RPO Newsbag
This is the Lowell Smith Signature Series and RailSmith blog, (or perhaps it's better called, ‘stories around the caboose stove’). Either way, bookmark this page for updates as they happen and check back regularly!
2020 is an Exciting New Year
You are probably saying this too, ‘Time is sure going fast.’ So much happened last year, and there’s so much to reflect upon. On a connected note, thank you with your well wishes, and similar stories, responding to my last blog ‘Thankful’ (about Prostate Cancer). I am surrounded by friends and that is the’ best’ we can…
Thankful!
Every year at this time we pause to reflect the past year, and often the cumulative years, of what has brought us to this point in life.  We have so much to be thankful for, but this year I am extra grateful. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, and this past April underwent…
A Texas Special Day
I’ve been blessed the past couple of years being able to attend the RPM Chicagoland meet. Events like this provide lots of inspiration and fellowship – something we all need. Speaking of inspiration, my friends at Modutrak, (Milwaukee based N scale group), are always inspiring, and they showoff some of the finest N Scale modeling…
Our Trip to Promontory for the 150th Anniversary of the Golden Spike
My wife Barb and I planned a year in advance to be in Utah for the 150th anniversary of the Gold Spike. It was every bit as big a deal as we thought it would be, and we are so glad we were there! We took two days to drive from our central Oregon home…
Building Them Right: Creating the Pennsy Cars
What does it take to creating the Pennsy Cars? Let’s talk about it. The Pennsylvania business cars are the 32-35th cars in this Executive Line Series. I thought I’d stop and share the resources I used to make these cars. It will help you see a few of the challenges of this series. In the…
Consist Chart Choices
I have found it useful to have a visual aid when it comes to passenger train consists, so when it came time to build a chart for some of the trains I plan to build in RailSmith, I found it fun and challenging. As seasons and years pass, changes would come to how a railroad…
RailSmith Development
Learning more about trains… I love all the feedback and responses I have had about RailSmith Models and what direction to go! I read each one and have filed them for review. Being from the great Northwest, my passion has always been for the Hill Lines, and specifically the Spokane, Portland, & Seattle, and many…
For the Love of Trains
I often get asked “where do you get these ideas”? Well, if you know me, it’s not a short answer. Nor is it a simple response. But like most of you, I have always loved trains. As you might know, I’m a railroad modeler. I love to build the miniature world and operate the trains…
Arrivals Update: December 2018
RailSmith It is very exciting to know that the first RailSmith shipment is ‘on the water’ as they say. I am delighted that the factory had the first run completed ‘on time’ in early November. The fact that it took me much longer than planned, or understood, to set up the paperwork to become an…
Texas Is Special!
I am excited to say the announcement that ‘we are producing this train’ has been met with much enthusiasm and support. This is a photo of a pre-production sample, hence no couplers.  Soon, we will be announcing three Texas Special coaches. The Texas Special’s paint scheme is a real eye catcher, as you can see.  As…