Carl & Kent York Updates

[Bob Keller]

They're on the road at York, here is where they will post updates.

[KentJJ]

Kent here -- Indeed Carl Swanson and I have arrived in York, Pa. We've already had a chance to stop by a few of the bandit locations before we head to the York County Fairgrounds to set up our CTT booth in the Orange Hall. The three-day show will undoubtedly provide plenty of interesting conversations with attendees and vendors, so stay tuned for quick updates throughout the event!

[Bob Keller]

Say there Kent, what is this show's special CTT button?

[laz 57]

See YUZ GUYZ friday morning then at 1 o'clock for the CTT Group photo out back.  Gee I thought BK was giving out 3D Glasses this year instead of buttons?

laz57

[KentJJ]

Carl and I are now on the hallowed YC fairgrounds where the buzz has begun! Just chatted with Dennis Brennan, author of Realistic Modeling for Toy Trains -- A Hi-rail Guide, about the stellar response to his book signing held earlier today at the TCA Museum in Strasburg, Pa. Be sure to check KalmbachStore.com (1-800-533-6644 during business hours) for details about the popular title. Better yet, come by the CTT show booth in the Orange Hall and have Dennis sign a copy this Friday at 2pm!

 

 

[KentJJ]

Sorry, laz57 -- no CTT 3d glasses, but we WILL have a CTT button available (1 per person please) in the booth on FRIDAY morning. Can't reveal the details of subject, but it promises to please both Lionel and MTH fans!

[fifedog]

Wow!  A picture of Taylor...?

[KentJJ]

No "Taylor" sightings yet, but Jill from MTH says "Hi." Even before the Orange Hall doors are officially open, I've seen a number cool products including the modular layout framework system from Mianne Benchwork and a new modular structure wall system in development from Brennan's Model Railroading. MTH Electric Trains has released its 2010 Volume Two catalog, which includes 35 engine types in 120 road names in both O and HO scale -- see www.mthtrains.com website for more details.

Check this thread frequently, we'll be posting new product announcments and other York tidbits today and tomorrow.

[cnw1995]

 This is great! CTT needs a Twitter account

[EIS2]

This is a great thread!  Thanks CTT for keeping us guys that cannot attend York, up-to-date on the happenings at York.

Earl

[KentJJ]

Quick post from York -- great chats w/ CTT contribs Stan T., Rick Wright, Neal Schorr, Fred Pauling, and many others visiting the booth. Even had Alan Miller stop in for a nice visit. Steady traffic in the hall, so I'm just now heading out see what's new on the market.

[BNSF Mike]

This is great.  Looking forward to the Atlas O news!

 

Thank you

 

 

[tim o'm]

Welcome to the Classic Toy Trains forum, BNSFMike! 

Great job on the updates, Kent.  Are you sending your messages via a smartphone, laptop, or web book?  Enquiring minds want to know! ;)

[Bob Keller]

He's using an Apple iTouch.

[KentJJ]

Ross Custom Switches has their new RTP201M RossPlate track switches on display. Tubular rail and metal frog are screwed to plastic base. Z stuff dz motors fit on one side of track only. Looks like a great alternative to Lionel O72 originals.

[dwiemer]

Great job Kent and CTT, I am enjoying this!

[KentJJ]

What a fun day! Good conversations with readers and vendors alike. Now that I've finally got a moment to catch up on the events of Day 1 at the YC fairgrounds, I'll share some remarks from vendors I spoke to in the Orange Hall.

Atlas O -- Jim Weaver of Atlas O was more than happy to show off final test shots of the California Zephyr streamlined dome car and 10-6 chair car. Although the test shots were devoid of the final details, Carl and I were wowed by the prototype accuracy, especially the wheel skirting, interior stairwell up to the dome, and the underbody piping. Coolest of all, the option for using 2 AA batteries to provide flicker-free illumination to the interiors LEDs. New paint schemes of previously released locomotives (SD40 and GP-9) made it easy to linger here for a bit. Yes, the Canadian Pacific schemes were mostly to blame! Before heading back to the CTT booth, I also noted a great-looking diorama created by a talented Atlas employee -- included multiple bridges and a noteworthy scratchbuilt snowshed (not cataloged!) assembled from laser cut wood.

Scenic Express -- Jim Elster pulled me aside to share some spectacular -- and large-- new trees and ground covering. Though not yet listed on the scenicexpress.com website, the approx 10-inch tall generic Deciduous (Maple?) tree boasts rubberized foliage that won't flake off with handling. Other new ground covers included Briar Patch, Briar Branches, Pampas Grass, Leafy Plant, Ferns, and Dusty Miller (went to school with a girl by that name). Tomorrow, I hope to see these integrated into a diorama located in the Black Hall.

S-Helper Service -- Don Thompson let me know that reservations for his no. 02016 2010 Christmas car, an S gauge D&H open top fishbelly hopper in blue and yellow, are filling up fast. Great to see Don in the Orange Hall location and the operating display layout -- to build one like it, see the Jan and Feb 2006 issues of  CTT.

I've got a detail on the button brigade first thing on Friday, but I promise to scout a bit more in the am. 

[EIS2]

KentJJ

Dusty Miller (went to school with a girl by that name).

 

Kent, Don't leave us hanging; tell us about Dusty.

Earl

[dwiemer]

Kent, any word from Atlas about an FP-9?  Last year they were working on one.  I am hoping to get one in Georgia Southwestern RR, but I guess that will be a custom paint job.

THanks,
Dennis

[KentJJ]

The CTT button buzz was Brute-l this am. All 1000 gone in 20 mins! Will check out MTH and Lionel soon-and ? Jim Weaver about FP-9!

[KentJJ]

Atlas O is studying FP-9/7 drawings, but nothing slated. AAA Precision Turntables has an operating modern concrete flood loader silo and car positioner on display - can't beat it for prototype realism.

[KentJJ]

Remy and Matt of Lionel gave a great demo of new products for 2010. Highlights included CP GE ES44AC, Genset , M497 Jet car, and 2-10-10-2 steam loco. Also announced Presidential boxcar series made in the USA - $60ea. New ZW-L will have 720watt internal power source and cooling fan. Vision Line features like Diesel Exhaust will also come to more Trad line items in next catalog.

[Bob Keller]

Tell us more of the glory of the magnificent New York Central jet car? Is it as awesome a Water Level Route product as it appears in the catalog?

[KentJJ]

Find of the day- a rare Lionel no. 6465-160 box (only) reportedly purchased for $45!

[KentJJ]

Ogaugeoverlord

Tell us more of the glory of the magnificent New York Central jet car? Is it as awesome a Water Level Route product as it appears in the catalog?

Sounds and lights will dazzle you Bob. You'll also be pleased to know an extra coach is planned for the next catalog

[Bob Keller]

I was hoping for a dummy unit to double-head jet-powered freights with ...

[dougdagrump]

Any reports/info on the MTH R-T-R sets with the DCS controlers ?

[KentJJ]

Closing day here at YC fairgrounds. The days start to blur together, but plenty of standout products to mention including:

 A working prototype of the Z-Stuff for Trains Signal Bridge with smartSignals sensors. Can be order to fit over three to eight tracks! Best part -- comes with a operating semaphore option.

Scott Mann of Sunset Models/3rd Rail suggests that he's working up a line of S gauge models for release in 2010. More details to come in the next few months.

MTH will use a new diesel truck block in upcoming models, and some diesels will feature fixed pilots. Check your MTH dealer for full details, but essentially any four-axle. END diesel with a -2 product number will have the new truck and fixed pilot.

 Also, Andy E. of MTH notes that select sets -- indicated in the 2010 RTR calatog -- will come (starting this fall) with DCS Remote Commander Set.

 Jack Pearce ([e-mail]) has a slick passenger car on display -- features his LED drop-in lighting boards for interior illumination... has options for marker lights and even candle lighting effects in a dining car 

 At least one more post coming before we call it a day.

 

[laz 57]

Good job KENT.  WILLIAMs also have a great looking trolly out with open interior, all electronics are in the trucks, very cool looking.

laz57

[KentJJ]

laz 57

Good job KENT.  WILLIAMs also have a great looking trolly out with open interior, all electronics are in the trucks, very cool looking.

laz57

Yes, Larry at Bachmann is just back from China-says the trolley cars were in production and soon enroute to the US. Likely my last post before packing up the CTT booth- good times! Back to the home office for Monday.