The Fall 2017 OGR Forum Grandstand Meeting was held on a beautiful Fall day. This was probably the prettiest day we have ever had for a Fall York. Finally, we could sit outside in the grandstands, spread out and enjoy the weather. But wait – we are meeting in the dusty Gold Hall last used in the Eisenhower administration, based on the “I Like Ike” bumper stickers on the golf carts. I bet they do – or did.
Ed, Jim, Alan and Rich were in attendance. This is probably the largest crowd that I have ever seen for one of these meetings. They were either a) a bus headed for the casinos in Jersey that got lost; b) expecting Andy to give away more WIUs; or c) Had heard Neil Young was in attendance, which was the last time one of my wives attended.
I got there before the appointed time of 2:00pm and Walt Matuch of Ready Made Toys (readymadetoys.com) had wrestled the microphone away from Ed, so I heard, but no signs of injury on Ed, and was already addressing the group. Something about their being back in business; that the first of their new products was shipping; Long Island; Covered Hoppers; and that his wife, Susan, was now in charge, which was presented like this was a very good change. I didn’t get any of it down – so you’ll need to check their website. I was trying to unfold one of the folding chairs that was rusted shut while all of this was going on – so not very accurate reporting. Ed finally got his microphone back. The meeting was called to order, like by about 2:08pm.
Rich Melvin, OGR Publishing
First up was Rich Melvin and he wanted to update the group on the sale of OGR Publishing that they started looking into last Fall. It turns out that Rich, having just turned 71, was the only one of the three partners that wanted to retire, so what they decided to do is to turn over the Publisher role at OGR Publishing to Alan Arnold, effective November 1, 2017. Rich remains an owner with Jim and Ed, but this will fulfill Rich’s need to retire and insure the magazine continues on in experienced hands. Rich introduced Alan, and Alan made some comments about his pleasure in continuing with OGR and this new role.
It was also announced that Don Pedicini had left OGR and secured a terrific creative position with another firm. Alan is moving the OGR creative and ad production work to resources near his home in Arkansas.
Williams by Bachmann/ Bachmann Trains—Larry Harrington
Larry shared that most of the items announced in the April catalog were on display in their booth and that included many products in all scales.
He said that the F59’s were available as were the ore cars and the new SuperStreets vehicle.
In On30, there are two styles of caboose and a new derrick car.
There are also 5 new O Scale figure sets.
Miller Engineering—Chris Miller
Chris was next and shared with the group that this is their 20th year and to date they have manufactured 308 signs.
They are doing signs for all of the major railroads starting with B&O and Chessie.
They also have available Bob’s Big Boy; the Old’s 88 Rocket sign; and Smokey the Bear.
Roger Farkash and Mike Reagan from TWTrainWorx
Mike joined Roger and Dorice earlier in the year and heads up their east coast operation out of North Carolina. They have two new stations in their series ready to go – the Denver Union Station and the Santa Fe Station. They also have their new coaling tower and the Rock Island Freight Station kits on display in their booth. They are featuring their bridges and a warehouse backdrop. Mike has also been doing train repair – so if you need any help – he’s available.
Roger also shared that with their new layout at the New York Historical Society, they have four public layouts for your enjoyment in New York City including the layout in Grand Central Station and Macy’s. They completed a 1200 square foot layout in Houston called “Trains Over Texas” and a 1500 square foot layout at the Dallas' Ronald McDonald House.
The LCCA - Al Kolis, First Past President & Special Events Coordinator
The LCCA is a sponsor on the Forum and Al took a few minutes to share with the group that he has been meeting with the leadership of the TTOS, TCA, LOTS and the NMRA to talk about how the groups can work together to continue to promote the hobby.
He also discussed the popularity of their National Standard Modular Layouts and talked about the first national event that was held in Orlando, August 3rd-5th was a big success. More information is available on the LCCA’s website.
Don’t forget the Lionel Open House is 11/3-5 in Concord, NC.
Ross Custom Switches—Steve Brenneisen
Steve was next up and made mention of his noticing on his way to the meeting that his RCS trailer has a 1972 date on it – he has been doing this awhile.
He is building a new website and would like his customers to send him photographs from their layout showing his track that he can use. His email is steve@rossswitches.com.
He also shared with the group that they are planning a price increase 11/1/17 so now would be a good time to get your orders in.
Derrick Thomas
Derrick said the first printing of his book, The Madison Hardware Story, was sold through and the second printing is 2/3rds sold out. If you’d like one for this holiday season, you should get it ordered. He also shared that his book is also being sold by the NY Historical Society. He thanked everyone for the success of the book.
A Madison Hardware Box Car is being produced with an illustration of the NY store on one side and the Detroit store on the other.
3rd Rail/Sunset Models—Scott Mann
Scott shared that the Harriman cars are in and they are exact replicas. Get your reservations in for the Sunset Limited and the Great Northern Empire Builder.
Your reservations are required in order to get projects made – so please reserve.
MTH—Andy Edleman
Andy was next up and shared with the group that Mike is all about putting little lights on things – cars – buildings – locomotives. People have asked to buy the lights and they sell them – with either a car, a building or a locomotive.
The 2018 catalogs arrived and it includes over 800 new items.
The DCS Explorer is being demonstrated in the booth, and they are being air freighted in for the Fall 2017 RTR Sets that will ship to dealers in November. Single sale DCS Explorers will be available sometime after that.
Andy then announced the winners of the Blue Comet Award, including runners up, and the winners of their Kitbashing Contest. The detailed descriptions of all of the winners are included in the 2018 Volume 1 Catalog, so I won’t retype them here. This year’s Blue Comet winner was the Paradise Pacific Rail Club.
Lionel LLC—Ryan Kunkel
Ryan reminded the group that the update for the Universal Remote was made available recently, and the Android version of the Blue Tooth application is now available.
Ryan showed the group the sample of the just announced Vision Line NYC Niagara. This model has three speakers and five smoke units. Two of the smoke units are in the tender to simulate the water blowing as the Niagara refills the tender from splash pans at 80 miles an hour. As they did with the GG-1’s, this model will be featured in the next Lionel catalog expected in late January. I believe five versions were announced.
Any errors in the reporting are mine; please feel free to add or correct in your replies. Thanks guys for doing these presentations for us; and congrats Alan!
