On the way home from Naperville, I had some (plenty!) of time to reflect on where things are at and what I’m doing. The past couple months have been trying mostly because of self-inflicted wounds, especially with the repop of the Ann Arbor cars (I was merrily moving along and discovered a few problems that required a major investment of time to rectify, including making an entirely new body master for the single door car, that really cascaded into all areas of the operations.) I am finally caught up (mostly) from the missteps and am happily generating shipping labels for the outstanding orders (believe me, it feels good to be getting these things out the door and off my figurative shoulders.)

One thing I decided is that I try to be efficient, but that is not as easy as one might like in a cottage industry like this. One thing that could be made more efficient is production. With that in mind, my goal in the near future is to only have a few things in production at any one time. I decided the first step in that process is to trim what is “active.” with that in mind, I am “mothballing” several projects that have slowed considerably in demand. That means they will go dormant. I cannot say for how long, but it will likely be years if past in any indication. Here is the list of the first things:

• K126 – Milwaukee Road 271500-series 50′ single sheathed auto cars
• P127 – PRR X32A Underframe, Ends and Details
• P127.1 – PRR X32A Underframe, Ends and Details w/Shadow Keystone 50s lettering
• P126 – ATSF Bx-34 Duryea Cushion underframe Modified AAR Box Car
• P126.1 – ATSF Bx-34 Duryea Cushion underframe Modified AAR Box Car – 1959+ lettering
• K129.1 – PRR G28 Gondola with circle keystone
• K129.2 – PRR G28 Gondola with shadow keystone

So, what shows as in stock is “it” for the foreseeable future. The G28 may make a return sooner as I still have plans to offer those with late PRR and PC decals, but I have no timetable for that at present and have many other things coming to fruition. These are just the first, but not the last. I thank all of you for the continued support and understanding. I am lucky to have such a good group of people propping up my modest venture.

And, yes, the X43A instructions are finally at the end of the tunnel. They have more photos than any set of instructions I have ever done and there was way too much processing…

PS – IF YOU HAVE OUTSTANDING ORDERS FOR THESE ITEMS, YOU ARE COVERED… WORRY NOT!

I have three things to add to the site. They will be the last for awhile as I need to complete getting caught up before any additional kits or parts are released. I’m getting there but it will be several weeks before I am ready for new kits. The three things are:

• P131 – Murphy Diagonal Panel Refrigerator Car Roof (including why you need this part)
• Steam Era Freight Car Reference Manual Vol. Two: Tank Cars e-book
• Steam Era Freight Car Reference Manual Vol. Three: Refrigerator Cars e-book

I have updated a couple parts sets that are now back in the fold:

• P107 – Baltimore & Ohio M-26D/E Duryea Underframe parts plus decals
• P107.1 – late 20s Duryea Cushioned Underframe (B&M/HPT&D)
• P125 – 1936-1937 Duryea Cushioned underframe

Additionally, I recently added a Files link to the menu bar. That is where I post all my clinic files from RPMs. Enjoy them at your leisure.

Lastly, I must have goofed and not sent it out, but the instructions for the GM&O cars have been posted to that car’s page for awhile now. People have asked. Shame on me for not being more specific or communicative! I do have to take a few pics of the finished model as well. I will update after that.