Hi all,
Just returned fron the show in Central Mass.
A few tidbits for O Scale. First much more 2 rail on sale at show then I have seen in a great many years. Mostly built up wood kits, Atlas, Weaver and converted MTH.
Kadee had its new O scale type E couplers for sale. I picked up one pack ($9 for 2 pair) of each type I saw, all metal in plastic box except the 740 - 740 all metal medium shank, 742 med overset shank (coupler lower than shank), 743 short type E, 745 med. shank, 746 long shank pass car coupler, 747 - med underset shank. They will being going to dealers in February. New O scale trucks delayed for now - not this year.
Waever Models/Quality Craft had 3 new cars on show (something of a record) An old style wood flat/gondola and a Milwaukee rib side box made at their US factory and an imported H30 Hopper. All very sweet. They had several announced brass engines plus their usual line on show.
Deerfield River Laser announced an O scale kit for a wooden Sprinfield MA streetcar for maximum traction trucks. I encouraged him to go to the upcoming Boston trolley meet. He may also be doing an O scale freight motor kit. Pictures will be on their website soon.
Atlas had their beautiful CZ passenger cars and their new coil car on display. Both very nice. Atlas said few words about their future O plans other than to expect a significant expansion of the O scale track line which "keeps doing better and better". Jim Weaver is sadly missed but I am sure they are commited to O for the long run. Atlas has purchased all the Walthers O scale "cornerstone" buildings and will reissue.
Now the bad news, the K-line scale pieces are in limbo. Atlas is no longer interested and Bachmann says they are too expensive to produce currently. Also the next O scale trolley project from Bachmann/Williams appears to be on indefinite hold. Aristo/RMT was selling their tinplate former K-line (Marx, Kusan, etc) products at a very large discount. Not a big surprise.
Custom signals had dwarfs and other new signals available.
Woodland Scenics was there, no fire damage to the O scale products. Their new built up buildings are doing very well and more are planned.
The QSI Quantum for O Scale should be available by March at the latest, Titan U already available.
Pine Canyon Scale models had a great display of eastern prototype building kits in S scale BUT I really think some would be fine in O scale, especially in the background.
Northeastern scale lumber has expanded their O scale offering including very nice roofing material.
MTH had a nice display and PS3/DCC compatible decoders will soon be the standard across the line. It is already in all the better steam and some diesels and all European models.
Lenz will have curved turnouts and a 3 way turnout compatible with Atlas available/shipping this Summer.
There were quite a few laser kits and bridges in O from many producers. MTS (yes the trolley guy) had incredible brass O scale mainline bridges for sale.
I am very sure I missed a lot as show turnout seemed very very high this year - it was crowded. Unemployment down to ~6.5% in MA and good weather contributed I am sure.
Best to all
JJ
Original Post
