The 1947 North Coast Limited on the North Bank Road

My very good friend, Keith Lyons, a great fan and modeler of the Northern Pacific, suggested years ago that the 1947 North Coast Limited had never been done and would be a fine addition to my line-up of special runs.  I looked into it and decided to call this new series the ‘Mainstreeter’ as I knew that someday, I might be working on the North Coast Limited and I did not want to bring confusion. The Mainstreeter Series began around 2014. 

All cars in that series are heavy-weight passenger cars and all have been produced for us by Micro-Trains, but only eleven car releases have been this 1947 ‘Streamliner’ scheme, the rest being in the 1954 Loewy paint.

With the launch of RailSmith, this 1947 NP ’Streamliner’ scheme (railfan’s refer to it as Pine Tree or Butter Knife), was a strong player in decisions to produce both skirted and non-skirted cars for that train.  With the release of the beautiful F-3 and F-5’s last year, we really have followed our desire and plans to ‘Build-a-Train’. For this train, we have six RailSmith streamlined cars produced so far, a diner coming soon, and Lounge, Dorm, and Observation cars will be on-the-way before long. Of interest might be our decision process and the new Plan 4119 Duplex Sleeper.

You may have missed some of our ‘Mainstreeter’ (heavy-weight MTL) cars because Lowell Smith is new to you, but ’no worries’ as more heavy weight cars will be produced because they are essential for this 1947 NCL train.  As the NP expanded by buying the newer streamlined four axel passenger cars, these older standard heavy-weight cars were assigned the secondary trains such as the Mainstreeter. The good news is that it is not too late to get-on-board the NP’s 1947 North Coast Limited.  With more engines, and a diner coming in 2023, it will be a good year to see this train get closer to completion!

Speaking of seeing this train, here she is on one of the most amazing layouts ever at an ‘operating session’ hosted by one of my all-time-best railroad buddies, Rick Ernest, on his North Bank Road.

Check it out!

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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:

Chuck T.

Just a quick note to acknowledge receipt of my AFT Tool Car. Thanks so much for another Outstanding Piece of Craftsmanship! The AFT is my most prized “N” Scale collection. I had perceived that there were delays in getting this last car into our hands, but thought it was a problem with China. Your letter…

R. K.

You are in my book one of the very best.

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…

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!

Charlie S.

Thank you for producing such well researched quality offerings.

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.

G.P.

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

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.

Anonymous

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…

George H.

Blunt End Observation is a GRAND SLAM! I’ve wanted this car for ages but never figured out a good way to kitbash it.