Trolleyville Times

July 2006

Three Car "Blimp" Train Rolls at the Orange Empire Railway Museum!!

After months of intense labor by the dedicated and competent maintenance personnel at the Orange Empire Railway Museum, a three-car train of former Pacific Electric 'blimps' made the inaugural run from the Alpine platform to north of Seventh Street in Perris, CA on Saturday, June 17th. The train consisted of cars 418, 314 and 498 and were one of the features of the Father's Day festivities at the Museum. They are shown above north of Seventh Street in Perris after the first run. The train was operated by Jason Shoemaker, shown above right and was the first time three Blimps have operated in MU since 1987. Passengers were carried only in 418 and 314 as 498 has had most of the seats removed during its renovation.

Great Train Expo Releases
Last Half 2006 Schedule
***

True to his word, Dave Swanson and the Great Train Expo folks released an adjusted 2006 schedule which took into consideration the demise of the Great Western & Atlantic Train Show. One of the pleasant surprises is a show in San Jose, California on September 23-24, 2006 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. This is an area ripe with railfans, most of whom were so grossly disappointed with the last attempt at a train show presented by the staff of the now "...collapsed..." Great Western & Atlantic Train Show. Whatever you do, don't miss this one if you live in the Bay area. Other shows added are in Winston-Salem, NC at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds on October 21-22; Tulsa, OK at the Tulsa Convention Center on December 9-10; Richmond, VA at the Richmond Raceway Complex on December 16-17; and Tampa, FL at the Florida State Fairgrounds on December 30-31.

It was also announced for Great Train Expo shows in the Northeast US (Virginia to Maine), contact Paul Jablonski at 630-279-4087, Paul@greattrainexpo.com. For shows in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, contact Bill Grove at 630-279-4048, Bill@greattrainexpo.com and for shows in any other state, contact Frank Hicks, 630-279-4048, Frank@greattrainexpo.com. Remember with these show promoters, you will be dealing with one extremely competent person for all matters relating to any particular show and if you get voicemail, count on a return call within a reasonable time. If you have any difficulties contacting any of these managers, let the Trolleyville Times know.

_____________________________________________________

Leaving the Queen Mary after 16 years!!
...Unfortunately an overdue good idea ...
[A Trolleyville Times Editorial]
***

After sixteen straight highly successful summer large train shows on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA, On Track Productions held its last scheduled Big Train Show on the historic ship on June 10 & 11, 2006. This big news announced at the show was that there will be a seventeenth show but this show will be held at the Ontario Convention Center on June 2-3, 2007.

Saying goodbye to the Queen Mary should have been unnecessary but was forced on the show management by the indifference of the facility management. Everyone had adjusted to the less than optimum move-in and move-out provisions and the necessity to conduct a show on three levels. But the facility is showing its age and facility management has done little if any to counteract the negative impressions made in the Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary is supposed to represent the age of luxury travel and first class accommodations and service but in the case of the exhibition hall, these standards are non-existent. This facility was carved out of the former engine room of the ship and consists of three levels, all of which are below the water line. The design of this hall was marginal at best. Loading is accomplished through what appears to be an antique freight elevator with broken gates that lowers equipment a mere five feet to the first level. No persons are allowed to ride this elevator so another inconvenience is presented to show vendors. To reach the lower two levels, there is a single elevator that is located at the opposite end of the hall, forcing two thirds of the vendors to push their loaded carts down certain narrow aisles where other vendors are trying to set-up. There are escalators but they are never turned on except during show hours, if at all. The single elevator also appears to be an antique and the condition and appearance is reminiscent of those found in a typical inner city housing project, exclusive of graffiti.

This elevator is balky and was not at all reliable during Friday move-in, forcing many of the elderly vendors to carry their wares up flights of stairs. If there are maintenance personnel on site, and that is a big if, they normally and coax the thing to work for awhile. But when they run of glue and baling wire....

The carpet in the facility on both the floors and the stairs is soiled, torn and ripped in several places and not up to the standards expected on a luxury ship or a quality museum. Then there is the escalator fiasco. Originally there were two escalators between the second and third levels, one up and one down along with two between the first and second levels, one up and one down. The escalators never operate until the show opens and are shut down immediately if not before the show closes. No freight is allowed on these escalators either. One escalator between the second and third levels was totally removed years ago, leaving only three and there was never a time when the these three escalators were in service during the show. In fact, on Sunday, none of them were working. It appears that the managers of this facility do everything possible to make attendance at any event in the Exhibit Hall as miserable as possible. They seem to desire to challenge Pomona-Fairplex for our designation of worst exhibition hall. So Good-Bye Queen Mary and Good Riddance! We intend to be in Ontario next year for a fine Large Scale Show. Seventeen should be a great number for On Track Productions!

The Queen Mary
Traditional Big Train Show
***

After sixteen straight summer shows on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA, On Track Production held its last scheduled Big Train Show on the historic ship on June 10 & 11, 2006.

Several of the major players in the large scale model train field were present at the show with very professional displays, including Aristo-Craft, Bachmann, LGB and USA Trains.

Light Rail Products, a large scale traction supplier displayed a new large scale PCC Clark B-2 truck from GHB International. One pair of the powered trucks are now available for $349.95. The trucks are available with resilient wheels for most pre-war PCC air-cars and with super resilient wheels for most post-war PCC all-electric cars.

Also on display was the third Corgi O scale Birney Safety Car, Baltimore Transit Company 4025, signed for Route 30.

Attendance at this show appeared to be lighter than in 2005 and we noted that the Tool Man from Fort Worth, TX and the Home Depot sponsored Dremel Tool booths were not present this year. But the fantastic ever-present Del Oro Large Scale layout was on display and was the centerpiece of the show.

_______________________________________________

World's Greatest Hobby on Tour Announces 2007 Shows!
***

The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour staff announced the shows for their third season in 2007. Shows will be held:

1. Indianapolis, Indiana • January 6 & 7, 2007
2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • January 20 & 21, 2007
3. Atlanta, Georgia • February 3 & 4, 2007
4. Portland, Oregon • February 17 & 18, 2007
5. Fort Worth, Texas • March 17 & 18, 2007

This will be the first season with five scheduled shows. The World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour is a new kind of event that showcases the hobby of model railroading. Sponsored by the Model Railroad Industry Association and by the World’s Greatest Hobby Program, the show is intended to introduce the general public to model railroading in an entertaining, lively and family-friendly atmosphere. The show hopes to create new train enthusiasts by exposing the public to the very best model railroading has to offer. The hobby of model railroading has a unique ability to bring the family together in activities that teach many skills. Model Railroad skills span from carpentry to artistry, from electrical engineering to historical research. We are convinced that Model Railroading is the World’s Greatest Hobby and those who enter will also agree.
________________________________________________

Custom Traxx Announces
New Decals!
***

After a brief hiatus, Custom Traxx announced some new decals in accordance with their original business plan. When Custom Traxx was founded in 1992, they planned to issue decals for most of the HO scale traction models of American prototype imported by Model Tramway, Fairfield, Soho, MTS Imports, WP Car, The Car Works and other models for which decals were not furnished or those provided were inadequate, oversized or just wrong. Technology has made many advancements in the last twenty years since these models were originally imported and graphics were possible today that were impossible years ago.

Last month Custom Traxx upgraded their CN-068 set for the Sand Springs Railway Cincinnati 1918 lightweights to include the black lettering used on car 68, when it was used as the "owl" car. During this summer, Custom Traxx will release very detailed HO scale decals for the Cincinnati Curveside cars of Conestoga Traction Co [CN-066], Brill Master Units of Lynchburg, Roanoke and Norfolk, VA [CN-111] and American Car Co Master Units of Yakima, WA [CN-022]. Due to the dynamics of the current traction market, a limited number of these excellent sets will be made, so do not delay ordering if you have any interest. Reservations are being accepted now. Later this year, a decal set will be released for Philadelphia Transportation Co 2128, the "Safety Car" [CN-2128]. Custom Traxx would like to make another set for the Philadelphia "Zoo" Trolley, car 2667, if sufficient data could be found, especially of the rear end and the "blind side". If you know of such photos and would like to make them available to Custom Traxx, please contact them at decals@customtraxx.com. For more information including prices and release dates, visit their catalog at www.customtraxx.com.


July 2006

Three Car "Blimp" Train Rolls at the Orange Empire Railway Museum!!

After months of intense labor by the dedicated and competent maintenance personnel at the Orange Empire Railway Museum, a three-car train of former Pacific Electric 'blimps' made the inaugural run from the Alpine platform to north of Seventh Street in Perris, CA on Saturday, June 17th. The train consisted of cars 418, 314 and 498 and were one of the features of the Father's Day festivities at the Museum. They are shown above north of Seventh Street in Perris after the first run. The train was operated by Jason Shoemaker, shown above right and was the first time three Blimps have operated in MU since 1987. Passengers were carried only in 418 and 314 as 498 has had most of the seats removed during its renovation.
Great Train Expo Releases Last Half 2006 Schedule *** True to his word, Dave Swanson and the Great Train Expo folks released an adjusted 2006 schedule which took into consideration the demise of the Great Western & Atlantic Train Show. One of the pleasant surprises is a show in San Jose, California on September 23-24, 2006 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. This is an area ripe with railfans, most of whom were so grossly disappointed with the last attempt at a train show presented by the staff of the now "...collapsed..." Great Western & Atlantic Train Show. Whatever you do, don't miss this one if you live in the Bay area. Other shows added are in Winston-Salem, NC at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds on October 21-22; Tulsa, OK at the Tulsa Convention Center on December 9-10; Richmond, VA at the Richmond Raceway Complex on December 16-17; and Tampa, FL at the Florida State Fairgrounds on December 30-31. It was also announced for Great Train Expo shows in the Northeast US (Virginia to Maine), contact Paul Jablonski at 630-279-4087, Paul@greattrainexpo.com. For shows in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, contact Bill Grove at 630-279-4048, Bill@greattrainexpo.com and for shows in any other state, contact Frank Hicks, 630-279-4048, Frank@greattrainexpo.com. Remember with these show promoters, you will be dealing with one extremely competent person for all matters relating to any particular show and if you get voicemail, count on a return call within a reasonable time. If you have any difficulties contacting any of these managers, let the Trolleyville Times know. _____________________________________________________ Leaving the Queen Mary after 16 years!! ...Unfortunately an overdue good idea ... [A Trolleyville Times Editorial] *** After sixteen straight highly successful summer large train shows on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA, On Track Productions held its last scheduled Big Train Show on the historic ship on June 10 & 11, 2006. This big news announced at the show was that there will be a seventeenth show but this show will be held at the Ontario Convention Center on June 2-3, 2007. Saying goodbye to the Queen Mary should have been unnecessary but was forced on the show management by the indifference of the facility management. Everyone had adjusted to the less than optimum move-in and move-out provisions and the necessity to conduct a show on three levels. But the facility is showing its age and facility management has done little if any to counteract the negative impressions made in the Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary is supposed to represent the age of luxury travel and first class accommodations and service but in the case of the exhibition hall, these standards are non-existent. This facility was carved out of the former engine room of the ship and consists of three levels, all of which are below the water line. The design of this hall was marginal at best. Loading is accomplished through what appears to be an antique freight elevator with broken gates that lowers equipment a mere five feet to the first level. No persons are allowed to ride this elevator so another inconvenience is presented to show vendors. To reach the lower two levels, there is a single elevator that is located at the opposite end of the hall, forcing two thirds of the vendors to push their loaded carts down certain narrow aisles where other vendors are trying to set-up. There are escalators but they are never turned on except during show hours, if at all. The single elevator also appears to be an antique and the condition and appearance is reminiscent of those found in a typical inner city housing project, exclusive of graffiti. This elevator is balky and was not at all reliable during Friday move-in, forcing many of the elderly vendors to carry their wares up flights of stairs. If there are maintenance personnel on site, and that is a big if, they normally and coax the thing to work for awhile. But when they run of glue and baling wire.... The carpet in the facility on both the floors and the stairs is soiled, torn and ripped in several places and not up to the standards expected on a luxury ship or a quality museum. Then there is the escalator fiasco. Originally there were two escalators between the second and third levels, one up and one down along with two between the first and second levels, one up and one down. The escalators never operate until the show opens and are shut down immediately if not before the show closes. No freight is allowed on these escalators either. One escalator between the second and third levels was totally removed years ago, leaving only three and there was never a time when the these three escalators were in service during the show. In fact, on Sunday, none of them were working. It appears that the managers of this facility do everything possible to make attendance at any event in the Exhibit Hall as miserable as possible. They seem to desire to challenge Pomona-Fairplex for our designation of worst exhibition hall. So Good-Bye Queen Mary and Good Riddance! We intend to be in Ontario next year for a fine Large Scale Show. Seventeen should be a great number for On Track Productions!	The Queen Mary Traditional Big Train Show * After sixteen straight summer shows on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA, On Track Production held its last scheduled Big Train Show on the historic ship on June 10 & 11, 2006. Several of the major players in the large scale model train field were present at the show with very professional displays, including Aristo-Craft, Bachmann, LGB and USA Trains. Light Rail Products, a large scale traction supplier displayed a new large scale PCC Clark B-2 truck from GHB International. One pair of the powered trucks are now available for $349.95. The trucks are available with resilient wheels for most pre-war PCC air-cars and with super resilient wheels for most post-war PCC all-electric cars. Also on display was the third Corgi O scale Birney Safety Car, Baltimore Transit Company 4025, signed for Route 30. Attendance at this show appeared to be lighter than in 2005 and we noted that the Tool Man from Fort Worth, TX and the Home Depot sponsored Dremel Tool booths were not present this year. But the fantastic ever-present Del Oro Large Scale layout was on display and was the centerpiece of the show. _______________________________________________ World's Greatest Hobby on Tour Announces 2007 Shows! * The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour staff announced the shows for their third season in 2007. Shows will be held: 1. Indianapolis, Indiana • January 6 & 7, 2007 2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • January 20 & 21, 2007 3. Atlanta, Georgia • February 3 & 4, 2007 4. Portland, Oregon • February 17 & 18, 2007 5. Fort Worth, Texas • March 17 & 18, 2007 This will be the first season with five scheduled shows. The World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour is a new kind of event that showcases the hobby of model railroading. Sponsored by the Model Railroad Industry Association and by the World’s Greatest Hobby Program, the show is intended to introduce the general public to model railroading in an entertaining, lively and family-friendly atmosphere. The show hopes to create new train enthusiasts by exposing the public to the very best model railroading has to offer. The hobby of model railroading has a unique ability to bring the family together in activities that teach many skills. Model Railroad skills span from carpentry to artistry, from electrical engineering to historical research. We are convinced that Model Railroading is the World’s Greatest Hobby and those who enter will also agree. ________________________________________________ Custom Traxx Announces New Decals! *** After a brief hiatus, Custom Traxx announced some new decals in accordance with their original business plan. When Custom Traxx was founded in 1992, they planned to issue decals for most of the HO scale traction models of American prototype imported by Model Tramway, Fairfield, Soho, MTS Imports, WP Car, The Car Works and other models for which decals were not furnished or those provided were inadequate, oversized or just wrong. Technology has made many advancements in the last twenty years since these models were originally imported and graphics were possible today that were impossible years ago. Last month Custom Traxx upgraded their CN-068 set for the Sand Springs Railway Cincinnati 1918 lightweights to include the black lettering used on car 68, when it was used as the "owl" car. During this summer, Custom Traxx will release very detailed HO scale decals for the Cincinnati Curveside cars of Conestoga Traction Co [CN-066], Brill Master Units of Lynchburg, Roanoke and Norfolk, VA [CN-111] and American Car Co Master Units of Yakima, WA [CN-022]. Due to the dynamics of the current traction market, a limited number of these excellent sets will be made, so do not delay ordering if you have any interest. Reservations are being accepted now. Later this year, a decal set will be released for Philadelphia Transportation Co 2128, the "Safety Car" [CN-2128]. Custom Traxx would like to make another set for the Philadelphia "Zoo" Trolley, car 2667, if sufficient data could be found, especially of the rear end and the "blind side". If you know of such photos and would like to make them available to Custom Traxx, please contact them at decals@customtraxx.com. For more information including prices and release dates, visit their catalog at www.customtraxx.com.