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 in a way they did ‘back in the day’. When you look at the different ‘series’ of trains I produce, many are based only from ideas in my own mind. As things go, one leads to another. Each ‘series’ has its’ own story and each story is fun to remember.

In 1994 I commissioned Micro-Trains to produce a special run for me. My first, of what has become much more than I ever expected.

Here is a photo of that first car. I had it made as a celebrating reminder of the 125th anniversary of the the Gold Spike.

Here we are now, about to celebrate the 150th anniversary of something that was such an accomplishment back in 1869. Our nation has never been the same, and I suppose I can say that my decision to make this Gold Spike special run certainly changed me as well.

Lowell

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:

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…

Bill S.

That car is about the greatest thing I’ve ever seen in N scale!  Excellent work! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

R. K.

You are in my book one of the very best. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

R.M.

These are indeed miniature masterpieces. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

J. Echlin

Many thanks for your superb offerings and beautiful work! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

Jerry E.

Received GN A10 today. Absolutely stunning! I am very pleased. Thank You all. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

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! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

D.K.

I am speechless!  The AFT Showcase car is everything I hoped it would be; and more. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

K. Lyons

Thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you do for the modeling community. I can honestly say that my enjoyment of the hobby has benefited greatly because of you. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

R.L.

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