Who Knew? – A Pennsylvania ‘Fleet’ Executive Line Update

Who Knew?

Just a few weeks ago I announced the next in my Executive Line Series trains, the Pennsylvania Railroad.  I figured that since the Penn Central took the existing car #120 named ‘Pennsylvania’ and put their logo and name on it, it would be an easy thing to offer that option and thus more variety to the Executive Line Series.

What was I thinking!?  Who knew that only TWO people model the Penn Central?!

There must still be lots of animosity, and I get it. ‘They’ took two classic railroads, the Pennsylvania and the New York Central, and merged them and then bankrupted them in just a few short years.  And, it was a bankruptcy that shook the nation to its core at the time.

Okay, I hear you.  The Burlington Northern merger, although taking away our great northwest railroads, was not the same, as it did not end up in bankruptcy.  The ache of the ill-fated Penn Central merger must continue to ripple in our hearts and minds.

With pre-orders telling this tale, I decided to add the third car to the Pennsylvania ‘Fleet’ set.  You will see now that the Pennsylvania car #120 is also offered in that much-loved railroad name, ‘Pennsylvania’.

I sure hope it isn’t confusing to have a car name that is the same as the railroad name.  But, I did not ‘make this up’, folks.  All you Pennsy fans know the car actually existed.  Seems odd to the rest of us, but hey, what do we know?

And, again, who knew only two people modeled Penn Central?

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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R. K.

You are in my book one of the very best.

K. Lyons

I want to be like you when I grow up!

K. Lyons

Thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you do for the modeling community. I can honestly say that my enjoyment of the hobby has benefited greatly because of you.

J.R.

Lowell, I received my Great Locomotive Chase set today. “THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL.” Keep up the good work.

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…

Joe W.

And as for your goal of 5 releases a year, I admire your ambition, but I won’t hold it against you if you fall short on that accomplishment.  I’m just thrilled you’re doing such an AWESOME job of releasing this amazing train, and hope you don’t stop until it’s all done!

Dan D.

I look forward to continuing to buy trains from my favorite special run train maker. That’s how I think of you now, “The Train Maker”.  And speaking of cool trains, I just received a box loaded with great looking Texas Special cars. Thanks.  I certainly look forward to all the new releases you are planning.

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.

S. Reames

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

G.D.

Lowell, thanks to you and your company SP&S modelers (myself included) are having a much easier time modeling the North Bank Road. Thank you for your hard work!