Meet Dale: 30-Year National Park Ranger Retiree

As I am thinking about what National Park to do next in the National Park Series, I have to tell you a story that is fresh on my mind.

A couple months back, I received a call from a customer who asked if he could pay for expedited shipping of his order and explained it was a retirement gift. Of course I said ‘yes’ and as I looked at his order I noticed it was from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park Headquarters in Gatlinburg, TN! It seems that Dale had a retirement ceremony scheduled soon.

As it turns out, Dale loves trains, and my National Park Centennial Tour train set was just the gift for Dale! I gave them a deal on his shipping if I would allow me to use photos of the retirement to share here with you.  After 30 years of service a National Park Ranger retired, and it was special for me that they thought of my train as the desired gift for Dale!

Thanks Dale for your 30 years of service to our National Parks.

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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What They Say:

J. Arenas

Wow… You made my dream come true with the CK Holiday! I am a great admirer of your work.

Rick S.

Every new release from your Signature Series gets me revved up for the rails.

D.G.

Nothing better than receiving that white box from Lowell Smith.

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…

D.K.

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

J.R.

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

Jeff B.

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

R.L.

Ferdinand Magellan is great! This really fits your mission of offering significant cars that otherwise wouldn’t be produced.

Anonymous

The thing I love about all the things you do is the fact that everything is so well thought out, so beautiful and so unique.  

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.