For the Serious 1/32 Scale Railway Enthusiast - April 1999
"The Gauge One Collector" is published by:
Gallery of Transportation
8340 NW 74th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33166
305-863-3220 Fax 305-863-3213
Visit us at http://galtran.com
Welcome to the fifth issue of GOC! The GOC will continue to try to keep you abreast of
"what’s happening" in Ga 1 (1/32) world wide. With this issue, we bring you
news of the latest products for the serious 1/32 scale Gauge #1 collector shown at the
Nuremberg Toy Fair this February as well tid-bits from around the world.
I hope that you enjoy the newsletter. Please write, call or fax me (Bill Box) at the
Gallery, address above, with your 1/32 scale wants, desires and opinions. I will send a
copy of GOC to all 1/32 manufacturers.
This is the section of the newsletter where I can "blow off steam". The collector who also operates is caught in a terrible dilemma. Many fine models are still being built to NEM track and wheel standards (deep wheel flanges and generous clearances on switches) instead of the much more accurate and visually attractive NMRA "Finescale" or Proto32 (my preferred name; dimensions are nearly exactly prototypical) track and wheel standards. What does this mean to you? If you just display your models, not much. But if you run them on a layout or module, you may be in for a disaster! It boils down to this: NEM and Finescale cannot use the same switches! Both will run down the track just fine until the first switch is encountered. Instant derailment if the track standard does not match the wheel standard. The frog (or points) and the guard rails are the cause of this "unpleasantness". Opinion varies regarding which standard is better. While I am admitted advocate of Proto32, I will do my best to present both sides of the argument.
Finescale or Proto32 advantages:
NEM advantages:
To NEM advocates, let me pose this question: Article after article in the popular model railroad press explains how to build and operate with finescale wheel and track standards in the smaller scales. They operate just fine. Does it make any sense that Gauge #1, being closer to real size than these scales, should operate worse?
Did you know that you cannot operate Markscheffel and Lennartz with Lemaco? Or Fine Art Models with regular Bockholt? (One can ask the fine folks at Bockholt to build your model in finescale, thank God!) I for one will be happy if Proto32 becomes the de facto standard.
Well, what do you think? Any e-mail I receive on this subject, I will post at the end of the newsletter.
All the conventional New York Central Hudsons have been shipped and the run is sold out. This model is beautiful!
The streamlined 20th Century Hudson was on display and very impressive.
It is being delivered now and this run is sold out, too.
Next on the production schedule will be the Union Pacific "Big Boy", due later this year. It promises to be spectacular. See their web page for some enticing photos. Following the "Big Boy" will be the Pennsylvania Railroad's class I-1sa decapod or 2-10-0. This will be a real brute, just like the big one. I am not clear on what is next. It could be the Pennsylvania Railroad's little B-6sb 0-6-0 or the Bavarian Bay S 3/6 and BR 18. Keep in touch.
The Gallery of Transportation is a display agent, not a dealer, of FAM. We will assist the customer to the extent the customer desires at no charge to the customer or FAM. Fine Art Models is known for their quality, fidelity to detail, and value.
The BR 44 series is almost all delivered. It was sold out before the first model was delivered. The Gallery had one ordered, but it is long gone.
The BR 38 with the "round bottom tender" has been sold out, and soon the version with the original tender will be ready.
A very limited series of BR 41 2-8-2 in DR livery with a "Mehrzwechschlepptender" will be made. According to Christian Lennartz, these locos were often double headed with a DR BR 44. Now, one can recreate that scene with Markscheffel and Lennartz's remarkable models!
A new version of the DB BR 01, with an open cab or closed cab will be made next.Also expect a DR BR 01(10) soon after.
In planning, one of my all time favorites - BR 05 4-6-4 locomotives in all versions. I have tried for years to collect the Bockholt BR 05 series made many years ago, but I never could. Now the M&L fill the void in true 1/32 rather than the1/30 size that Bockholt built in the earlier days.
News about the planned BR 85 2-10-2 tank loco was almost lost in the announcement of the BR 05. This one deserves special attention, though.
M&L is known for their quality and extreme level of detail. The Gallery is a dealer for M&L, so, if you wish to reserve any of the above pieces, receive pricing information, or require additional information, please contact us.
If you are BR 18 fan like me, you will be overjoyed when you learn that Fulgurex will make the DR BR 18 210 model. This is a striking model, even more so in its green livery. The unpainted pilot model was at the fair and it was a show stopper. Send in your reservations soon, this one may be quickly sold out.
The Aster BR 03 electric powered is still available. I have contacted Aster directly about their plans of making electric versions of the British "Jumbo" and the USRA Light Mikado. Aster said that they have no plans at the present time to make any more electric locos. Too bad.
Urs Egger still says that the SBB Re 4/ 4 ll (two pantograph version) should be here in the first 1999 and they have begun to accept reservations with a of CHF8,200 each. I would expect that these engines will be as popular as the recent Ae 6/6 and Re 6/6 models, that is they may be sold out as soon as they are delivered.
Lemaco is now accepting reservations for the classic SBB locomotive - the Ae 4/7. Reservations are now being taken for a late1999 or early 2000 delivery. Two versions will be offered, 4(older) and 2(newer) door types, both in green.
BLS Be 5/7 and BLS Ae 4/4 in 1 and 2 pantograph versions has been announced as future projects.
We do not think of the Swiss having steam locomotives. But, of course they did, I mean what did they use before the electric locomotive became a practical reality early in the 19th century? One of those steam engines was the C 5/6 2-10-0 type. Lemaco just announced this item for 2000 delivery.
The SBB RAm TEE set is also slated for a 2000 delivery. Look for this set to cost CHF25,000. Yes, that may be a lot of francs, but you get an entire train! This is a "must have" for many serious collectors.
Reservations for the SNCF 241P 4-8-2 in three versions are encouraged at this time with arrival of this wonderful model imminent. Price? About CHF14,000.
They are planning to produce the SNCF 141P with delivery in 2000.
The Diesel 132/234/232 series should be shipped in the second half of the year.
Lemaco will make a model of the new DB AG BR 101 electric in red. If you would like a model of the very latest in locomotive technology, send us your reservation. Delivery is set for 2000.
Urs Egger also said that his firm would also make the omnipresent DB E10. The E 40 version will be available from M&L. All should be delivered in 2000.
Lemaco’s locomotives are made by Samhongsa, a quality builder. The Gallery is a Lemaco dealer.
Would you believe that a quality builder will actually make the DB E 10/110 and 40/140 series electric locos? Kiss had the pilot model at the Fair. It was very nicely detailed. All the painting is being done in Germany by Kiss - it is done to a very high standard. This must be the most prolific locos in the DB inventory! and it has never been modeled! Kiss is about to change this. They will made about 60 models, total, of this popular subject. Various paint schemes will be offered. European electric fans - how can you live without this one? Early reservations are recommended with delivery by the Sinsheim show in late June.
Kiss Modellbahnen says that the TEE VT 11 5 was currently in production. Projected delivery would the summer of 1999, perhaps by the Sinsheim show. This is the model of the TEE double-ended diesel powered unit train. Typical consist would be the two loco units and five cars.
Prices for the components were as follows:
Loco (2 needed) DM7,500 each
Grossraumwagen (regular coach) DM2,900
Abteilwagen (compartment coach) DM2,600
Barwagen (bar car) DM2,900
Kuchenwagen (kitchen/buffet car) DM2,900
All brass construction
Quick to follow will be the E 94 also called the German crocodile. Mr. Kiss showed the drive mechanism: impressive!
I asked what is next? Mr. Kiss is thinking about a steam engine. What type? Well, German to be sure, but beyond that he has yet to make a decision.
See GOC #2 for more details on their freight cars or call the Gallery.
Call the Gallery to reserve any Kiss product.
Dingler has sold out the entire run of their BR 86, a 2-8-2 tank locomotive. It was a fine little model, similar in quality to their recent BR 24, made in Korea that was well received and sold quickly. I have seen several Dingler models run and they are smooth! Now is the time to reserve the BR 64, a little 2-6-2 tank type that is quite attractive. The Dingler people say that the BR 64 is now ready for delivery. About 50 models will be made.
Big news! Dingler says that they will have the Bavarian S 3/6 in about six months! They showed the pre-production prototype at the Fair and it looked fine. Type S 3/6 (and its BR 18 counterparts) have often been in the running for the "World's Most Beautiful Locomotive" contest, at least in the eyes of us that think any steam engine can be beautiful. I am afraid that if you wait on this one, you may miss it.
I never report much about their ever-changing line of freight cars, but you might want to check them out on the Dingler web page.
Their SBB Eb 3/5 (Sfr 12,300) and the B 3/4 (Sfr 13,800) live steamers were on display.
Spring has a reputation for making live steam locos that are well detailed as well as good steamers. The compromises that are required to made a scaled down line steam locomotive work well in its reduced size have been kept to a minimum.
Proform was again at the Sinsheim show with their modular outdoor layout. As usual, their fine running locos lapped the circuit by the hour without any difficulties. This is little company is run by K. Probst and his son. It is a Swiss firm, but makes German style steam locomotive models. Everything is electric powered and designed to be run outside.
BR 01
BR 01 Streamlined
BR 53
Here are the current offerings:
Proform also makes a line of German passenger cars also made to run outside. I admit that these are not as detailed as, say, the recent Lemaco SBB cars, but they are still nicely done. They even have a reasonable interior. They are made of machined plastic sheet sides and floors and molded high density foam roofs making them very light. That means that your favorite express loco can pull a full train at scale speeds! The trucks are exceptionally free wheeling. You can maintain your schedule even in the rain or snow since these cars are as weatherproof as they can get. Call the Gallery for more information.
Jürgen Benecken is still diligently making locos to order. At Sinsheim,he had a DB E 103 model that was quite impressive. See previous GOC volumes for more details. He offers a DB E 120 (DM 2,950), DB E 103 (DM 2,950), and a DB V 221 (DM 1,650) diesel model. I have seen these and they are very, very nicely detailed. All have cab interiors and run well. Jürgen’s work is very unconventional, but, highly effective. He makes locos and passenger cars in resin and fiberglass. The prototypes have smooth lines and are rather plain, perfect to be reproduced by Jürgen’s construction methods.
Jürgen's models make a good first model for the serious collector. They are reasonably priced, look great, run well, and many of his subjects have never been made by other makers. And don't forget his passenger cars!
They are now selling a little powered freight car mover such as used by a factory, etc. Forgive me for saying it, but it is cute! Don't have any room, even for a fiddle siding, you say? Now you do!
We have taken delivery of some Hegob switches. Expensive? Yes, but perfect. Great for finescale, too. Completely realistic.
They make what must be among the finest freight car kits ever offered. Their passenger car kit is exquisite, too. Hegob even has a wonderful catalog of freight car castings.
Besig continues to sell their great line of German signals and other detailed items. Very high quality. They showed their BR 98 0-4-0 tank switcher. Very high quality as expected and it runs well. It takes up a little more room than Hegob's car mover, but not much!
J & M is still offering an extensive line of passenger cars. If you need Swiss, French, German or United Kingdom cars this is your source. U.S. style passenger cars are available by special order. We can order their great catalog if you want. Talk to the Gallery.
Hubner has decided to sell their track and wagons directly, rather than rely on dealers. I certainly understand that. Now they are on-line! Hubner models are first rate and very well designed. Their passenger and freight cars are plastic, but shows some of the finest details and design that I have ever seen. While they are not cheap, they don't cost like brass models, either.
Bockholt has delivered all the Sachs. XX HV 2-8-2 and its BR 19 version. Every once and a while, Bockholt will surprise you. This time, they made a few BR 19 locomotives in the rebuilt version. Beautiful!!!
The BR 132 Diesel of the DR should be available by this summer.
Bockholt's gift to us for the Millennia? The superb Wurttemb. C 4-6-2 and its BR 18 variant. See their web page.
It is in the last phases if production of the "Duke of Gloucester" pacific 4-6-2. 100 pieces will be made and at the current exchange rates, the price is about $6800 plus duty and shipping - a bargain. Also included is a very nice glass case and wood base. If you want this model, time is running out on you! All serious collectors know that fine British Ga 1 models are very uncommon.
The "Britannia" class pacific will begin delivery in late 1998. Detail will be consistent with (or even a little better than) the "Duke", that is to say extremely well done. Neil Rose says that there will be several names available besides "Britannia" just like the prototype. Neil is trying to decide what follows the "Britannia". He is thinking of a West Country pacific. He had given up,offering the USRA light mikado 2-8-2 now that Aster has officially announced it. But, with the revelation that no electric models will be made, perhaps there is still an opportunity! You can bet a friendly call to Neil can't hurt.
FSLC continues to make their line of L.M.S., G.N.R., G.W.R., and British Railways passenger cars. They are all brass, including the roof, well detailed, including a full interior and hand lettered. Reasonable, too. A typical car costs 650 pounds (maybe $1,000 US) with the most expensive, the G.W.R. dining car "super saloon" costing 950 pounds. We have a set of these cars on display at the Gallery and they are marvelous.
Neil said that he will be visiting the States in March, 1999 and he will drop by the Gallery. He said at that time he will tell us his future plans. You can see some of them now, by going to the FSLC catalog page here.
The Gallery is a display agent of Finescale Locomotive Company, not a dealer. We will assist the customer in every way possible, of course.
Finescale Models is the new name for Bloch & Prieswerk. Cyril Bloch told me that they are adding the BLS Ae 4/4 to their line. Their current line includes the SBB Re 4/4 II (two pantographs), and the Re6/6. Cyril also said that they will next add the SBB Re 4/4 II with one pantograph. The delivery time has not been determined. You might think that this would be a easy modification of the two panto version. Well, think again! Most parts on these models are different. The Ae 4/7 may be next.
He continues on his quest of making the finest models ever made of the "Orient Express". The run of restaurant cars is complete and Renzo is concentrating on one of the Pullman cars. The examples that I have seen are almost beyond words and defy description. I think that Renzo will win his quest. See GOC #2 for a few photos or contact us at the Gallery. These cars are more than special.
They are selling the UP Big Boy. It is available in several versions including "as built" and "as retired". I doubt that many remain.
Wendell Row is now delivering ABA sets of the ALCO PA/PB passenger engines. Many consider these units to be the most beautiful diesels ever made. Several western US road names will be available. Production is very limited!
In a recent conversation with Wendell, he dropped a bombshell. His next offering will be an AT&SF (Santa Fe) 4-8-4 northern! No Santa Fe steam locomotive has ever been built in Gauge 1 before. For our international readers, the Santa Fe had a reputation of making huge engines look graceful and light afoot. There is no better example of this than these enormous northerns. I asked Wendell if he would also make the 4-6-4 hudsons and the 2-10-4 Texas type to complete the collection. He did not say yes, but he didn't say no, either. I think a lot will depend on the reception of the northern.
Row and Company's models are made by Samhongsa, and have a reputation for being well detailed and smooth running. The Gallery is a Row and Company dealer.
Ralph Brown is custom building a line of Ga 1 heavyweight North American prototype passenger cars using similar materials that have proved themselves for so many years in O scale. He already has a catalog that must have at least 40 types of Pullman made cars. He is providing them completely built , painted, and with full interior! They are good looking, too! Models should be in the $1,200 to 1500 range depending on complexity.
We now have received a complete seven car Southern Crescent Limited for the Gallery! What a train! Would you like a pre ’38 Broadway or 20th Century? Wouldn’t those look special behind an Aster K-4 or Hudson? How about an FAM GG-1? I am thinking about ordering a heavyweight string to be behind Row's Santa Fe northern. Can you imagine the sight? Ralph is the man, order from the Gallery.
If you like lightweight cars, Ralph is beginning to produce smooth sided cars at this time, too. They will be built to the same standards as the heavyweight cars. Now you can have a passenger car behind the Samhongsa F-3/7 diesels and the other modern locos. Ralph will build practically any lightweight car to any road name. Just ask.
The Gallery is a dealer of Ralph's.
I love going to the Sinsheim show! One of the reasons is to meet craftsmen like Erich Spahr from Switzerland. Erich makes a SBB De 6/6 baby crocodile that is superb! And it really runs well! He will only make a few, probably no more than ten. Then they are gone. Forever. He has made other models too, like the SBB T 151 and the SBB "Sputniks" (cabooses). Wonderful models and a find for the collector. Call me and I can arrange contact. The Gallery is not a dealer - Erich has no dealers.
If you have any of the above for sale, please contact the Gallery.
Did you know that...
... the Gallery of Transportation has more Ga 1 1/32 scale locomotives and cars on display for sale than any firm in the world?
...the Gallery buys and sells discretely and in confidence, single pieces or entire collections?
I have no idea when the next issue will be published. Sound familiar? I said the same thing in GOC #2, #3 and #4.. Well it's true. The Ga 1 scene tends to change right before a big show. And that’s Nuremberg in January or Sinsheim in June. You will read about the latest Ga 1 news and events, of course!
To date, the Gauge One Collector has reflected my likes, dislikes, and opinions. What about yours? Fax, email, or post me what you would like to see in future issues. If you don’t, keep expecting the same format.
The Gallery of Transportation would like to thank you for your support. Feel free to print this newsletter and give it to a fellow collector. It is not copyrighted! Call or fax if the Gallery can be of assistance.