Hello all! I'm just getting back into the hobby after a more than 30-year absence, so I'm not too up-to-date on a lot of things. Be gentle. Sure is a jump in difference from what I had in the early 80's as a kid and now! Love all the detail and the technology! Unfortunately, my modeling cravings lead me into short lines, and that's where the problems begin. Many of the engines that I want have been out of production for years, and I can't see anyone jumping in to fill that void; (and understandably so). Case in point: I live in a region of South Carolina once serviced by the Piedmont and Northern. I just did acquire a P&N C420 by Atlas (HO), and wish to pick up the other engine of its' type that Atlas made as well as one each of the HO RS-3's that were made. Problem is that these were made in 2008/2009 and have long disappeared from shelves; (would like Anthearn's Apalachicola Northern HO loco's made a while back, too). To the point: where is the best place to put a want ad for such items? I do check ebay zealously and was recently able to get both CIRR locos that they (Atlas) made years ago, but I would like to be more pro-active in my attempts. Where are the better places for ads? I'm willing to shell out some money for what I want, it's just finding the stuff. Please be aware that it may be a while before I can respond, as I have yet to get I-net for the house that I'm living in/fixing up in the woods, but thanks kindly for your responses and thoughts.
You're probably doing pretty good with ebay. In case you're not aware, you can make a search for what you want, then ebay will email you to advise when something comes up. You can also check ""Completed" or "Sold" listings to see if any slipped through your hands and see what was paid for them -- or if they simply didn't sell.
The P&N is not exactly a popular roadname. In fact, it's just been in the last decade that the twin imperatives of modeling exact units by the big vendors and the need to come up with new runs to entice sales has led to units like the P&N ones being produced.
They will be hard to find, as the runs on such units tend to be closely tied to pre-order, with only a few made extra, so that everyone who has one really wants theirs. Time marches on and estate sales happen, so they will eventually pop up, but you've chosen a road where patience is part of the game -- or you get impatient and decide detailing, painting, and decaling yourself starts sounding not so insurmountable. Do that before you get too old and shaky, though...
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
You could also check large train shows. This past weekend was the Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield MA. You can usually find just about anything there (you will have to wait until next year on that one).
Besides the roadname how many diesels you're having? Second how many freight cars?
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
Looks like quite a challange. Are you doing the older electric version, or after electric was abandoned, and dieselization, which used mostly Alco's, from what I've seen.
Maybe you could get inspired to decorate your own locos with paint, decals, and detail items. Of course, then you have to find some P&N decals, or create your own. Alco locos are usually pretty easy to find on Ebay.
Mike.
My You Tube
Welcome back to the hobby and to the forums! Yes, some of the changes are rather mind blowing.
There are custom painters that could take an undecorated or other roadname shell and paint it up in the correct colors and decal it for you. Check with local hobby shops, model railroad clubs or go to a show, ask around and see if there is anyone near you that does such work. Also, there are places that will do custom decals, but I have no idea of cost or minimum numbers they require.
Custom work isn't cheap, but if you can get what you want, it may be worth it, your call.
Good luck,
Richard
angelob6660 Besides the roadname how many diesels you're having? Second how many freight cars? I'd like the few diesels that Atlas produced. I see where there's some new decals for boxcars, so I'd make a few...not a whole lot overall.
I'd like the few diesels that Atlas produced. I see where there's some new decals for boxcars, so I'd make a few...not a whole lot overall.
Since you are willing to dig a little deeper for exactly what you want, you could buy an undecorated models of the trains you want, then hire someone to paint it for you.I did it for the Patapsco and Back River
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
I'm right there with you on the P&N. I grew up in the Piedmont, but just missed the P&N. (do remember those beautiful Clinchfield gray and yellow in Spartanburg though) Just posted a comment over here ttp://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/260950.aspx about my desire to model the never built connecting section. I've also been on the lookout for those Atlas models, but haven't found any. Will probably have to paint my own since the scheme is pretty simple, if I can match the "yellow" used.
jim
I believe that is what I will have to do...and I have no idea where to start. I'm going to have to look at ads in the back of MR'er, and start socializing with some local groups to find out about this. Also, my spotty access to I-net limits me to less than timely replies to this thread. Sorry about that..not ignoring anyone. Thanks to all for your help. And now to find someone who does such work!