Their initial kits were an HO scale Volcano Assay Office and
the Jacks Cabin Water Tank. Cliff Grandt did the tooling for the
plastic parts and Charley Trombley cut some of the wood for
the assay office. Later, in partnership with John Parker, R/Robb
introduced some of the first plastic kits in HOn3, including a
D&RGW drop-bottom gondola and a wheel-and-tie car which
became available later through Grandt Line.
Bob became well-known for his distinctive Narrow Gauge
Pictorial Series of books which, when the initial volume was
published in 1981, was the first book to emphasize full-page
photos of narrow gauge equipment to help hobbyists create
more accurate models.
After returning from Vietnam, where he served in the United
States Marine Corps, Robert began a life-long career with
Western Electric where his skill as a switch and fiber-optics
installer led to special assignments all over the US, as well as
in several countries overseas. Bob Grandt is survived by his
wife Betty, brother David, and sisters Phyllis and Elizabeth.
– (Our thanks to Matthew Coleman for contributing to this obituary)…
iHobby Show to change format and location
The Hobby Manufacturers Association (HMA) has announced
that the next iHobby Expo will be held March 11-13, 2016, at
the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison,
N.J. In addition to a change of location, the format of the show
will be shifted to focus on hobbyists rather than vendors
and manufacturers. The goal is to increase attendance and
make the show more appealing to consumers. HMA has con-
tracted with Competitive Intelligence Advertising (CIA Inc.) to
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manage and promote the show, which will change locations
each year to increase the event’s national exposure. For further
details, visit
Questions may be addressed to
Highland Station closes
Highland Station (
, an on-line
seller of DVDs, print and digital books, back issues of
Model Railroading
magazine, and railroad art, has ceased
operations. Owner Randy Lee, the former editor of
Model
Railroading
magazine, has decided it is time to fully retire
…
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NEW PRODUCTS FOR ALL SCALES
Kalmbach Publishing
has
released two book titles
that provide insight in two
unique fields of model
railroading. First up is “A
Guide to Narrow Gauge
Modeling” written by Tony
Koester. As a historian, the veteran author presents an insightful
introduction to various prototype narrow gauge railroads, includ-
ing a look at some of the fascinating equipment unique to narrow
gauge operations. As an experienced modeler, Koester provides
an interesting perspective on various aspects of narrow gauge
modeling, including information on track, cars, locomotives, and
operations of various scales. The book is priced at $21.99.
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