jay:
THANKS for the review
mel perry
On Aug 17, 2012, at 11:18 AM, Mellon, Jay wrote:
All,
Here is my report on the NASG convention held in Chattanooga, TN on
8/8 through 8/11. The usual caveats apply. This report details my
experiences and is not intended to be all inclusive for the entire
convention.
Vendors/Exhibitors
Altoona Model Works – Bob Spaulding has recently thrown his hat
into the S ring. He produces a line of craftsman structure kits.
I picked up his engine house and depot kits. These are nice kits
with clear instructions.
American Models – They presented a nice selection of some of their
latest releases. AM also produced the convention car that was
actually present for pickup in the vendor hall.
DesPlaines Hobbies – Ron Sebastian was there with a great deal on S
Microscale decals ($0.99 each). I succumbed to several sets. Work
on the SD45 model is progressing with drive train production
details being resolved.
Great Decals – Bill Mosteller had S scale coupler gauges (resin)
and S decals (mostly Southeastern roads).
Hoquat Hobbies – Jeff Wilson had his usual good selection of S
equipment which also included a set of AM PAs that I have been
searching for about 20 years. They now have a new home.
Iron Rail Models – These are the folks who acquired Downs Models
and are actively producing modern tank car models. I have obtained
a number of them in the past year and picked up a new one at this
convention. Very nice models.
Michigan Models – Tom Hawley had a special IRM tank car that I
picked up. Tom relayed that he intends to curtail his long
distance trips and stick closer to home in the future.
M.L.W. Services – Andy Mallette was promoting his CN reefer kit.
There were some delays to correct details on this kit. Kit
production should begin later this coming Fall.
NASG Clearing House – Roy Meissner was present with his usual
collection of gauges, hats, shirts, etc., plus his custom truck
(vehicle) kits.
Pikesville Models – Dave Blum had a very large selection of AF
items present. He is also developing a coil steel cover model that
the scale folks should be interested in.
Pine Canyon Models - They have been busy bringing older kits back
into the inventory, as well as developing new kits. These kits are
very nice.
Port Lines Hobbies – Doug Peck did not have his usual display of S
goodies, but, instead, brought a large selection of S items
obtained from estate acquisitions.
River Raisin Models – Dan Navarre was taking deposits on orders for
his SP 0-6-0 and C&O Heavy Pacific projects. He also displayed a
nice selection of currently available models (love those SP beauts!).
S Helper Service – Don, Robin, and Mike were there, selling off
inventory, following the company sale to MTH. If you need
additional parts for SHS models, better act now “while the gettin’
is good.” It was sad to think that this may be the last time we
see SHS at a convention.
The Railroad Crossing – Richard Krieg offers a service for custom-
built structures, as well as his own line. I picked up a small
depot model.
The Supply Car – I finally caved and ordered one of the Bob
McCarthy custom passenger car kits (MoPac “Eagle Height”), having
been inspired by Bob Hogan’s clinic presentation.
S Scale Loco and Supply – After a LONG absence from the convention
scene, Fred Rouse appeared with a whole bunch of S parts (drivers,
etc.). His focus currently is to get a complete line back into
inventory (see his website for a list).
Union Station Products – Mark Meeks is the fellow producing the car
sides for these Supply Car custom passenger car kits. Be nice to him.
Lionel and MTH did not have representatives there, but MTH did have
an introductory brochure available for their S line
(www.mthsgaugetrains.com). There were also several vendors present
selling AF equipment, in addition to Dave Blum.
Welcome Reception – This was a relaxing affair that included a
barbeque chicken dinner, allowing attendees the opportunity to
catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. It was good to
catch up with Tom Robinson, who I had not seen in several years.
Convention Layouts – Some Southeastern clubs (Atlanta, NC?)
combined efforts to produce a room-filling layout that featured an
amazing array of AF accessories and train activity. Plus, it was
situated adjacent to the hotel bar, so we could view trains and
“wet our whistle” simultaneously. I got a good view of the new
Lionel U33c models, as well. Our club (Crescent City S Gaugers)
brought our display layout to this convention (set up in vendor
hall). We hope everyone who visited the vendor hall had a chance
to enjoy it. We were happy to contribute to the convention by
providing some S entertainment. The NASG switching layout was also
in the vendor hall.
Tours – The rail tour that we took (Copperhill, GA) was substituted
for the planned Chickamauga event, due to some rail maintenance
issues. The ride was very scenic through heavily forested terrain,
complete with its own “loop” to gain elevation in a short
distance. Norman Maunz and I had an informative discussion with
some folks from the Northern Ohio S Scalers during the trip. Plus,
we got to experience a serious “gulley washer” during the return
rail trip.
The layout tour took in the HO layout of James Bailiff, the S
standard/Sn3 layout of David Wheat, and the S scale layout of Jerry
Holmes. D. Wheat’s layout is a work in progress, but included some
nice modeling in the narrow gauge scenes. Jerry’s layout models
the C&O with some excellent scenes that included serious coal
trains using Berkshire head-end power. A very nice layout. In
addition, Jerry’s view of Chattanooga out his back patio area is
simply “breath-taking”. A hearty thanks to all of our hosts,
allowing us to visit their layouts.
Clinics – There were several that I was interested in attending,
but only made it to one…Bob Hogan’s presentation on The Supply Car
custom passenger car kits. Bob’s presentation was well done and
thorough. Plus, following the clinic, we got to view Earl Henry’s
custom SR passenger cars (from these kits) up close. Very nice! I
am interested in modeling a MoPac stream-lined train. So, I “bit
the bullet” and ordered one of these kits to give it a try.
Other ‘Stuff” – I was late to the General Business Meeting, as we
were packing our club layout, following the closing of the vendor
hall. Apparently, there was much discussion regarding the
cessation of publishing the annual membership issue of Dispatch. I
do find them to be a valuable resource, even if they are not
current. I would be in favor of publishing a special “layout
issue” in lieu of the membership issue. Also, NASG elections are
coming up this Fall…a plea was made for officer nominations.
I had the pleasure of meeting John Degnan of Sergent coupler fame
in the vendor hall. He provided an up-close comparison of the
Sergent coupler with the Kadee 802 coupler used by many S scalers.
Then, he was off to Knoxville to discuss the production efforts of
the “new and improved” coupler with Frank Sergent himself.
As has become their custom and our benefit, we were serenaded by
Andy Mallette and Dave Heine during the pre-banquet “happy hour.”
Food and company during the banquet were excellent, and made some
new friends (Hello Charlie!). I never did get to see the contest
models. Apparently, there was a considerable greater submission of
model entries at this convention, as opposed to last year’s joint
NMRA/NASG event. Hopefully, pictures of the contest winners will
appear in the Dispatch. And, as usual, the antics of auctioneer
Jamie Bothwell were very entertaining. Not to be disappointed,
Jamie provided a new batch of “S scale zombies” for some lucky
winners. And, my donation of a collection of “whacked” SHS hirail
couplers brought a whopping $0.10 into the NASG treasury. Hey,
just doin’ my part. J
Post-Convention Layout Tour – Pete Silcox and Bob Hogan graciously
opened their layouts for visitation on the Sunday following the
convention. Pete’s layout is a work in progress, but includes some
neat scenes such as the rock/gravel quarry and Stone Mountain
backdrop. I have seen a number of pictures taken of Bob Hogan’s
layout, as well as Earl Henry’s description on the S list. They
are accurate, but I was still amazed when I actually saw it.
Simply stupendous modeling. Although I might be a bit prejudiced
as a SP fan myself, I think it is the nicest layout I have ever
seen. If you have the opportunity to see it, don’t pass it up.
And, he has a whole wall full of those custom-built passenger
cars. Bob is a humble guy, but when it comes to modeling stream-
lined passenger cars, I would pay strict attention to his advice.
Next Convention – It was announced that the 2013 NASG convention
will take place in Scranton, PA (“Steam Town”). Rumor has it that
there will be a special event there…the “Tour de Jamie” bike race.
So, for all you Lance Armstrong wannabes, the time to start
training is NOW. I had a great time at this convention. Isn’t
that what it’s all about? We need to profusely thank Dave Blum,
Jerry Holmes and all the others who helped put this convention
together. Until next year.
Jay Mellon
New Orleans, LA
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