supplies to build train layouts. But their own kids, and the kids
after them, found something else to do. We were done in,” said
Gunther, “by changing times, by the Internet, by suppliers who
undercut the prices in the retail hobby shops, and by a demo-
graphic shift. The pricing policies of the distributors, suppliers,
and the internet have left little to no room for the needed profit
margin to remain in business, especially in a major city such as
San Francisco where rent and other operating expenses continue
to spiral upward.” …
Sellios postpones retirement
George Sellios has decided to postpone his retirement and the
subsequent closing of Fine Sale Miniatures. In announcing that
he will continue to produce new structure kits for at least two
years, Sellios acknowledged that his original decision to call it
quits was made in haste. He said the overwhelming response
from FSM customers, plus urging from family members, caused
him to rethink his retirement timetable. The founder and guiding
hand behind Fine Scale Miniatures apologized for any inconve-
nience he may have caused FSM customers …
Classic Miniatures missing masters
In response to numerous requests, Classic Miniatures would like
to reissue its HO scale structure kit for Union Brass Foundry. The
kit has been off the market for some time and CM owner Clifford
Mestel reports that he is missing the masters for some parts. He
would like to borrow an unbuilt kit to recreate the lost items.
Anyone willing to lend an unbuilt kit to Cliff is asked to contact
him at
...
John Pryke 1940-2013
John T. M. Pryke, 73, of Orleans, Massachusetts, passed away
after a long illness on December 22, 2013. Known throughout
the model railroading community, John developed his passion
News column - 2
for modeling the New Haven Railroad as a young boy watch-
ing steam locomotives in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. John was
widely recognized as an innovator in the hobby with frequent
contributions to
Model Railroader
magazine. He was an active
member of the Nauset Model Railroad Club, and was a found-
ing member in the New Haven Railroad Historical and Technical
Association. A native of New York City, John graduated from
MIT in 1962 with a degree in mechanical engineering, and a
masters degree from Northeastern University. He is survived by
his wife Sandra. …
Earl Smallshaw 1933-2014
Earl Smallshaw, of Connecticut, passed away on January 3rd,
2014. He was 80 years old. Earl earned an international reputa-
tion as a master modeler whose work was the subject of numer-
ous magazine articles and clinics on the art of model railroading.
His beautifully executed Middletown & Mystic Mines HO scale
layout served as the basis for several of his popular how-to
structure articles. He was a life member of the National Model
Railroad Association. Earl served in the United States Army, 82nd
Airborne Division, during the Korean War. In addition to Barbara,
his wife of 57 years, Earl is survived by four children and 11
grand children. His layout and craftsmanship can be viewed at
…
NEW PRODUCTS FOR ALL SCALES
The Missouri Pacific Historical Society
is offering a special on its two-volume set of
Maintenance of Way information. Although specifically MP, the
information is of great value to all modelers interested in learn-
ing about standard prototype railroad practice.
MRH-Feb 2014
