Getting it Right – Again! (Part 2)

Speaking of getting it right, I had every confidence that the next Executive Line release, the Norfolk Southern’s West Virginia, would have no problem being on time. I have been watching ‘closely’ the production over the months and keeping ‘tuned in’ to confirm delivery at the end of April. The inserts were ready, and the cars were being boxed the last week of April, and were right on time. And then it happened – the entire production got all the way to packing into the clear boxes, when a small flaw was noticed in the body molding. Are you kidding me? It is almost not visible to the eye, but the dark-red paint amplifies the dimple and all were rejected! When the CEO of Micro-Trains said to me, “We want to deliver a quality product to you”, there was nothing more to be said – right? I have so much respect for this company. A lot of detail and effort is put into these little train cars, and quality and accuracy doesn’t just happen, but is made every day with each person doing their job and keeping close to the pulse of the task at hand. Needless to say, this was a very costly error.

The West Virginia will be beautiful! I have seen the paint samples, as I said, and even though it did not make the April time plan, it will be coming soon. They are presently being expedited through the factory and are planned for Memorial Day.

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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

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What They Say:

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.

Dan & Nina D.

So glad our big Alaska trip happened when it did.  It was the trip of a lifetime for me and Nina, thank you so much for organizing it.

Anonymous

What a trip! We had a great time- exceeded our expectations by a mile. The Silver Lariat was simply stunning. A gem on the rails. The scenery and weather were perfect. The delays were not an issue for us at all. All just a good days work on the railroad! Thank you for all the…

Jim and Jo Ann K.

Every aspect of the trip was professionally done.  You and Barbara were on top of every change and your matter-of-fact assurances speak highly of your professionalism.  Jo Ann is a retired chef  and we know what good food is, and the meals provided on the CZ trip were stellar! BRAVO to you and Barbara for…

Jerry E.

Received GN A10 today. Absolutely stunning! I am very pleased. Thank You all.

R. LeBrun

Thank you for all that you do for the N Scale community. Your products by far, in my opinion, are the top of the line when it comes to N Scale Trains and I am always on the lookout for them when they come up for auction.

R. K.

You are in my book one of the very best.

J. Arenas

Wow… You made my dream come true with the CK Holiday! I am a great admirer of your work.

George H.

Blunt End Observation is a GRAND SLAM! I’ve wanted this car for ages but never figured out a good way to kitbash it.

K L

What a trip! We had a great time- exceeded our expectations by a mile. The Silver Lariat was simply stunning. A gem on the rails. The scenery and weather were perfect. The delays were not an issue for us at all. All just a good days work on the railroad! Thank you for all the…