A View of the Proto48 Meeting at the O Scale National Convention
The 2011 O Scale National was held during the week from September 21st thru September 25th in Indianapolis, IN. Communication is not always what it should be and 20/20 hindsight is always better, I wish we would have known at the time that this National was put on Jim and his crew late.
When I go to a National, I’ll admit I want to be entertained by the local modelers. I look forward to seeing their layouts, attending their clinics, and seeing their modeling. Each area of the country that the Nationals have been held in sees the world differently. At the O Scale National each we get a chance to see that area through the eyes of the people in that region. We get the chance to see common sceans modeled as they are remembered.
The first day had Proto48 meeting and a layout tour. We were invited to Jim Canter’s layout where we saw a large railroad under construction. It also was a great display for his track sections as they were being used throughout his layout. I look forward to seeing the eveloution of that layout. We also had the chance to see a real jewel of a Proto48 layout, Warner Clark’s layout is worth going to Indianapolis to see on it’s own. We also attended another layout that day even though it was not a Proto48 layout. We visited Jeff Lang’s layout fine layout.
Before we headed out we had the chance to see some examples of On3 layouts that fit on the tables. We also had the chance to talk with one of the Proto48 suppliers, John Paultz of American Switch and Signal. He showed off a turnout built with his parts and talked about the development of his product line. One thing that really looked great on his display, besides his parts, was his use of an N scale Cab Industries ground throw. I spoke with my local suplier who was sitting next to me during the meeting and have some on order now.
The next day, there were good buys on the trading floor to be had. The time spent with the modelers who were there was very enjoyable.
I talked to Matt and now I know what the Protocraft passenger car truck will be riding under. I had wondered about those Reading cars. I was never able to see one up close. I understand they are pretty accurate as is the G-3.
Gene
Gene,
The SGL cars like the G3 are nice, they are just a little lite on details.
But since my area only had one train a day each way, and they are the cars on the train. They are great!
I’d rather build freight cars instead of passenger cars anyway.
George