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!

Off to D23

Off to D23!  This is The Walt Disney Company’s event for their fans. We share a booth, as last time, with Michael Broggie, author of Walt Disney’s Railroad Story. This event has happened every two years for the past several. Although Disney does not say how many attend, it’s a gazillion! I will have TWO…

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Concept Cars & Convention Season!

The National N Scale Convention is only five weeks away! Last year we were in Roanoke, Virginia. This year, it is the west coast, and we will be in Sacramento, California, June 21-28th. The show and swap meet on Friday and Saturday, the 26th and 27th is open to the public Friday noon to 4pm…

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UP Pocatello

Executive Line Expansion

I thought I would do something different and share with you some future plans in this line. I appreciate that many of you have sent me suggestions for this great series, and I thought that maybe it would be okay if I shared what the next few years looks like.  I have them mapped out…

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Train Shows & Swap Meets!

With the new year comes a whole new batch of train shows.  We are excited to add a few more to the line-up this year. Two weeks ago was the Portland SP&S Swap Meet.  I talked about my family as much as I did the trains I had on my table!  Friends wanted to know…

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What are you doing for Fathers Day?

Welcome to the new year! 2015 is shaping up to be another great year with lots of exciting new announcements, special run,s and private rail tours! I’m excited to have you all be a part of it. Coming up this June, Barb and I will be hosting a day-trip through the Feather River Canyon in…

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Shipping Update!

There’s so much happening!  What shall I tell you about first?  When I open a boxed shipment from one of the manufacturers I use, it really is like Christmas!  After hours of design, tweaking the art, and matching colors, the end product is such a joy to behold!  Today I received the much anticipated Rio Grande…

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American Freedom Train on the Blues

For most it’s a life dream to build a model railroad. For the past 25 years one of my rail buddies, Keith Schaber, has been building his Union Pacific Blue Mountain Division. Built on two levels, with operating signals and many sidings, a train will take a real 50-plus minutes to go from one end to the…

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First time ever on the cover of a national magazine!

  Model Railroad News has made the announcement of my first ever ‘O Scale‘ car a headline cover page story! How exciting and so fun to see! This car is impressive to behold, and I’m sure you’ll agree regardless of the scale.   The American Fruit Packers ‘Cascadian‘ label car is being produced by Atlas…

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Office Car Special Power!

Here is something different. I have set up to do a survey and would love to get your opinion. The Norfolk Southern’s Office Car Special has it’s own special power of F units. Running the complete train the units are run in A-B-B-A configuration. I have chosen the InterMountain Railway’s F7 for this as they…

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Gone by Noon- Roanoke Part 3

Every year since the third N Scale Convention in Baltimore, MD, I have made what has come to be called the ‘Concept Car’ that is released the morning of the Swap-A-Rama. This year was as big a surprise as ever, when I released a Micro-Trains production special run for this convention car! Shown here, the…

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Latest On The Track

What They Say:

D.K.

I am speechless!  The AFT Showcase car is everything I hoped it would be; and more.

D.K.

Aside from the quality, creativity and originality, you are to be commended for your ongoing commitment to this (GAC) series, and all of your series of trains over a period of so many years.  There is always something to look forward to. Keep up the great work!’ D. K.

Jeff B.

Keep up setting the bar high and providing a product that exceeds expectations.

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.

Charlie S.

Thank you for producing such well researched quality offerings.

J.Wallace

AFT is a real dream come true for me. Thanks for all your hard work!

Paul G.

I just received my Carolwood Pacific cars yesterday. They are exquisite! Every attention to detail was paid here, and I can’t thank you enough for putting this into production.  They are going to look amazing, circling my main Street miniatures display.

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!

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…

Chuck T.

Just a quick note to acknowledge receipt of my AFT Tool Car. Thanks so much for another Outstanding Piece of Craftsmanship! The AFT is my most prized “N” Scale collection. I had perceived that there were delays in getting this last car into our hands, but thought it was a problem with China. Your letter…