2011 O Scale National, Indianapolis, IN – News

There were a couple of new O Scale products displayed at the show:

Southern Car & Foundry’s New ATSF Bx-12 raised roof boxcar

Jon Cagle of Southern Car & Foundry had the pilot model for his new release the ATSF Bx-12 raised roof boxcar on display at his table.

SC&F CP “Minibox”

Also on Jon’s tables for sale were his kits of the Canadian Pacific “minibox” all steel boxcar. I was very glad to see so many of those kits go home with the show attendees. Jon also had a sample of an upcoming tank car on display. The frame castings were great!

I need to learn more about tank cars so I know what was running in my modeled area during my modeling period. Jon also put on a great clinic where he talked about how to build his kits.

Early sample of SC&F new tank car

Details for the Tank car

Another new product was on display on Bob Lavezzi’s table, a sample from Weaver Models of the upcoming release of a PRR class H30 covered hopper. I was impressed with this car. On the heals of their successful B&O M-53 wagon top boxcar, it looks like Weaver might have hit another homerun with the H30. Bob mentioned that the reservation period for this car should start sometime this Fall.

Weaver’s New H30 covered hopper

Roof detail on Weaver’s new PRR H30

Even though Protocraft was not at the show, John Paultz of American Switch and Signal had a set of their 41-N passenger truck at the Proto 48 convention. It was beautiful and just what I need under my Reading passenger cars. John also had his turnout casting for sale at the show, I will be using them on my railroad. John’s detail parts are also available through Protocraft.

Protocraft 41-N Passenger Truck

2011 O Scale National, Indianapolis, IN

A View of the Proto48 Meeting at the O Scale National Convention

The 2011 O Scale National was held during the week from September 21st thru September 25th in Indianapolis, IN. Communication is not always what it should be and 20/20 hindsight is always better, I wish we would have known at the time that this National was put on Jim and his crew late.

When I go to a National, I’ll admit I want to be entertained by the local modelers. I look forward to seeing their layouts, attending their clinics, and seeing their modeling. Each area of the country that the Nationals have been held in sees the world differently. At the O Scale  National each we get a chance to see that area through the eyes of the people in that region. We get the chance to see common sceans modeled as they are remembered.

The first day had Proto48 meeting and a layout tour. We were invited to Jim Canter’s layout where we saw a large railroad under construction. It also was a great display for his track sections as they were being used throughout his layout. I look forward to seeing the eveloution of that layout.  We also had the chance to see a real jewel of a Proto48 layout, Warner Clark’s layout is worth going to Indianapolis to see on it’s own. We also attended another layout that day even though it was not a Proto48 layout. We visited Jeff Lang’s layout fine layout.

Before we headed out we had the chance to see some examples of On3 layouts that fit on the tables. We also had the chance to talk with one of the Proto48 suppliers, John Paultz of American Switch and Signal. He showed off a turnout built with his parts and talked about the development of his product line. One thing that really looked great on his display, besides his parts, was his use of an N scale Cab Industries ground throw. I spoke with my local suplier who was sitting next to me during the meeting and have some on order now.

The next day, there were good buys on the trading floor to be had. The time spent with the modelers who were there was very enjoyable.

Reading Modeling Myth #2 – Reading Cabooses all had Taylor Trucks

Reading NMf 90723 sitting in Tamaqua

 

One of the common Reading Company Myths is that all of their cabooses road on Taylor Trucks.

Based on the 1957 roster, the following is a breakdown of how many of each type of truck were under Reading Steel caboose in 1957. Turns out there are more Birdsboro Bettendorf style trucks under the Reading Cabooses than Taylor trucks.

 

Andrews 25 9%
Taylor 114 40%
Birdsboro 148 51%
287 100%

Prototype: Reading RS-2 #539 two photos

Reading 539 2/15/52
Reading 539 in Catawissa, PA 8/56

Just when you think you know something, you don’t!

 I’ve been looking at photographs and marking down the detail differences on the RS-2 page.
 
Before tonight I had only seen one photo of a Reading AS-16 without louvers on the Engineer’s side below the air intakes on the long hood. Tonight I found three more photos which clearly showed the panel on #538, 539 and 533 without louvers.
 
What is really making my head spin is that a photo of #539  dated 2/15/52 shows enginge number 539 without louvers and then less then four years lateer in 8/56 the same locomotive has the louvers.
 
Time to find more images of the locomotives in 1952!