PRR Eastern Region - Timonium Show

[wm3798]

So is Merchandise Service going down the tubes?  Or just re-focusing.  I would probably spill at least some of the beans here before the rumor mill starts cranking full tilt...  Remember, a rumor can travel halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on...

Lee

[John]

I have to agree with Lee .. unless this is some exclusive deal with the Keystone Modeler folks that requires absolute confidentiality, I don't understand the need for the mystery. People tear layouts down, change scales, get out of modeling, refocus all the time ... its not that big a deal .. the rumor mill can and will probably do lots of harm ..

[Dave V]

Jerry's layout was part of what convinced me that I could do a credible PRR in N scale.  His departure from N scale hits pretty hard.  By Jerry's own accounting, his departure from N translates to 23 canceled locomotives with PCM.  He was/is a force in Pennsy N scale, doubly so since he is/was(?) a dealer.  I know he says he'll keep advocating for PRR N scale...  but without the huge shopping list for his own layout, will the manufacturers listen?

Hmmm...

[wm3798]

Well, John tears down HIS layout all the time... lets not blur the issue... ;D

Mr. Applegate

[keystonecrossings]

I thought I already posted this, but it didn't show up...

I'm keeping mum on what drove the decision until an issue is resolved.

I still recognize the great potential to do things in N that you cannot do in larger scales.

Merchandise Service will continue to champion N scale products, just as it had continued to market HO products over the past 7 years while I modeled N scale.

As for HO scale... maybe. For now I am just going to operate on the many excellent model railroads in our local operating group.

[tom mann]

I thought I already posted this, but it didn't show up...

I'm keeping mum on what drove the decision until an issue is resolved.

So PCM is turning your basement into a manufacturing plant?

[keystonecrossings]

I thought I already posted this, but it didn't show up...

I'm keeping mum on what drove the decision until an issue is resolved.

So PCM is turning your basement into a manufacturing plant?

Hmmmm.... interesting idea! Guess I'd have to arrange for "company houses" for Mad Max and Dave Vollmer!

[TrainCat2]

Jerry,

Will you make Springfield this year ??

Nope... I have yet to make Springfield!

I will be at Timonium in February and most likely in April. Definite for PRRT&HS show in May.

Sorry I won't be at either Timonium show. Brad will be there with the PRR signal bridges. I am scheduling to be at PRRT&HS show so we should each other there.

.

[wm3798]

Well, it turns out I will be coming to Timonium.  A friend of mine's father in law has moved this way from Omaha, and turns out he's pursuing N scale!  Maybe I can convince him to be a PRR modeler, although I'm pretty sure he's been too close to the Union Pacific for all of his life... might be a tough sell.

Either way, I'll be seeing you at the show, Jerry, not sure which day, though. 

Lee

[asciibaron]

i am on Jerry's mailing list and read about the issue with the Atlas code 55 frogs - i checked mine and damned if you weren't right.  it has only happened to 2 so far, and they both checked out fine when they were installed in September.  ugh.

i have been considering just doing N scale for "proof of concept" work and then going back to HO for the implementation.  the lack of product availability is a real problem, i'm not looking to scratch build or kitbash 100+ piggyback flats for TT3 and TT4.  in HO i can simply buy them as i need them.  i would also like to hand lay all visible trackage on the full scale implementation - i don't see that as being something enjoyable in N scale considering i'd have to use solder or adhesive - in HO i can spike them and move at a fast pace.

just grist for the mill for another who is considering his modeling future (trains not fashion).

-steve

[Mark5]

frogs can't be the reason for switching scales ... 

is there a new "issue" with the #5s?

[wm3798]

i am on Jerry's mailing list and read about the issue with the Atlas code 55 frogs - i checked mine and damned if you weren't right.  it has only happened to 2 so far, and they both checked out fine when they were installed in September.  ugh.

i have been considering just doing N scale for "proof of concept" work and then going back to HO for the implementation.  the lack of product availability is a real problem, i'm not looking to scratch build or kitbash 100+ piggyback flats for TT3 and TT4.  in HO i can simply buy them as i need them.  i would also like to hand lay all visible trackage on the full scale implementation - i don't see that as being something enjoyable in N scale considering i'd have to use solder or adhesive - in HO i can spike them and move at a fast pace.

just grist for the mill for another who is considering his modeling future (trains not fashion).

-steve

You CAN buy all those trailer flats... you just won't have room to run them... :
Lee

[amato1969]

i have been considering just doing N scale for "proof of concept" work and then going back to HO for the implementation.  the lack of product availability is a real problem, i'm not looking to scratch build or kitbash 100+ piggyback flats for TT3 and TT4.  in HO i can simply buy them as i need them. 

You CAN buy all those trailer flats... you just won't have room to run them... :
Lee

Indeed!  Steve, your modeling era is '67, right?  So, you'll need a bunch of 85' cars (no RTR or kit that I know of in N), some 75-footers (coming soon from N Kits hopefully), plus the "channel side" 89-footers, which are available from N Kits, but I could use some RTR as well!

  Frank

[Mark5]

i have been considering just doing N scale for "proof of concept" work and then going back to HO for the implementation.  the lack of product availability is a real problem, i'm not looking to scratch build or kitbash 100+ piggyback flats for TT3 and TT4.  in HO i can simply buy them as i need them.

You CAN buy all those trailer flats... you just won't have room to run them... :
Lee

Indeed!  Steve, your modeling era is '67, right?  So, you'll need a bunch of 85' cars (no RTR or kit that I know of in N), some 75-footers (coming soon from N Kits hopefully), plus the "channel side" 89-footers, which are available from N Kits, but I could use some RTR as well!

  Frank

Ultimate makes 75 footers now:

http://www.ultimatenscale.com/n-scale-flatcars.html

[inkaneer]

i am on Jerry's mailing list and read about the issue with the Atlas code 55 frogs - i checked mine and damned if you weren't right.  it has only happened to 2 so far, and they both checked out fine when they were installed in September.  ugh.
-steve

What issue with Atlas code 55 frogs?  Someone want to elaborate or do we have to play this guessing game on that also.