More For the "East of Durango" Narrow Gauge Fans

In 1926, the Ford Motor Company started building its second to last year of "Model T" vehicles. The Denver and Rio Grande was halfway between celebrating their new K-36 locomotives, and working out the details of the even larger K-37's, and some 1800 miles to the east of Durango, something entirely unique began to take shape on 36" gauge rails.

In an unusual example of prototype imitates scale, the East Broad Top Railroad of Orbisonia, PA took delivery of what amounted to a full size craftsman kit. A collaboration between the J.H. Brill company of Philadelphia PA and Westinghouse, it was to become a gas-electric powered riveted steel railcar, similar to a cut down Brill Model 250, powered by a six cylinder power plant originally designed to power naval airships. The unit was driven by four 75 HP 600 volt DC traction motors, with enough power to pull a full sized EBT coach behind it.

(Photo: Nevin Byers http://www.parails.com)

The new car was given the number "M-1" and went into service in 1927, and became both an instant success, and a unique railroad vehicle, being the only one of its type in narrow gauge. Like the "Geese" found on western narrow gauge roads, the M-1 proved useful for mail service, and also carried small numbers of passengers; the M-1 also regularly carried metal castings. The M-1 has never been "restored" because it was never officially "retired;" the car made runs even after the railroad closed, and on into the current "tourist" years of the railroad, where it operates each year even into the twenty first century at the railroad's annual fall event. You can see more photos of the M-1, some showing the power plant here (sorry, the videos don't seem to work.)

(Drawing: Pete Thornton)

Now modelers of the EBT, and those who appreciate this unique piece of narrow gauge history may have the chance to have their own kit delivered for assembly in their own shops. The project, spearheaded by Pete Thornton, involves a long thought of project by modelling master Roger Cutter, and is currently planned for a small number of models. There is a website being built around the project that, while currently not yet operational, would give interested modelers a chance to contact those involved and express their support and interest in such a project. When the website is up and running, we'll be sure to post a link here.

We here at One Twenty Point Me hope the project is a resounding success; while certainly partial to Colorado as the "cradle of Narrow Gauge" we applaud any effort to produce an accurately scaled, highly detailed model in 1:20.3 scale!

Logging On, Logging Cars, and Logging Attendance

Just a quick update today, we'll have more later in the week.


PNG Rising

Back from hibernation, Phil's Narrow Gauge is now officially back on track. Navigate on over to their website to see the very latest from Phil, as well as some new photos of the Colorado shop!

Though it seems some models are still back-ordered, no doubt modelers will breathe a collective sigh of relief to have this 1:20.3 friend back in business.

http://www.philsnarrowgauge.com/


Logging On?

Recent visitors to the Bronson-Tate website will have undoubtedly noticed the new web page dedicated to Logging Equipment on the site. While no official word has trickled out yet, we suspect this may be a good candidate for the "laser cutter" that has been mentioned on Mylargescale as planning to introduce various logging equipment kits.

Keep an eye on the BTAM page for yourself here: http://www.bronson-tate.com/le.shtml


Who, What, When, and Where...

Continuing to help sort out the mess the SWGRS has created by launching their summer show on the same dates as the long established Big Train Show (now held in Ontario, California) we're updating our list again this week with a few more confirmations.

Both the Del Oro Pacific modular club and the Mylargescale.com display seem to have defected to Pomona.

While the social clubs, displays, and activities that would most interest 1:20 modelers seem to be organizing around the SWGRS show, most 1:20-centric dealers, at least for the time being, still seem firmly set on exhibiting at the BTS. There have been rumors of some form of incentives now being offered back-channel to such dealers to help encourage them to switch, but nothing official (or public) it seems. Only time will tell if these tactics will work.

As it stands, most 1:20.3 focused modelers will be playing at the Southwest Garden Railroad Show, and shopping at the Big Train Show.

Perhaps carpools are in order?

See the latest of our on-going coverage here: http://120pointme.blogspot.com/2010/01/did-you-ever-have-to-make-up-your-mind.html

The Tuesday Update

Some news and views to help get you going this week!


MoLoCo Weighs In

In response to our report on the challenge now facing both vendors and attendees of this year's upcoming Big Train Show and Southwest Garden Railroad Show, we had email responses come pouring in this weekend. Of particular note was an email from Missouri Locomotive Company's Allen Pollock. According to Allen, though no decision has been made at this point, should MoCoLo decide to venture out to Southern California come June, it would be the SWGRS show 1:20.3 modelers would find the MoLoCo unique line of logging locomotives at.

Chalk another one up for the SWGRS! (We'll add this to the earlier post of confirmed dealers below.)


Betsy - A Sure Bet!

Mr. Pollock didn't stop there though, oh no! MoLoCo was also kind enough to send along a photo of their brand new, yet to be formerly announced, locomotive, Betsy, for 1:20.me readers to enjoy!

This finely crafted brass engine, based on one of California's very first 3 foot gauge logging locomotives, is due out later this year.



The above photo is only that of the pilot model and according to Allen there are still several changes to be made before production. Features such as a removable smoke box front (for boiler access) and a perforated underside decking to accommodate speaker installation are just some of the features that show MoLoCo has engineered this beauty with forward thinking towards the modeler.

Pricing is likely to come in just under $900.00 USD, however, at the moment MoLoCo is offering a discount to those who reserve their Betsy now.

To learn more about the Betsy, as well as the current discount offer, be sure to contact MoLoCo either through their website at http://www.moloco.biz/ or directly at info@moloco.biz


Custom Creations

And finally today, a look at the custom work Rio Grande Models UK has been doing this winter.

While certainly offering a wonderful variety of D&RGW passenger, freight, and MOW car kits, apparently some 1:20 modelers were still not satisfied.

Never one to leave a customer wanting, RGM UK owner David Gormley has been hard at work developing specific MOW cars for modelers, each a one-off custom design. Below are a series of photos showcasing David's efforts. While these cars have already been sold, modelers with interest in something similar should contact David to see what custom efforts he may be able to offer.

Find these and more at http://www.riograndemodelsuk.com/

Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind...

Memories...

If you happen to be fortunate enough to live in the (almost) always sunny Southern California area, then chances are you've attended the "Large Scale only" Big Train Show. Even if you don't live in California, or for that matter, in the United States, there is still a very good chance that if you're reading this website, you know the show, and the show's history.

What had been affectionately referred to as the "Queen Mary Show" for years, the annual Big Train Show created something of panic just a few years back when it changed locations, leaving behind the famous ocean liner in Long Beach, CA, relocating some 50 miles away to the Ontario California Convention Center.

During the first year of the show in its new home, many modelers were heard to remark their sadness for the loss of the history-rich setting of the BTS, however most attendees agreed that the new and modern convention center, with more room for vendors and displays, and the ease of access to surrounding hotels and restaurants was an improvement over the "rusty boat."

Just as the large scale community seemed to embrace the BTS in Ontario, the unthinkable happened. In 2009, the operators of the Big Train Show announced that they would be allowing non-Large Scale vendors and displays to participate in the BTS. Panic spread throughout the online large scale communities. The fear that in just a few years, the Big Train Show, beloved by Large Scalers the world over, would resemble nothing more than any other regional all-scale show.

Thankfully, though smaller scale items were present this past June, by all accounts, the BTS was just as much a BTS as ever.

This brings us to today's report, and the trouble now brewing in Southern California.


Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better...

As modelers are now aware, a second Large Scale show promoted by David Roberts has been placed on the upcoming 2010 calendar for the weekend of June 5th and 6th. The relatively new Southwest Garden Railroad Show to be hosted in Pomona, California will, it seems, be competing directly with the BTS.

It would appear that this year, Mr. Roberts intends to offer an alternative to the multi-scale show format of the reworked BTS. Though many well known manufacturers and vendors attended the first SWGRS held last October, there has been some concern aired publicly that the two shows competing on the same weekend shall prove problematic to attendees.

Alternatively, there appears to be a growing sentiment that a "G scale only" show is again needed, and the unwillingness of the Ontario based show to maintain such exclusivity will ultimately be their own undoing.

(You can read opinions from both camps in one of the more lively internet discussions here: http://www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/aff/13/aft/113882/afv/topic/Default.aspx)

Over the past several weeks, we've received inquiries asking where "dealer X" will be attending, or where "manufacturer Y" will exhibit. To help inform our readers, we set out to investigate which show appears to be the better choice for 1:20.3 modelers to attend.

1:20.me set out to contact the major players within the large scale community that have demonstrated a focus on 1:20.3 modeling and sales. For readers of this site, knowing where USA Trains will be exhibiting is nice; knowing where Accucraft will be, is better. Some 40 plus companies were contacted by the site, and as their answers have begun to roll in, we're starting to see a better defined picture of where 1:20 modelers may want to focus their attention.

We plan to keep this list updated as time ticks down to the BTS and SWGRS show weekend, and as further companies are confirmed, we'll add them here.


Should I Stay or Should I Go?

We've heard back from many 1:20.3 vendors and manufacturers. Several are still waiting to see where "the majority" of other vendors set up camp, and will then follow suit. Today, we can confirm for 1:20.me readers the following:


Confirmed 1:20.3 Vendors and Manufacturers

Gregory Posta and his Rio Grande Souther Hobbies will be attending the Big Train Show.
http://www.rgsrrhobbies.com/

Jonathan Bliese and his Electric Model Works will be attending the Big Train Show.
http://www.rctrains.com/

Custom Model Products will be attending the Southwest Garden Railroad Show.
http://www.custommodelproducts.com/

Phil Dippel and his Phil's Narrow Gauge will be attending the Big Train Show.
http://www.philsnarrowgauge.com/

Randy Bryie and his Pacific Coast Garden Railway Supply will be attending the Big Train Show.
http://www.pcgrs.com/

Rio Grande Models UK's products will be on display at the Big Train Show.
http://www.riograndemodelsuk.com/

Allen Pollock and the Missouri Locomotive Company MAY attend the Southwest Garden Railroad Show.
http://www.moloco.biz/

Shad's Mylargescale.com booth will make its home this year at the Southwest Garden Railroad Show.
http://www.mylargescale.com/



Confirmed Displays with 1:20.3 Items

Don Gage and Bob Baxter's Door Hollow Shortline will be on display at the Southwest Garden Railroad Show.
http://www.doorhollowshortline.com/

The Del Oro Pacific Group has sent word they will be on display at the Southwest Garden Railroad Show.
http://deloropacific.org/



Confirmed as Not Attending

Unfortunately, Bob Hartford and his Hartford Products will not be attending either show this year.
http://www.hartfordlargescaleproducts.com/


In addition to the above vendors and displays, we have be told that other, well-known groups have already confirmed their attendance to one show or the other. Though we're sure that no misinformation is purposely being reported by either organizer, until such a time as we have independent confirmation from attendees of which show they will exhibit at, we will refrain from adding them to the list above.

Remember, there are certainly dozens more that have already confirmed their appearance at the SWGRS or the BTS, but as our reporting deals exclusively with 1:20.3 scale railroading and interests, we felt it best to leave these confirmations out. Our goal is to provide a snapshot of where and when your favorite 1:20 exhibitors will be.

To learn where other "G scale" vendors, primarily focused on 1:29, 1:22.5, 1:32, etc will be, we suggest keeping an eye on the following two websites:

The official Southwest Garden Railroad Show website:
http://www.swgrs.com/

The official Big Train Show website:
http://www.bigtrainshow.com/

Obviously as this story develops, we'll bring it to you. For now though, one has to wonder, who would have thought that having two Large Scale centric shows in Southern California would ever have been anything other than music to modeler's ears?

For the sake of the hobby as a whole, let's hope that the differences between these two shows will not further splinter an already rather fractured modeling community.

The Weekend Update

We're back today with even more news to share from the world of 1:20.3!

Continue to check back with the site as we still have two further articles coming this week, on both the upcoming EBT M-1 we told you about on Wednesday, and details on our all new One to Twenty Point Me Photo Logo Challenge!


New Year, New Kits

Word in from our friends at Rio Grande Models UK is that 2010 promises even more craftsman quality kits to debut from the company.


Confirmed to 1:20.me reporters this week is that the Uintah Auxiliary Water Tender kit, seen here http://sites.google.com/site/riograndemodelsuk/0469-water-tank, will be the next product to close out development and head to market.

After that? Well, RGM UK isn't confirming anything at the moment, however several new kits including more D&RGW MOW items are known to be on their development slate.


New Year, New Address

Reader Cale Nelson wrote in to the site this week with a quick bit of news. It seems that Northwest Remote Control Systems out of Washington state has updated their website address. While the old address still works, the new, more streamlined one might be a bit easier to remember. Find it here: http://www.nwrcs.net/


Old Kits, New News

Most every week for the past nine months, we've received questions here at the site regarding Phil Dippel's progress in relocating, and re-opening Phil's Narrow Gauge.

For those that were unaware, in March, Phil closed up operations in Northern California, and relocated to Colorado. Along with the move, dedicated workshop and modeling facilities for PNG have also been under construction in "Narrow Gauge" country.

Well, we heard from Phil this week, and we are very pleased to confirm for 1:20.me readers that sometime next week, Phil will be updating the PNG website, complete with photos of the all new 1,000 square foot workshop, and better still, once again begin accepting orders for PNG products!

That's right, the PNG drought is officially coming to a close. For those eager to start spending their money right away, we suggest keeping an eye on http://www.philsnarrowgauge.com/ for the very latest.


New Engine, Now Delivering


And finally today, word from 1:20.me reader Ross Schlabach reminding us that the all new Accucraft Live Steam K-36 Engines have been shipping to customers for the past several weeks.

Indeed, word seems to be that Accucraft has another winner on their hands with this engine; that new owners have, for the most part, been thoroughly pleased with both the detail and the operating characteristics of the engine, as delivered from the factory.

As Ross pointed out to us, there is an ongoing discussion of the new engine at the MyLargeScale website, which you can see here: http://www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/aff/11/aft/113814/afv/topic/Default.aspx



Ok, that will do it for today.
Our thanks go out to Ross, Cale, and as always, all our readers here at 1:20.me. We'll be back with even more very soon!

A Fast Start to the New Year

Should Auld Aquaintance Be Forgot

Jason Sullivan, president of St Aubin announced last week that St Aubin Junction, the Las Vegas NV branch of the large scale trains retail giant would be closing its doors. St Aubin customers need not panic, however, the flagship store and internet sales will remain fully operational. You can read the entire announcement here.

As might be imagined, the announcement has been the source of a great deal of discussion, some of which you can read here.


Ring In the New

You may recall that back in April of 2009, we made mention in this article that acclaimed modeler Roger Cutter had begun work on a project to create a 1:20.3 model of the East Broad Top's Gas-Electric railcar M-1.


Photo: Lance Myers

This week, we've received word from Pete Thornton that not only is the project alive and well, but making good progress, and there will soon be a website from which you can order one of your very own! We know this will have our eastern narrow gauge fans opening whatever bottles of champagne might be left over from New Year's Eve, celebrating far and wide and clamouring to know more, so watch for a more in-depth story in this space very soon!


From Brass Cars to Plastic Track?

From reader Jerry, comes word of Train-Li-USA's latest product, plastic rail ... code 332, designed for indoor or outdoor use, and optional ties of either wood or concrete appearance...

Rail - http://www.train-li-usa.com/store/prorail-display-p-1082.html
Ties - http://www.train-li-usa.com/store/protie-brown-p-1075.html

While no one knows long term durability yet - this certainly looks like it would have potential for those who don't need electricity in their rails, or who might need an inexpensive solution for a storage or display track, or other non-powered use. We'll be watching closely for reports from those who choose to try this new response to increasingly expensive brass (and other metal) track -- it does look promising!


And, Speaking of Promising

Promises, Promises... it's now been many months that we've continued to report on the upcoming availability of AMS Jackson Sharp Coaches from Accucraft... and there are still none to be found. The latest word circulating around dealers and modelers is that coaches may have been pushed back, yet again, to sometime in March.

We're working on getting details from Accucraft now, and will report back as soon as we have something firm... in the meantime, let's keep those fingers crossed that Accucraft's last estimate of January or February will hold true.

And while on the subject of AMS coaches, we received a letter from reader Jim Typrowicz, asking if we'd,"heard anything about the AMS Combine?" Unfortunately Jim, no, we haven't; knowing that these cars were set for release after the second wave of passenger cars, all eyes will be on this coming Feb and March to see just what, and when, items arrive.

Also from Accucraft, over the holiday, the first photos of Accucraft's upcoming Climax Locomotive began to surface on the internet. See for yourself:

http://www.accucraft.com/index.php?show_aux_page=41 from Accuraft, and...
http://www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/aff/11/aft/113679/afv/topic/Default.aspx from MLS


And, Speaking of New Locomotives

Reports have begun to drift in about the arrival of Bachmann's new 2-4-4T Forney locomotives. Well known Bachmann poster JD Miller has posted an initial review of the model after receiving one of the very first arrivals, which you can read here. His concerns about the height of the model are echoed by a name known everywhere in the large scale community, Mr. David Fletcher, whose comments you can read here in the official Bachmann Industries forum discussion of the first arrivals. That thread also contains a link contributed by Stanley Ames, which shows a Youtube movie of the model in action, and which highlights much of what JD and Fletch raised for discussion:



There are also concerns about the model's pricing; reader Terry writes from the United Kingdom saying:

"The average price seems to be around the $1100 mark, and bearing in mind that our usually smaller than your layouts are ideal running places for a Forney, this is bad news for anybody expecting a bargain - we were buying the K-27 for less three months ago."

So, already there is much to discuss. We will be watching the developments concerning this model closely, and have arranged for a sample to be subjected to the kind of evaluation and review you've come to expect here at One Twenty Point Me.

We hope that our readers will understand why we reserve any kind of direct commentary or evaluation until we have the model, and can evaluate it for ourselves. Rest assured, though, as soon as we have the locomotive in hand, and have information a bit more detailed and factual than just an "A-Men" to contribute, you'll read it here!

We will say this though, preliminary reports of the models dimensions and details make both versions very close to well known Sandy River and Rangeley prototypes in 1:20.3, and while the track gauge in 1:20.3 is not that of the well loved Maine Narrow Gauge equipment, those who have chosen to model that unique part of the Narrow Gauge world on 45mm track will no doubt be very pleased, as the model is quite detailed and by all accounts runs well.

Altogether this is a good looking engine and we hope it enjoys the success in 1:20.3 (on 3' gauge track) that it did in On30 (on 30" gauge track).


Skidding Into the New Year

The first of Bachmann's new Log Skidder models are arriving. In one discussion about the first arrivals on the official Bachmann forum, poster JD Miller says of the skidder:

"The parts do not move. The spools, brakes, and gears are molded as one piece. There is no builders plate or name attached to the skidder so that information could be used to determine scale. Since skidders were produced in so many sizes it would be difficult to say for certain just what the scale is. Due to it's size the skidder should be useable with any scale from 1:24 to 1:20.3. Looking at old pictures where a skidder is on a flat car of known size might help to get a fix on just what the scale could be."

You can read the discussion on the Bachmann forum here.


Rumors on the Winter Wind

The winter wind plays tricks on the minds of our various readers it seems.

Whispers of new rolling stock, and new engines make people wonder if they're hearing things. Well, if what you're hearing is "K-28" in the night air, it's probably just a dream; just be sure to get off of the tracks before the headlight arrives!

On the other hand if what you were hearing is "C-19," maybe you'd just seen this, and wished upon a star that somewhere, someone would make it large enough for your 1:20.3 stable. Whatever modeler's dreams you're having, enjoy them, and when you wake up, get your camera ready ....


It's that time of year!

The One Twenty Point Me Photo Logo Challenge is coming! This year an entirely different photography adventure awaits our readers -- check back later this week for details!

Merry Christmas from 1:20.me!

To all our friends and readers, a Merry Christmas!

May this day find you blessed and filled with the holiday spirit. (And perhaps even playing with that new engine or car you asked Santa for!)

Be sure to check back at 1:20.me in the coming week for even more news and a New Year's Contest too!

Cheers!

Durango Dan and the 1:20.me Team

Our 1:20.3 Christmas List...

Over the last few weeks, we've received a number of letters and Christmas wishes from our readers.

Some, remembering the contest of two years ago, have breathed new life into the "Dear Santa Dan" theme, sending in wishes for everything from self-propelled log loaders to a live steam C-25. Others have submitted wishes for already announced products to magically appear in time for Christmas morning, and others still, for new announcements to end a year that's been unusually dry in new products.

One question though has come as a surprise from several readers this year:

"Dear Dan -- What is on YOUR wish list for 1:20.3 this Christmas?"

Honestly, we were taken a bit off guard, as normally, this page is about what our readers want and what manufacturers have (or will have). However, after some thought, and some collaboration among the various staff here at 1:20.me, we're pleased to bring you Durango Dan's 2009 1:20.3 Christmas List.

First, we'd like to see a well thought out locomotive from a stateside "common carrier." One most decidedly a 3-foot gauge prototype. Accurately scaled in 1:20.3 and mass produced in plastic or diecast metal, with a price point consistent with "Pre-Forney" (PF) locomotive prices. Much like the Bachmann K-27 was originally conceived, before, well... all those other issues cropped up.

Next, we'd like to see promotional campaigns for 1:20.3 products that involve announcing the model, followed by periodic updates on its progress and construction (including artist conceptions, test shots, engineering samples, production samples, etc.) and then a delivery and price point consistent with the original announcement. We'd be especially pleased if input from the 1:20.3 community was considered along the way with respect to design and prototype, but perhaps that's too much even for Santa's magic!

Finally, for 2010, we'd like to see a "Large Scale Community" where it's acceptable to lobby for, promote, and pursue excellence in scale modeling.

A good scale model is to "model railroading" what an Olympic athlete is to athletics; a gold standard. A level of excellence to which one can (and should) aspire. Our wish is simple. Our wish is that, as a community of modelers and manufacturers, that we would afford those among us with finely honed skills the sense of honor and accord that is due them. Not simply complaining about their level of "funding" or "space" available.


So how's that for a Christmas wish list? Peace on Earth, Good Will towards all men... and a 1:20.3 scaled train set around every tree... not a bad vision for the future, eh?

(Oh! ...and Santa, just in case you're listening, how about some 1:20.3 scale open air tourist cars, like those found on the Durango & Silverton? Now wouldn't that be nice!?)

Christmas Surprises

Yes, Bach-Fans, there IS a Santa Claus!

Today in a surprise announcement on their company forum, Bachmann Industries announced a new addition to their online store that is bound to make a great many modelers VERY happy -- the first large group of spare parts available for online purchase!

The initial offering lists some 77 different parts with a promise of more to follow. You can read the announcement here, or access the large scale parts section directly here.


The Little Red Wagon (or whatever color you care to paint it!)


Scott Anderson of Scale Art Models has announced the beginnings of a project to produce a 1:20.3 scale pickup truck kit. While the vehicle will be "generic" (or possibly user modified) to avoid issues with major automakers and their legal minds, it will still look right at home as a 40's/early 50's vehicle on a 1:20.3 layout. You can see photos of the sample and testing model parts at: http://www.scaleartmodels.com/page33.html

As most modelers know, vehicles of this vintage are difficult if not impossible to find in 1:20.3 scale, so we're sure that many of you will be as excited as we are about this news!


Over the River and Through the Woods

Frank Neher of G Scale Structures (Germany) has announced two new sets of bridge supports: a heavy wooden trestle bent, and a steel trestle bent. You can see photos of both at:

http://www.g-scale-structures.de/Seiten/Produkte.html

With his fine bridges, or with your own, both appear to be a nice option for prefabricated bents, if you're not bent on fabricating your own!



We'll be back later in the week with some Santa related material. So, be good, for goodness' sake!

The Long Overdue Black Friday Update

Seems like just yesterday it was Halloween, and suddenly Thanksgiving has come and gone as well! That makes it long past time for a long overdue 1:20.3 update, and without further ado, here it is!

Andre Schofield Kits

Back on October 7th, we brought you news of Andre Schofield's CNC acrylic D&RGW car kits. Modeler Bruce Chandler has now completed one of these kits, and we'd like to share some photos of his impressive work here.






A related thread on Large Scale Central follows his progress.

Once again, anyone interested in more information or obtaining one of these kits can contact Andre directly The original threads on Large Scale Central can be found here and also here.


Accucraft

We've received word from Accucraft that the long awaited Jackson & Sharp Coaches are currently in production, and are expected during the first quarter of 2010. This is consistent with the information provided in our interview with Ms. Ada Ho of Accucraft back in October, and should once again dispel rumors of later delivery dates that have been circulating the various forums. Those of you awaiting a K-36 will be pleased to learn that Accucraft expects delivery of this fine locomotive BEFORE CHRISTMAS, and that all of the Green Boiler/Moffat Logo liveried examples are already sold out -- encouraging news in what has been an uncertain time for 1:20.3 sales!

Santa's Helpers Take Note: A K-27 for less.

Just in time for the holidays, Micro Mark has reduced their prices on the Bachmann K-27 to $624.95. This is well below the usual advertised price for the K-27. See this page for details.


Holiday Traditions

Recently in response to a poster's request, Bachmann Industries' board moderator The Bach Man answered an inquiry about the forthcoming Forney and Flat Car with Log Skidder and Crates saying:

"They're on the way, but I think the Forneys at least will not arrive in time to ship before Christmas. They'll ship soon after. Have fun!"

The flatcar and skidder combination has already arrived in Japan, where photos of it have appeared on retail websites.



Bachmann's catalog page on their website now displays a similar photo, and a mystery! In the "flat cars" category for Large Scale, they list 95699 Log Skidder with Crates on 20' Flat Car, as well as 88598 "Flat Car with Log Skider and Crates, both listed for $99.00 and seperately they list the 92699 Log Skidder for $52.00. While it's unclear what this means, to date, the only flatcar seen associated with the log skidder is the somewhat ambiguously scaled "20 Foot Flatcar" and NOT the more recently developed 1:20.3 scale 30 foot flatcar released under the Spectrum banner.

From this one thing is clear: Whether you prefer cheese and macaroni, or macaroni and cheese, you probably won't see your new Bachmann rolling stock before Christmas.

Since this is a Christmas shopping update, however, one positive note to wrap up the now all too familiar song: Those of you waiting for Thomas and his friends to delight those future modelers among us, reports are arriving from several different quarters of the familiar blue engine arriving well ahead of the sleigh this year, so if the Island of Sodor figures in your large scale plans, you're in luck!

Across the Pond

Frank Nehr of G Scale Structures (Germany) has launched a new product line catering to large 1:20.3 scale equipment. His website, http://www.g-scale-structures.de/ shows some of his initial work in large scale, including some bridges large enough to accomodate a K-27 with a plow, and some large radius, uncommon shape switches.

Mr. Nehr is currently investigating US distribution of his products, but can be contacted by interested modelers through his website, which while primarily in German has several English captions, and Mr. Nehr himself will answer e-mail in English as well.

Forced Perspective

Back in April of this year, we brought you this story, about a planned 1:20.3 scale project proposed by Precision Scale Company that would have resulted in a model of the Northern Pacific Railway's Minnetonka locomotive. The difficulty was, the prototype Minnetonka was (and is) a STANDARD gauge locomotive, where a 1:20.3 scaled model on 45mm track would be a 36" NARROW gauge locomotive. A great deal of lively discussion followed as to whether the company planned to make a narrow gauge version of a historic locomotive, or whether the scale would be smaller to allow for the 45mm gauge to represent the 56.5 inch standard gauge of the prototype.

Now, at last, there is a resolution, though it may leave some scratching their heads. The website now shows the model listed as "1:29 Scale, 45mm gauge" effectively removing it from the radar of 1:20.3 modelers, and leaving several to wonder about the reception the model will have in a scale filled at present with aficionados of decidedly larger, more modern prototypes, from a company whose customers to date tend to focus on scale and detail in a way that they would be more likely to respond positively to a model of this calibre in 1:32, where the "precision" of the scale would be maintained.


So let's call that part one of Santa's Mail Bag. With a bit of help, and a little Christmas magic, look for part two sometime next week.