Railroad Christmas Joy

20131218-203434.jpgI truly believe that this hobby is one of the greatest in the world. The spirit of camaraderie we share makes us a tight knit group. Some of the people that I consider to be my closest friends are my “brothers in rail”. They know my family and I have met many of theirs. I was able to get to know the wives and significant others during this special season. Because of these friendships, every Christmas, my phone rings with a customer’s wife looking for the North Pole Train Department!

It is so much fun getting just the right piece for his collection or knowing what the ‘ol boy’ needs to give his Christmas that extra kick of a surprise. Be it a new book, building, train car or engine, she knows that the perfect gift is out there to be had. Of course I’m more then willing to give her a hand in the selection process, even in those instances when it isn’t one of my own products! Of course I also like to hear the story about the gift being unwrapped Christmas morning and getting to see the present myself when I go over to run trains.

These connections with real people are what it is all about. I really do enjoy getting to be a part of the fabric of this industry, spending time with friends and helping to make their holiday a bit brighter. If you are reading this, I hope that you get what you want for Christmas. Beyond that, I hope that you take the opportunity to help suggest gifts to the families of your train buddies! When I owned the hobby shop the holidays were a very busy time with many calls similar to the one I mentioned above. Though the phone rings a bit less now, as I do not own the brick and mortar store, it still rings. I still hear the bell, and they ‘believe’!

 Image courtesy of flickr user Amanda

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Jeremy Smith

Latest On The Track

What They Say:

J.R.

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

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!

J.Wallace

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

K.

I am looking forward to many more releases in the new year. I stayed up really late on Christmas to talk to Santa when he came by our house. I asked him for an n-scale SP&S 700, and he said that was out of his league and I’d better call you.

Gordon and Dorothy

I have never been treated as graciously and in a manner more suited to a VIP in my life, as I was on our train trip.  It’s obvious how you’ve made your life a success story.  Looking around the train and seeing your friends I’m pretty sure they  were all made to feel very special by you, and your…

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.

J D

Thanks, Lowell, for another awesome addition to an already incredible train.

R.M.

You know I’m always looking forward to the next release and its arrival with great anticipation. I treasure my Lowell Smith Signature collection.

R. M.

Lowell, I just want you to know – you make this hobby fun!

S. Reames

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