All, Here is my report on the NASG convention held in Chattanooga, TN on 8/8 through 8/11. The usual caveats apply. This report details my experiences and is not intended to be all inclusive for the entire convention.
Vendors/Exhibitors Altoona Model Works - Bob Spaulding has recently thrown his hat into the S ring. He produces a line of craftsman structure kits. I picked up his engine house and depot kits. These are nice kits with clear instructions. American Models - They presented a nice selection of some of their latest releases. AM also produced the convention car that was actually present for pickup in the vendor hall. DesPlaines Hobbies - Ron Sebastian was there with a great deal on S Microscale decals ($0.99 each). I succumbed to several sets. Work on the SD45 model is progressing with drive train production details being resolved. Great Decals - Bill Mosteller had S scale coupler gauges (resin) and S decals (mostly Southeastern roads). Hoquat Hobbies - Jeff Wilson had his usual good selection of S equipment which also included a set of AM PAs that I have been searching for about 20 years. They now have a new home. Iron Rail Models - These are the folks who acquired Downs Models and are actively producing modern tank car models. I have obtained a number of them in the past year and picked up a new one at this convention. Very nice models. Michigan Models - Tom Hawley had a special IRM tank car that I picked up. Tom relayed that he intends to curtail his long distance trips and stick closer to home in the future. M.L.W. Services - Andy Mallette was promoting his CN reefer kit. There were some delays to correct details on this kit. Kit production should begin later this coming Fall. NASG Clearing House - Roy Meissner was present with his usual collection of gauges, hats, shirts, etc., plus his custom truck (vehicle) kits. Pikesville Models - Dave Blum had a very large selection of AF items present. He is also developing a coil steel cover model that the scale folks should be interested in. Pine Canyon Models - They have been busy bringing older kits back into the inventory, as well as developing new kits. These kits are very nice. Port Lines Hobbies - Doug Peck did not have his usual display of S goodies, but, instead, brought a large selection of S items obtained from estate acquisitions. River Raisin Models - Dan Navarre was taking deposits on orders for his SP 0-6-0 and C&O Heavy Pacific projects. He also displayed a nice selection of currently available models (love those SP beauts!). S Helper Service - Don, Robin, and Mike were there, selling off inventory, following the company sale to MTH. If you need additional parts for SHS models, better act now "while the gettin' is good." It was sad to think that this may be the last time we see SHS at a convention. The Railroad Crossing - Richard Krieg offers a service for custom-built structures, as well as his own line. I picked up a small depot model. The Supply Car - I finally caved and ordered one of the Bob McCarthy custom passenger car kits (MoPac "Eagle Height"), having been inspired by Bob Hogan's clinic presentation. S Scale Loco and Supply - After a LONG absence from the convention scene, Fred Rouse appeared with a whole bunch of S parts (drivers, etc.). His focus currently is to get a complete line back into inventory (see his website for a list). Union Station Products - Mark Meeks is the fellow producing the car sides for these Supply Car custom passenger car kits. Be nice to him. Lionel and MTH did not have representatives there, but MTH did have an introductory brochure available for their S line (www.mthsgaugetrains.com<http://www.mthsgaugetrains.com>). There were also several vendors present selling AF equipment, in addition to Dave Blum. Welcome Reception - This was a relaxing affair that included a barbeque chicken dinner, allowing attendees the opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. It was good to catch up with Tom Robinson, who I had not seen in several years. Convention Layouts - Some Southeastern clubs (Atlanta, NC?) combined efforts to produce a room-filling layout that featured an amazing array of AF accessories and train activity. Plus, it was situated adjacent to the hotel bar, so we could view trains and "wet our whistle" simultaneously. I got a good view of the new Lionel U33c models, as well. Our club (Crescent City S Gaugers) brought our display layout to this convention (set up in vendor hall). We hope everyone who visited the vendor hall had a chance to enjoy it. We were happy to contribute to the convention by providing some S entertainment. The NASG switching layout was also in the vendor hall. Tours - The rail tour that we took (Copperhill, GA) was substituted for the planned Chickamauga event, due to some rail maintenance issues. The ride was very scenic through heavily forested terrain, complete with its own "loop" to gain elevation in a short distance. Norman Maunz and I had an informative discussion with some folks from the Northern Ohio S Scalers during the trip. Plus, we got to experience a serious "gulley washer" during the return rail trip. The layout tour took in the HO layout of James Bailiff, the S standard/Sn3 layout of David Wheat, and the S scale layout of Jerry Holmes. D. Wheat's layout is a work in progress, but included some nice modeling in the narrow gauge scenes. Jerry's layout models the C&O with some excellent scenes that included serious coal trains using Berkshire head-end power. A very nice layout. In addition, Jerry's view of Chattanooga out his back patio area is simply "breath-taking". A hearty thanks to all of our hosts, allowing us to visit their layouts. Clinics - There were several that I was interested in attending, but only made it to one...Bob Hogan's presentation on The Supply Car custom passenger car kits. Bob's presentation was well done and thorough. Plus, following the clinic, we got to view Earl Henry's custom SR passenger cars (from these kits) up close. Very nice! I am interested in modeling a MoPac stream-lined train. So, I "bit the bullet" and ordered one of these kits to give it a try. Other 'Stuff" - I was late to the General Business Meeting, as we were packing our club layout, following the closing of the vendor hall. Apparently, there was much discussion regarding the cessation of publishing the annual membership issue of Dispatch. I do find them to be a valuable resource, even if they are not current. I would be in favor of publishing a special "layout issue" in lieu of the membership issue. Also, NASG elections are coming up this Fall...a plea was made for officer nominations. I had the pleasure of meeting John Degnan of Sergent coupler fame in the vendor hall. He provided an up-close comparison of the Sergent coupler with the Kadee 802 coupler used by many S scalers. Then, he was off to Knoxville to discuss the production efforts of the "new and improved" coupler with Frank Sergent himself. As has become their custom and our benefit, we were serenaded by Andy Mallette and Dave Heine during the pre-banquet "happy hour." Food and company during the banquet were excellent, and made some new friends (Hello Charlie!). I never did get to see the contest models. Apparently, there was a considerable greater submission of model entries at this convention, as opposed to last year's joint NMRA/NASG event. Hopefully, pictures of the contest winners will appear in the Dispatch. And, as usual, the antics of auctioneer Jamie Bothwell were very entertaining. Not to be disappointed, Jamie provided a new batch of "S scale zombies" for some lucky winners. And, my donation of a collection of "whacked" SHS hirail couplers brought a whopping $0.10 into the NASG treasury. Hey, just doin' my part. :) Post-Convention Layout Tour - Pete Silcox and Bob Hogan graciously opened their layouts for visitation on the Sunday following the convention. Pete's layout is a work in progress, but includes some neat scenes such as the rock/gravel quarry and Stone Mountain backdrop. I have seen a number of pictures taken of Bob Hogan's layout, as well as Earl Henry's description on the S list. They are accurate, but I was still amazed when I actually saw it. Simply stupendous modeling. Although I might be a bit prejudiced as a SP fan myself, I think it is the nicest layout I have ever seen. If you have the opportunity to see it, don't pass it up. And, he has a whole wall full of those custom-built passenger cars. Bob is a humble guy, but when it comes to modeling stream-lined passenger cars, I would pay strict attention to his advice. Next Convention - It was announced that the 2013 NASG convention will take place in Scranton, PA ("Steam Town"). Rumor has it that there will be a special event there...the "Tour de Jamie" bike race. So, for all you Lance Armstrong wannabes, the time to start training is NOW. I had a great time at this convention. Isn't that what it's all about? We need to profusely thank Dave Blum, Jerry Holmes and all the others who helped put this convention together. Until next year. Jay Mellon New Orleans, LA This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
