Is There a Connection Between USTTC and Nostalgia Train Works?

Nostalgia Train Works is Steve Latta. He does restorations and also used to do club cars, mostly TTOS SP. He used USTTC parts to make those club cars. He also did some of the 4 wheel Standard Gauge mine type cars using Rich Art pieces.

The USTTC car you have is one of a series of six.

 

Steve

Thanks, Steve.  That would explain the similarities.  I gather Nostalgia Train Works is now out of business??  I guess that leaves only the Lionel/MTH production as the only ones building tinplate cars today. Robin

I doubt Steve Latta is doing anymore large runs like club cars, but he is still in business

Thanks again, Steve.  I just made the connection with your YouTube channel.  Think we've been mutual subscribers for years.  My USTTC hunt goes on, although I missed York this year where I found some interesting pieces last year.  My most unique acquisition recently was the complete set made for the Toy Train Collectors Society in upstate New York.  Was able to trade my second BART set for it.  This was the first I hade ever heard of this set.  It was never mentioned in the TCA Quarterly articles by Lee Larew.  The folks at the TTCS were unable to give me any production numbers, but I assume they were low.  Robin

Robin, yep I'm the same guy that did all those video's.

Here are the Nostalgia Train Works cars in that series that I am aware of.

 

Steve

 

 

Thanks again, Steve.  And thanks for the pictures.  Now I know what I'm looking for.  Always good to have a goal in life!

I first saw these at Cal-Stewart a number of years ago, but had already departed with my $$$$. Was looking ever since. Then all of a sudden in 2012, I had 3 sets pass though my hands.

 

Steve

Here is a repaint that I did of a USTTC car that was in poor condition. You will notice that I filled in the unused brake wheel holes on one end of the car. I made the decals from artwork found on the Naughty Nurse Whiskey Facebook page. The girl on the car is singer/actress/model Renee Olstead, water color artwork by Nathalie Rattner.

Man, that is so cool.  I'm sure USTTC would have approved.  Let me know if you ever want to part with her!  Cheers, Robin

I gotta have one of those.....

I have another USTTC box car in primer. I plan to make a Milwaukee Road version using vintage travel poster artwork. These cars are much easier to use than the Lionel cars with the recesses for the name and number plates.

How do you make your decals.  I have a couple of cars I would like to redecorate myself.  Thanks.  Robin

I use white inkjet decal paper with a good quality photo printer. The decals can be kind of transparent so they look best if the color of the car is white, or at least a lighter color. After printing the decals let them dry a day or so and then seal them with a clear coat. I have been using Krylon acrylic clear with good results. Let the clear dry a few days before use. I have been using this paper, be sure to select the white paper when ordering. http://www.decalpaper.com/product-p/tryc.htm

Thanks for the info.  I'll definitely follow up with the supplier you mentioned.  Thanks again.