USA Track and Multi-Gauge RaX

 

This was at the recent SGMA layout (which was amazing by the way) at York in April, 2023.  These two items are produced by members of the SGMA and are absolutely invaluable if you collect or even try to play with old toy trains.

USA Tracks is probably the best standard gauge track I've ever seen.  I've seen tons of this stuff over the years and I've paid for way too much of it.  With that said, the USA Track I saw at York is just head and shoulders above anything that has ever been produced by anyone, anywhere.  I'm going to be ordering some sections to kick around with some of my standard gauge.  If you get a chance to check out the SGMA layout at any event or function, there is a good chance you'll be seeing this track.  If there is interest, I'll be glad to ping the owner and SGMA Member, Kirk Lindvig. 

Multi-Gauge RaX is also a "best of the best" type of product.  The thickness and build of this for displaying trains is just better than anything I've seen.  I have a ton of tinplate display track sections and they just are nothing close to MGR.  Again, one of the key members of the SGMA is doing this (Wayne Strobel) and he is super-knowledgeable about these.  If you are building a train room or just want to display a few trains, this is really a must-have.  I would very much like to replace MANY of my sections (which are shoddy in comparison) with MGR's.

The two above items are really important to running trains and being successful collecting them.  They are both absolutely world class design and quality.  PS The prices, for this kind of quality, are beyond reasonable.  Worth every penny!

TCA York April 2023

 So I decided to celebrate my 30th year in the TCA by heading out to the York meet.  I've been in the TCA for 30 years and I've never gone. 

It is an impressive show.  I really went to see my good friends in the SGMA and run some trains on their magnificent layout.  I brought my Jerry Brown M-10000 and a little Wakeling car.  The Wakeling car had some problems, they M-10000 ate the layout (it ran really well).

One of the hidden gems of the show was Dave Carse and his new Glenn Tank Cars.  Now I will freely confess, I passed on many Glenn items over the years.  I was too snooty and very naïve.  I lacked experience with Modern Era Standard Gauge and tended to gravitate to the untouchable State Set.

No more.  Dave (with some help from some SGMA friends) put together some new Glenn Tank cars.  In a nutshell, they are amazing.  These are not toys that would have been sold to a kid in the 30's.  Let's settle the description right now, these are tiny works of engineering art.

Seriously, I saw these on Dave's table and I couldn't think of much else on the ride home (which was about 5 hours).  Dave has relaunched Classic Model Trains with these cars.  And they are stunning.

Whenever I see this kind of train now, I think to myself: if I had a chance to own a Van Gogh bought directly from the master, would I?  There's your answer.  

Dave's cars were absolutely the highlight of York for me.  

I was also overwhelmed by the amount of Postwar O Gauge stuff there was.  What a time to be a Postwar collector!  I think I'll need some help finding the standard gauge in the next show (yes, I plan on going!)

Again, I really appreciate the SGMA (Jim, Kirk, everyone) for letting me run a few trains and look over their shoulder.  It was a great moment and one I'll never forget!