N Scale Enthusiast in Pittsburgh 2017!

You know, I always say ‘it was a great time’ and that’s because it is!  We have been to Eastern Pennsylvania many times but this was our first time in the western part.  It has beautiful mountains and is a great train territory.

We started or trip with a visit to Todd Treaster’s great New York, Susquehanna & Allegheny RR.  Todd and Becky really know how to show Pennsylvania hospitality and were most gracious to not only let us visit but to stamp our Private Varnish Passport as we ran our private car, the ‘Barbara Kay’, over their railroad and through Todd’s amazing model of the town of Pittsburgh.  Todd’s layout has been featured may times in Kirk’s N Scale Railroading.  Because of the N Scale Enthusiast, we have roamed the country and we have made great friends, like Todd and Becky, in this wonderful hobby.

 

 

We went to Altoona where we saw the Norfolk Southern Shops, and we are told that’s a very rare treat!  Next door to Altoona we visited the famous epic landmark ‘Horseshoe Curve’, where once Pennsy Allegenys’ steamed and where the Norfolk Southern Heritage locos’ are now a treat to see.

 

Pittsburgh, itself, is a very nice city.  I imagined dirty steel mills, but they are all gone and the town is very clean and a great place for a train convention.  There are still many steel mills but not in town.  The NSE organizers really know how to choose a convention hotel.  This one was on the river downtown with NS track on one side and CSX track on the other!  Wow, it was a rail-fan’s dream!

 

Great people show up at these conventions and they are always a ‘must’ on our list of annual events.  Next year Salt Lake City will host us from June 20-24.  Save the date!

 

In fact, would anyone be interested in a day through the Rocky Mountains in a private Dome car?  I’m putting together just such a treat for Father’s Day through the Rockies!

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

Latest On The Track

What They Say:

Jerry

I really am enjoying what you are producing, Lowell! Thanks for doing it. Jerry

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!

S. Reames

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

J. Arenas

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

B. Kutch

Love your 3-rail O Scale Atlas Woodside Reefer series. Looking forward to future issues.

G.N.

As a retiree of the Walt Disney Company I look forward to upcoming releases of the Disney Family Museum and Disneyland series.  Keep up the excellent 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!

S. S.

I got my new Santa Fe business cars, they are superb and worth the wait ten times over.

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.

J.Wallace

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