All,
As has become my custom after attending an S gathering, I will offer some
thoughts on my observations and experiences at the recent NASG convention in
Pontiac, MI. I will try not to duplicate what others have said about it. I
have NO commercial links with any dealer or manufacturer. I only wish I had
been able to do and see everything that was available. There just wasn't time!
LAYOUT TOURS - SMSG did a fine job of putting these tours together. On tour#1,
Gaylord Gill's roundhouse scene was gorgeous. Paul Gribbell's "Chi-Town" O
scale layout has to be seen to be believed. I heard a number of folks wishing
THEY had 5000 sq. ft. to build a layout. We were so impressed with it that the
entire CCSG crew went back on Sunday to "rail fan" in O scale for a couple of
hours. Tom Hess' hirail layout was stunning and his AF displays impeccable.
Nice job, Tom.
In tour #2, I enjoyed all of the layouts we visited, but I have been waiting 10
years to see Brooks Stover's BC&G. It was worth every minute of the wait.
Simply stunning. And, while I was "drooling" from scene to scene, Brooks
launched into an impromptu clinic on how he builds his structures. All too
soon, we had to get back on the bus to the hotel.
I also managed to squeeze in the Bill Hays 1/8 scale outdoor layout tour. I
have to agree with Bill Lane. It was great fun on a beautiful day. Our ride
engineer was very friendly and made us feel like we were part of the regular
crew. I would be a regular volunteer if I lived 950 miles closer.
CLINICS - I definitely would have liked to have attended more of these than I
did. But, hey, we had a railroad to run (display layout). I enjoyed and
learned things in the Lynn Wells and Ed Loizeaux (Ed, are you sure you aren't
Cajun? :-)) clinics. I wanted to catch the Bill Fraley Yahoo clinic, but our
tour bus didn't get back to the hotel until 15 min. before it ended. Oh, well.
I had to miss Bob Werre's photography clinic due to a conflict. And since I
have a science background, I definitely related to the new approach of Vic
Cherven for quantitative analysis of a track plan. In fact, it's got me to
thinking about track planning again.
Here's a track plan challenge: it must fit into a 189 sq. ft. FEMA trailer. I
have to live in it and it HAS TO FLOAT (kudos to Bill Wade). Just kidding.
DEALER ROOM - I definitely could have spent another week in there to check
everything out, but...here is what I saw.
AMERICAN MODELS - A premier exhibit with lots of their available models. And
Ron gave us a great tour of his manufacturing facility on the evening before
the convention started. They do a LOT of things in a relatively small space.
I saw the tooling for the first AM engine (FP-7). They plan to move to a
larger facility soon.
ARMSTRONG TOOL & SUPPLY - I picked up some modeling tools I needed for working
in my trailer.
B.T.S. - It was great to see Bill and Diane again. I picked up another kit to
work on for R&R.
BOY OH BOY INDUSTRIES. Kenny Palmer relayed that there seems to be
considerable interest in outfitting AF with DCC control. He ran a new AM
"northern" with sound on our layout. Very nice.
CVSG - I picked up some of the S spree Sherwin-Williams tank cars.
DEBEN, LLC - I briefly caught up with the Bendevers. I meant to get back to
get a brief clinic on Dr. Ben weathering products, but never made it.
JOHN HECK - Had a large selection of items for the AF fans.
HOQUAT HOBBIES - Great to meet Jeff Wilson and pick a few deals at his table.
LEHIGH VALLEY MODELS - Had a nice visit with Phil Kehr. For those who have
recently inquired if LVM is still in existence, the answer is YES. Phil had
lots of his kits there. But, he has a FULL TIME "Other Job" that may delay his
response to your questions. Please be patient.
LIONEL TRAINS - Had the soon-to be released AF "Northern" and heavy wgt.
passenger cars. Looked very nice.
MICHIGAN MODELS - Tom Hawley had LOTS of product there, but I never really had
a chance to check it out.
PORT LINE HOBBIES - Doug had his usual plethora of parts supplies and also a
new line of structures that looked very nice.
RIVER RAISIN MODELS - Dan and Jim were there with their superlative brass
models. Some of the nicest detailed models available in S.
SCALE S ONLY - It was nice to chat with Bill Winans again. I had visited his
Palmdale shop about 12 years ago.
SCENERY UNLIMITED - I picked up a couple of wood kits to work on in my trailer.
S HELPER SERVICE - A much reduced presence due to the emergency medical care
required by his son Ben. Everyone there missed them and hopes for a speedy
recovery by Ben.
WHAT I MISSED: Somehow, I never found Putt Trains, Old Motor Trucks or the Jim
King models (new manufacturer). I was also hoping to see the new model by Pine
Canyon Models. There was LOTS of S product in the dealer room, but no real
surprises (at least, I don't remember any).
The auction after the banquet was great fun, as usual (how could it not be,
with Jaime as "Auctioneer"?). I successfully picked up some more wood kits to
work on in my "What was it like in the Dark Days of S?" educational routine.
So, what did I think of this NASG convention? It was a total success for me.
Did I have a good time? Yes, fantastic. Did I catch up with "S friends"?
Definitely. There is a wealth of knowledge about S modeling at one of these
events. You just have to tap into it. Did I reach my goals regarding model
supplies "needed". More than I need to keep me busy for the next year (in my
trailer). :-)
So, now, to the members of SMSG who toiled for over 2 years to put this
convention together: Great Job! Now, you can get back to your regular lives
and maybe get some time for your own modeling projects.
'S'incerely,
Jay Mellon
New Orleans, LA
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