is one of those today.

Personally I wanted a GEVO from Kato because of their excellent running characteristics and uncanny ability to match paint and lettering from model to model, over many years.

Hopefully the market can support 2 GEVOs - although I sure wish FVM had invested in tooling more freight cars - imagine we still don't have a credible 60-70's era 52' mill gon or a modern 65' mill gon in N-scale. And what about X58 or PC&F boxcars?

Rumor: Spine Car Coming in N

From a very well liked - relatively new manufacturer... Supposedly to be announced within days... UPDATE! Well so much for this rumor from an always reliable source! UPDATED AGAIN! Well, I was right. Told you so!

Coming Soon from Kato?

Atlas Forum

Just a random thought on the Atlas forum. It seems to be down regularly lately. The Atlas folks seem to completely ignore the N-scale side, unless its about to blow up. And what's worse have you noticed the lack of civility over there?

I've posted there for years and beside occassional squabbles - usually revolving around my admiration for Kato - I think I've tried to be a helpful participant. If I answer something and I am not 100% sure - I will usually make that clear.

Ever since the silly nonsense over the GEVO's in the early summer, I get the vague feeling of being not wanted anymore....

Of course, I'll say it again - I'll bet we see GEVO's from Kato before we see them from anyone else. That should rattle some cages! :)

Connecticut Southern

We spent the past weekend in Windsor Locks, CT and I had to go search out the old New Haven line through town. I expected an Amtrak shuttle train, but in fact was lucky to catch a CSOR freight heading northbound, presumably to Springfield, MA. On the point was a pair of tattered ex-LMX B39-8's. The train appeared to be mostly cars of scrap or recycling material. Nothing glamorous, but interesting nontheless.