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The 3rd Rail Fall 2006 catalog is available on-line.  The C&O Allegheny is  a real beauty.

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TCA Open House - Part 1

I attended
the TCA Museum Open House today. The
docket included speakers from 3^rd Rail, Marklin, Weaver Models,
Atlas O, MTH and Lionel.  There was a abundance of 55+ year old men and few 40 somethings or younger like myself.  At any one time there was at least 150 people in the museum taking in the presentations.  It was a well run event!   I have a lot of information so this will be the first of a multi-part post.

First up
was Scott Mann of 3^rd rail. Here are the interesting points from his presentation:

• 3^rd Rail spends about 100K per year on advertising of which 8K goes to TCA.
• 3^rd Rail locomotives are hand fabricated in brass with the exception of the smaller parts, which are cast.
• The larger O Gauge firms will use photos of 3^rd Rail models in their catalogs to represent pre production photos of their own models. Apparently this is common practice in the industry, however, most companies will not footnote the photos to give credit the manufacturer of the product shown in the pre-production photo. Mr. Mann stated that MTH used one of 3^rd Rail’s Erie Camelbacks for a pre-production photo in their catalog.
• Firms will also use 3^rd Rail models as proto types for their own models.
• 3rd Rail is the first to use a belt drive system. The belt system replaces the uses of gears and thus the locomotives run much quieter then competitors.
• The belts used in the 3^rd Rail locomotives are similar to those used in printers. The belts are installed in over 15,000 locomotives and 3^rd Rail has yet to replace one.
• Accuracy of the models is most important to 3^rd Rail and Mr. Mann pointed out that it is
       frustrating when consumers complain that the electronic whistle doesn’t sound “just right” when all other aspects of the model are true to the prototype.
• 3^rd Rail locomotives are built as 2 rail models and converted to 3 rail.
• All 3^rd Rail models are painted with DuPont automotive paint sealed with a polyurethane
       sealer.
• All external structures – hand rails, grab irons etc. on each locomotive is soldered and meant to be “handled”. While making this point, Mr. Mann grabbed the Burlington M-4s on the speaker’s table around the mid section and proceeded to lightly pound the loco into the table!
• Mr. Mann commented on the Union Pacific lawsuit against MTH and Lionel concerning licensing fees for the UP logos. He stated that he is on the side of Lionel and MTH an against having to enter into licensing agreements with railroads because it could give the railroads a say in what models can be produced.
• Mr. Mann is now selling 80’ Heavyweight Coaches made from ABS plastic under the Golden Gate Depot name. These coaches are 20” long and very detailed. More info here.

Mr. Mann had samples of an REA

Continue to read TCA Open House - Part 1

R-Bishop Model Crafters announced a new 30 Ton US Navy Switcher, Sunset Models - 3rd Rail Division has announced several new products including a M4a "Colorado" 2-10-4 and Weaver Models has 3 new versions of their Northeast caboose in stock.