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!
The National N Scale Convention – A Gathering of N Scale Enthusiasts
Since 1993 we have been gathering to celebrate the joy of N Scale modeling, which in the earlier days was named the N Scale Collector. And, while many are still collectors, the organization has grown to include all lovers of N Scale. Today, the gathering is known as the National N Scale Convention and is…
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A Personal Connection To The #4449
Our family’s connection with the 4449 has been lifelong. I remember visiting Oaks Park in Portland during the 1970’s to see the engine sitting behind a chain-link fence, slowly decaying. See that I photo I took back in 1969! Then came the news that it was going to be pulled out to be rebuilt for…
Read More »A Bump In The Tracks: A Personal Update From The Lowell Smith Family
A Message from Lowell’s Family: We wanted to share an important update regarding Lowell. Recently, he experienced some heart-related health concerns that required immediate medical attention. He underwent a procedure to place several stents to improve blood flow, and we’re pleased to share that his recovery is progressing well. The prognosis is very positive, and…
Read More »D23 2024: Another Fun Disney Showcase
The D23 Expo is the Walt Disney Company’s bi-annual showcase of every part of their business. Beyond just the parks and ships, it is everything Disney, including Marvel, Star Wars, ABC (and all of their top shows), and of course Pixar. This show (this year August 9-11, 2024) completely consumes all three floors of the…
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Northern Pacific Terminal Co. – Portland Terminal Railroad Co.
‘Sharing some love’ I am sure you never saw this coming, but with all these great passenger trains being made, we need a ‘Terminal’ switcher right? Many of you are familiar with the Terminal Railroad of St Louis, but what about this line of similar purpose in the Northwest? Over twenty five years ago I…
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Bringing the Baggage Cars to Your Trains
RailSmith is excited to announce that we are working with Wheels of Time to bring you the very best Head End cars for our Build-a-Train series of train consists! Pressed with the issue of needing heavy-weight Mail & Express Baggage cars, we have made an agreement with, in our opinion the best HW baggage cars in N…
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World of Color – A Personal Story
The World of Color train began as a single car, and then exploded to become an artistic pallet of color. The observation car Yensid Valley with its very intricate and unique platform railing was produced and it sold quickly. The hidden Mickey’s on that railing were a smashing success and people wanted more. That all came from my idea…
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Overland Limited – A Silver Smith Tour
A transcontinental rail trip in vintage Pullman cars? What a great idea! Many agreed, and we made plans for a trip-of-a-lifetime from New York to Oakland …and then back again! Our trip is now memories, and great ones mostly. Trips like this can have some unexpected events and ours did. But for the most part,…
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South Shasta Lines – ‘A visit in 1960’
You may never know the lasting impression you have on someone. As a child, I have this most vivid memory of going down into a farmhouse basement. What awaited made a lasting impression that would effect my life, and indirectly, yours. We lived in Chico, California, and I was in kindergarten. My parents drove my…
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Alaska Railroad at 100 years!
“Have you been to Alaska?” is the question often followed by, “Did you ride the Alaska Railroad!?” Barb and I have been there several times. Once you have visited our 49th state, you know why it is called ’the last frontier’. It’s vastness is unlike anything we have ever seen. This year marks the 100-year anniversary of…
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