Getting it Right – Again! (Part 2)

Speaking of getting it right, I had every confidence that the next Executive Line release, the Norfolk Southern’s West Virginia, would have no problem being on time. I have been watching ‘closely’ the production over the months and keeping ‘tuned in’ to confirm delivery at the end of April. The inserts were ready, and the cars were being boxed the last week of April, and were right on time. And then it happened – the entire production got all the way to packing into the clear boxes, when a small flaw was noticed in the body molding. Are you kidding me? It is almost not visible to the eye, but the dark-red paint amplifies the dimple and all were rejected! When the CEO of Micro-Trains said to me, “We want to deliver a quality product to you”, there was nothing more to be said – right? I have so much respect for this company. A lot of detail and effort is put into these little train cars, and quality and accuracy doesn’t just happen, but is made every day with each person doing their job and keeping close to the pulse of the task at hand. Needless to say, this was a very costly error.

The West Virginia will be beautiful! I have seen the paint samples, as I said, and even though it did not make the April time plan, it will be coming soon. They are presently being expedited through the factory and are planned for Memorial Day.

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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:

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.

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…

P.B.

Thanks for all the great trains – it’s nice to have such wonderful rolling stock on the layout.

A.M.

“You seem to be the shining light in an industry that’s seen a lot of change since the early 2000’s when I was last in the hobby”.

G.P.

I just received the “The Great Locomotive Chase” set from the Walt Disney Family Museum. Very nicely done!

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.  

Linda and Pete B.

Just wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to be with you and the many other happy folks who experienced the Feather River Canyon trip.  I know you put a lot of work into making this special trip a reality and it all came together extremely well!

R.M.

These are indeed miniature masterpieces.

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…

J. LaBoda

To say the least this is a HUGE development for N-scale and I, along with a number of others, are indebted to you for making these cars possible. Thanks so very much!!!