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Newsletter - MARCH 2007
Previous Newsletters
After 30 years and more than 70 articles in the model railroad press, we finally get to see Paul’s scenery work up close and “in person.” Look over his shoulder as he adds scenery to a large section of his well known Sn3 layout, the Pelican Bay Railway and Navigation Company. Starting with bare hardshell, watch and listen as he adds wet rock castings and stains them with realistic earth tones. Go on location with Paul as he searches for useable ground cover and natural tree-making material. Watch closely as he builds highly realistic fir and deciduous trees. With his detailed explanation you can easily build these yourself. Paul carefully explains how to place trees, bushes and other secondary growth on the layout. Then he develops a townsite, dirt roads, and other scenery features. Finally, Paul takes you on a tour of this truly fantastic model railroad, describing the concept and design he followed in creating one of the best known model railroads in the country. Beginner or expert, you’ll learn a great deal from one of the hobby’s finest scenery builders.
126 mins colour Narration Regular price £21.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 1st April 2007 - £20.00 (free UK & European p&p)
Two great classics together on one DVD! The expert staff of Model Railroader Magazine shows you everything you need to know about building fantastic layout scenery and the art of airbrushing with acrylic paints. From start to finish, you'll learn about the tools, applications, and special techniques you can use to create realistic-looking model railroad scenery and detailing projects. Segments cover: • Weathering and finishing techniques • Carving, molding, and coloring rocks • Modeling ground vegetation and water • Using carved foam and cardboard strip plaster forms • Creating backdrops and seasonal adaptations • Blending structures into the ground • Painting tips for brass and plastic • Multi-color schemes • And much more Digitally remastered from two VHS classics: Airbrushing with Acrylic Paints and Model Railroad Scenery Made Easy
120 mins colour Narration Regular price £21.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 1st April 2007 - £20.00 (free UK & European p&p)
This exciting instructional dvd teaches you everything you need to know to build a model railroad layout. No prior experience is necessary, just the desire to have fun! •How to build the table • Easy methods for laying track • Building structures and scenery •Wiring techniques •And much more! Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced modeler you will find very useful tips from this renowned modelling experts. Narrated by Michael Gross, actor and model railroad enthusiast. 60 minutes; color.
60 mins colour Narration SPECIAL PRICE - £11.00 (free UK & European p&p)
New Book From KALMBACH
Tourist Trains Guidebook
This completely new guide to tourist train sites in North America is both a guidebook of selected train sites and a directory to hundreds of other fascinating train-related attractions. The guided selections give enhanced information about when to go, how to get there, and tips on what to do when you get there.Includes more than 100 photos of favorite train spots selected by the editors of Trains magazine. Directory listings cover hundreds more train tourism sites including out-of-the-way displays of steam engines or old-time rolling stock and museums. Includes a laminated discount card good for hundreds of dollars in savings on admissions prices. Softcover; 5.25 x 8; 320 pages; 150 b&w photos;
£ 13.95 (Incl. UK p&p)
New Books From
Trackside Grand Trunk (New England Lines) with John Ames by George F. Melvin
The Grand Trunk (New England Lines) of the Canadian National System were an almost forgotten piece of American railroading. Extending from Portland, Maine through New Hampshire to Canada, the late steam, diesel operations of GT are examined in full color through the camera of one of its long-time employees.
£ 39.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
Erie Railroad Facilities In Color Volume 2: New York State by Robert J. Yanosey
Station-by-station, tower-by-tower, the journey west continues across the Empire State looking at facilities on the Erie and EL. Terminals, shops, interiors, bridges, even some trains passing by!
New Book From MBI
Illinois Central Railroad by Tom Murray
Even casual observers of railroad history are, familiar with the legend of Illinois Central engineer Casey Jones' ride to glory and have likely heard of that railroad's most famous passenger train, City of New Orleans. Indeed, Illinois Central was one of America's greatest railways, and in this history, author Tom Murray presents a gorgeously illustrated account of the self-proclaimed "Main Line of Mid-America." From the IC's early years, when it garnered support from a young Illinois attorney named Abraham Lincoln, right through to its 1999 acquisition by Canadian National, Murray recounts IC's motive power and rolling stock, the roles of major players in the railroad's development, its acclaimed passenger and freight operations, and its routes throughout the Midwest and the South. Always an astute historian, Murray draws on archival records and imagery from collections and photographers around the nation.
£ 26.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
New Book From 4 Ways West
WISCONSIN CENTRAL HERITAGE - VOLUME 1 by John Leopard
This book covers the Wisconsin Central system wide: locomotives, operations, and structures. Take a photographic tour of the lines operated by the WC during the company’s 14 year existence. hardcover, all-color, 128 pages.
New Book Series From ARCADIA
Boston's Blue Line by Frank Cheney
Boston's rapid-transit Blue Line covers a distance of 5.94 miles, a 23 minute commute that begins at Bowdoin station in downtown Boston, travels under the harbor, passes Revere Beach, and stops at Wonderland. Today's commuters might be surprised to learn that the line they are riding was once operated by trolley cars and narrow-gauge steam-powered commuter trains, for it was not until 1904 that the East Boston Tunnel under the harbor was completed. By 1917, the number of people riding the Blue Line had climbed to 25 thousand a day. Although significant advances had been made to accommodate high-volume commuter traffic, rush-hour congestion at downtown stations remained a problem. In the 1920s, with ridership exceeding 42 thousand people a day, the Boston Elevated Railway and the Boston Transit Commission agreed to convert the tunnel to a rapid-transit operation with a transfer station at Maverick Square. Further expansion occurred in the 1950s, when the Blue Line was extended to Orient Heights, Suffolk Downs, and Revere Beach.
£ 14.00 (Incl. UK p&p)
Philadelphia Trolleys by Alley Meyers, Joel Spivak
Streetcar service arrived in Philadelphia in the 1850s, shortly after the consolidation of the city. After the Civil War, the horse-drawn omnibus gave way to a comprehensive network of streetcar lines with some routes measuring 19 miles in length. By 1915, the electrification of the streetcar increased the number of routes in Philadelphia to a total of 86. During the trolley's heyday, the city provided a vast test track for such companies as J.G. Brill, Kimball and Gorton Car Manufacturers, and the Budd Wheel Company. The Wharton Railroad Switch Company revolutionized the manufacture of switches and tracks. Of the lines that once operated in Philadelphia, five are still running today.# of Pages: 128
New London County Trolleys by Connecticut Motor Coach Museum
Railroads were instrumental to the growth of industry in America. Streetcar systems branched off from railroad lines, extending transportation to urban and rural areas not otherwise accessible. The expansion of the trolley system in New London County also revitalized industry in the area. By the 1860s, the number of farms in Connecticut had begun to decline, and the need for reliable, reasonable transportation to towns and cities increased. The Norwich Horse Railroad, incorporated in 1864, was followed by various other trolley companies, including the Norwich Street Railway Company, the New London Horse Railroad, the New London Street Railway, and the Montville Horse Railway. Trolley transportation was finally electrified in 1889, fueling the expansion of trolley networks in Norwich and New London. The increase in trolley service allowed the textile industry to grow by expanding access to a sufficient workforce. The system also worked in reverse, enabling city dwellers to escape to the country for outings.
Like the wild wild west of the 1880's, the human story unfolds with the beautiful Arizona scenery setting the stage. Here is just a taste of what you'll get to see. Cowboys, prospectors, loggers, ranchers, workers, and fortune-seekers suddenly ride in from all over the high desert and beyond to forge a town. That's what happened to Williams, Arizona in 1881-'82 but what was the thunder-clap that sparked this "stampede"? It was the Santa Fe Railway. In 1881, the Santa Fe Pacific carved the first mainline across the state of Arizona...and nothing would ever be the same. Back then, the Grand Canyon was considered nothing more than a "big hole" inside a forest preserve. Good for mining...and maybe "spittin' into". Prospectors were about the only ones really interested in it. So why did the Santa Fe Railway just a few years later jubilantly proclaim itself to be "The Grand Canyon Line"? Well, that's just part of the little-known history of the world's most famous National Park. ...the history that comes alive for you in Thunder From the Wild West. See how it got started...how it grew...and how it affected the people of the high desert Canyonlands. Visiting the site of historic cattle ranches along the line gives you a glimpse of life in the high desert before and after the arrival of the Santa Fe Railway. And then later, you'll hear the story why the Grand Canyon Line whithered and was abandoned ...how it was nearly torn up ...and how it came back to life. Massive comeback effort Discover the new Grand Canyon Railway's race against time to bring the first steamer (#18) back to life from a 35-year slumber...while the whole world watched! Tour the locomotive shop where legendary steam locomotive #4960 was carefully restored...costing over one and a half million dollars! First generation diesels are now almost as rare as steam locos. The new Grand Canyon Railway has those, too...an elegant fleet of ALCO passenger diesels. (Have you ever seen the engine-room of these old beasts? In Thunder from the Wild West you will.) See moments frozen in time... snowy winter railroading with steam and first generation diesel equipment.
78 mins colour Narration Regular price £22.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 1st April 2007 - £22.00 (free UK & European p&p)
TWO DISC SET Canadian Pacific's train 177 is a priority intermodal running between Calgary, Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia Ride AC44 # 9602 from Field to Revelstoke through the spectacular scenery of the Rocky & Selkirk mountains and the longest tunnel in the Western Hemisphere, the Mount MacDonald tunnel. Picture in picture shows some of the scenery, views of the train and the crew at work.
4.5 HOURS colour Narration Regular price £20.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 1st April 2007 - £20.00 (free UK & European p&p)
Canada was just 34 years old when trains began rolling through the Temiskaming region of Ontario. Ride aboard today`s Northlander and Little Bear and learn the century-old history behind these famous trains. This DVD takes you on board current day operations and tells you about the history of the line in yesteryear as you travel today. Passenger service began on the T&NO when CLC delivered the railway`s first locomotives. Hear about the railway`s famous Northerns and their assignment to the railway`s daytime express trains. In the 1970`s the ONR bucked the North American trend and introduced a new competitive passenger service using former Trans European Express equipment.
60 mins colour Narration Regular price £20.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 1st April 2007 - £20.00 (free UK & European p&p)
October 2006 found Canada's Rocky Mountains echoing with the powerful sound of steam on the rails. Former CPR Consolidated #3716 was thundering above the orchards over the former Kettle Valley line at Summerland. Canadian Northern 2-8-0 #2141 lead an impressive passenger train through the grasslands of the British Columbia interior. Canadian Pacific's mainline played host to 'The Empress' with Standard Hudson 2816 rolling the varnish through mountains and over prairies between Vancouver and Calgary. Also, see exclusive footage of the restoration work that has taken place aboard the CPR lake-boat S.S. Sicamous.
31 mins colour Narration Regular price £15.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 1st April 2007 - £15.00 (free UK & European p&p)
British Columbia Railway. Sold to the Canadian National Railway in 2004, it’s now a beloved fallen flag. Experience the thrill of BC Rail as it existed in 1986. Take a ride along Howe Sound behind Royal Hudson 2860, one of the world’s most beautiful steam locos and enjoy a trip aboard the Budd passenger cars from North Vancouver to Prince George. Traveling the various subdivisions, we get close-up views of freight operations and visit the Tumbler Ridge line to see its electric locos and their coal loading operations. BC Rail’s color scheme was shifting from green to its new red, white, and blue paint at this time; see both color schemes traveling through mountains, past lakes, and across bridges. Step back in time to savor BC Rail at its finest! Uncommon Carrier. See BC Rail’s steam, diesel, and electric locos used to serve its shipping, passenger, and tourist operations and get special insight into BC Rail’s contribution to the economy of its province. 995 Days. Experience the Tumbler Ridge Line, the only 50-kilowatt electric railroad in North America. Construction began in 1980 and was completed in 1983. See tunnels drilled, track laid, catenary strung, insulators fired, and the unique locomotives designed by GMD of Canada for this remote and fascinating line. Mile 63.5. On a cold November day in 1985, a northbound BC Rail train hit a rockslide at Mile 63.5 and derailed. Experience the efforts of the men and equipment pulling three locomotives up an embankment back to the main line in the middle of a British Columbia winter! Dayliner One and Snowtrain. Enjoy two beautiful travelogs of the BC Rail system. Climb aboard the stainless steel Budd cars, view the beautiful scenery, and visit the towns the railroad serves. Includes great aerial shots of the Budd cars traveling the rails!
3 Hours 24 Minutes colour Narration Regular price £24.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 1st April 2007 - £24.00 (free UK & European p&p)
Privately run intercity passenger service in Milwaukee was a thing of the past by early 1971. The Federal government had formed Amtrak to remove the burden of passenger service from the railroads and insure that core passenger routes remained active. By May 1st, when Amtrak rolled into Milwaukee, things had changed. Milwaukee Road’s Hiawatha and C&NW’s bi-level Streamliners were out, but Amtrak’s Empire Builder was in. Direct rail service was now available all the way to Seattle, but one could no longer travel to Green Bay! All passenger service on C&NW rails was gone, but Amtrak did pick up some Chicago-Milwaukee trains over Milwaukee Road rails. These new trains looked different, too. Amtrak paint was months away and its first units were made up of mismatched heritage cars and engines that earned them the nickname "Rainbow" trains (BN green, GN orange and blue, Milwaukee yellow, Burlington silver, NP greens, and others). Their classic motive power included E-9s, F-3s, F-7s, and F-9s. Empire Builders to Milwaukee takes you back to the six months preceding and following the start of Amtrak service in Milwaukee. You’ll view the Morning Hiawatha and the C&NW bi-level Streamliners during their last winter and spring of operations as well as Amtrak’s new Empire Builder and Chicago-Milwaukee corridor service. Also making appearances are freights (many pulled by venerable GP35s and GP9s) on the Milwaukee Road and Soo Line, the commuter Cannonball, and specials including Amtrak’s Turbo Train on its national tour and the Great Circus Train of 1971. These exciting scenes were filmed at Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Duplainville, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, Oak Creek, West Bend, and other Milwaukee metro areas. There’s plenty to enjoy in this fascinating tribute to Amtrak’s early Empire Builders!
50 mins colour Narration Regular price £24.95 NEW RELEASE OFFER UNTIL 1st April 2007 - £24.00 (free UK & European p&p)
Titles from Highball Re-Released On DVD
The Pokey is in the south west corner of West Virginia, Bluefield to Williamson thro’ deep valleys & lush undergrowth of this scenic line. This is coal country with up to 150 trains a day! Watch as NS’s new high tech power struggles to move the coal, often in a cloud of smoke, over the steep grades.
120 mins colour Narration Regular price £26.95 SPECIAL RE-RELEASE OFFER - £15.00 (free UK & European p&p)
Anything goes on UP’s former SP line across Southern Arizona, from SD90MAC’s SD7s, C36s to C44-9Ws. We follow this historic line from Steins to Yuma. Lots have changed since the UP/SP merger. Action packed railroading in the magnificent mountain & desert scenery of Arizona.
Enjoy the magic from Barstow to Needles thro’ rugged, inhospitable unpopulated wilderness.The magic of magnificent mountain backdrops, wide open vistas, gleaming red & silver warbonnets, orange & green heritage. Trains snaking across desert and slamm ing past the camera at track speed.
From Barstow to Bakersfield CA crossing the Mojave Desert and the Tehachapi mountains. Traffic is heavy on the famous loop on which long trains pass over them-selves making for an awesome railfan experience. Both UP/SP & BN/SF mergers in full swing & the line is a riot of colorful locos.
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS MAKE GREAT GIFTS - ENYOYED ALL YEAR ROUND!
DIESEL ERA (£5.40 - sub £32) Jan/Feb issue available
CLASSIC TRAINS (£4.25 - sub £17.00) Winter issue available
TRAINS (£4.25 - sub £45) April issue available
MODEL RAILROADER (£4.25 - sub £47) April issue available
NARROW GAUGE & SHORTLINE GAZETTE (£5.25 - sub £29) Jan/Feb issue available
GARDEN RAILWAYS (£4.95 - sub £28) Jan/Feb issue available
RAILFAN (£3.20 - sub £33) March issue available
RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN (£3.40 - sub £35) March issue available
N SCALE (£5.25 - sub £29) March/April issue available
FINESCALE MODELER (£5.00 - sub £47 / 10 issues ) March issue available
Magazines UK p&p now included - Rest of Europe + £ 0.50 Annual Sub: UK p&p incl. - Europe £5
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The London Festival of Railway Modelling Sat - Sun 24th-25th March 2007 Alexandra Palace, London. about
Derby Model Railway Exhibition Sat - Sun 21st-22nd April 2007 The Assembly Rooms, Derby about
Gresley Model Railway Show Sat - Sun 28th-29th April 2007 Northern Events Arena, Pickering Showground, N. Yorks about
Your chance to watch the DVDs, see the books and browse the magazines See y’all there!
BARBARA IS A NEW MEMBER OF STAFF AT SPV
Barbara has joined Chrissie on the orders desk. She is keen and cheery so make sure you give her a friendly “Hello” if she answers the phone. At the moment I am not sure that she could tell the difference between a GP9 and a cab forward but it takes years as Chrissie will surely testify.
CHRISSIE’S 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Chrissie, who most of you would have spoken to if you rang the office, has been with us now for 10 years. She is largely responsible for taking, processing and dispatching your orders and always has a warm and friendly relationship with you, our customers, on the phone. Some of you may remember a past newsletter where we listed some of Chrissie’s Hiccups she has said whilst on the phone, that have made us all chuckle and that Chrissie has always taken with good heart seeing the funny side of her ‘slip of the tongue’. (please see list below). - She doesn’t know I am putting them in here, so she will kill me when she finds out:
1. Are you a normal customer? i.e. retail as opposed to wholesale 2. I’ll put you in the draw then! i.e. A file of backorders was kept in a draw 3a. What’s your expiry date? - and- 3b. You’ve expired then! i.e. customer’s credit card 4. O, Ah, Ooh, hello isn’t that strange? I meant to dial out. Oh there’s somebody there! i.e. Chrissie trying to sort out customers on our phone system. 5. Are you in the draw? i.e. See #2 6. Would you like to give me one? i.e. To save her blushes, I assume she meant a credit card no. 7. Can you hold while I’ll take something off! i.e. When she has come in the office from outside. 8. Thank you for being happy. i.e Presumably to the same customer who had just heard question 6 0r 7! 9. I am sorry, I was doing something else and could not remember who I was. i.e. I am not surprised after the above!
Well, having been with us for 10 years, Chrissie recently decided to no longer work on Fridays and will be cutting her working week down to 3 days later on in the year. I think after 10 years of us train folk, she thoroughly deserves a couple of days off from it, although I know she would miss us all if she stopped completely! So let us all hope for many more years of Chrissie’s great company and hard work - and thanks Chrissie for the last 10 years at SPV!
Stu
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