2018 National Train Show Experience

This year’s big show was held in Kansas City.  With Kansas City being the geographical ‘center’ of the U.S., I thought this would be a great show and would draw from all parts of the country, and I was right because folks from every corner of the nation attended.  This annual event is the biggest ’traveling’ train show, as it is held in conjunction with the National Model Railroad Association’s annual convention.  Next year it will be held in Salt Lake City with a nod to the sesquicentennial of the Golden Spike.

There was a lot of interest in our display of previously produced Walthers passenger cars, as I told of our future plans for RailSmith Models. I was overwhelmed with ‘ideas and input’ as many dropped their suggestions in my survey box.  If you have not taken time to put in your two-cents worth, I am very interested in what passenger cars or decorations, that you would like to see produced.  There is genuine excitement about the future of RailSmith!

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Lowell Smith

A native of Portland, Oregon, Lowell Smith married his church choir sweetheart Barb in 1978. After a lifetime of rail-fanning, Lowell and Barb ventured out in 1992 to launch a new business in Portland, Oregon. Read more

Latest On The Track

What They Say:

P.B.

Thanks for all the great trains – it’s nice to have such wonderful rolling stock on the layout.

B. Kutch

Love your 3-rail O Scale Atlas Woodside Reefer series. Looking forward to future issues.

G.P.

I just received the “The Great Locomotive Chase” set from the Walt Disney Family Museum. Very nicely done!

K.

I am looking forward to many more releases in the new year. I stayed up really late on Christmas to talk to Santa when he came by our house. I asked him for an n-scale SP&S 700, and he said that was out of his league and I’d better call you.

Ray F.

I just wanted you to know my O gauge Hood River Pears car came yesterday in perfect condition. This car is just beautiful I can’t wait for the next one to come out. Keep up the good work.

K.

My kids absolutely love the Christmas cars! The C.K. Holiday, along with the Carolwood and Disney cars makes a wonderful Christmas train. It made many a loop under our tree this year.

Bill S.

That car is about the greatest thing I’ve ever seen in N scale!  Excellent work!

Gordon and Dorothy

I have never been treated as graciously and in a manner more suited to a VIP in my life, as I was on our train trip.  It’s obvious how you’ve made your life a success story.  Looking around the train and seeing your friends I’m pretty sure they  were all made to feel very special by you, and your…

J D

Thanks, Lowell, for another awesome addition to an already incredible train.

S. Reames

I received my observation/business car today and – like all of my other cars from you – I love it!