"The Gauge One Collector" is published by:
Gallery of Transportation
8340 NW 74th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33166
305-863-3220 Fax 305-863-3213
Visit us at http://galtran.com
Welcome to the first issue of GOC! The GOC will try to keep you abreast of "what's happening" in Ga 1 (1/32) world wide. I am always amazed at how little we know about the other guy's back yard. If you live in North America, you probably miss over half of the truly great models made in the world. If you live in Europe, you fare better, but, probably seldom see North American outline models. And in South America, Japan and the rest of Asia... well, GOC will keep you informed, too.
The GOC will concentrate on 1/32 scale. That does not mean that we disdain LGB, garden or other large scales. For the most part, these are massed produced, injection molded or stamped. And these scales have journals of their own. The GOC will concentrate on limited series, hand made models. These are made by gifted artisans. Many of these models will have transcended craft and entered the realm of art. If I succeed, GOC will appeal to the passionate collector.
Later issues of GOC will contain interviews with the builders, give the reader sneak previews on future production, and provide reader feedback to all manufacturers. Please write, call or fax me (Bill Box) at the Gallery, address above, with your 1/32 scale wants, desires and opinions. I will send a copy of GOC to all 1/32 manufacturers.
As usual, many of the great Ga 1 manufacturers displayed at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. You may think that this is a fair that shows only toys. Not so! How many places can you go to see booths with over $100,000 worth of the world's best models on display? Not many, but, the Toy Fair is one. A quick walk through the aisles of Hall D will convince anyone that Ga 1 is alive, well and growing. Here is a brief overview:
Fine Art Models - Well what can you say? They had what must be the best location in the hall. You saw the impressive display immediately upon entering. There was always a crowd, seemingly mesmerized by the pieces. FAM is not exclusively a 1/32 manufacturer so they had wonderful ship models, a spectacular 1/24 Corsair static aircraft, and an unbelievable 1/3 scale working Ferrari race car.
OK, so what about Ga 1? FAM had their US Allegheny 2-6-6-6 (probably fully subscribed ,100, by now), the German BR 50 2-10-0 (possibly one or two left of 40), and the Swiss Ce 6/8 II Crocodile in original brown (contact FAM or the Gallery for availability, 50 brown models. 50 green have already been delivered). The Allegheny and the Br 50 are being shipped now with the croc to follow in a few months.
Reservations are being accepted for US Pennsylvania Railroad's I-1 2-10-0, the German BR 03 4-6-4, US New York Central Hudson in regular and streamlined versions. US Broadway Limited and 20th Century Limited passenger cars need to be reserved, too. FAM also had a pre-production 250 ton crane on display, also. What a model this will be!
The Gallery of Transportation is a display agent, not a dealer, of FAM. We will assist the customer to the extent the customer desires at no charge to the customer or FAM. Fine Art Models is known for their quality, fidelity to detail, and value. Each new issue is, somehow, better than the last.
Markscheffel & Lennartz was showing their BR 01 pacifics. They are now building four and planning two more DR (East German) versions of this famous locomotive. The screw reversing gear in the cab actually rotates to change the position of the valve gear when the model changes direction! Like all M&L models, this pacific is built to a very high standard, indeed.
They also had a pre-production model BR 44 2-10-0. This will be offered in four version, DR, DB (West German) oil, DB coal, and French SNCF 150 X. It seemed to built to the same quality level as the BR 01. The DB BR 38 4-6-0 still has a couple of pieces not reserved. The 600 D diesel (like an 0-8-0 with small drivers and side rods) is also available. This model is actually hydraulically powered just like the big one!
Also offered is M&L's version of the "economy model", a BR 265 in several versions. This diesel siderod locomotive is direct drive (not hydraulic), but, finely detailed. Priced at DM 3,300 exclusive of import duties and shipping charges.
M&L has three versions of the BR 78 4-6-4 tank and two versions of the E 73 BoBo electric loco in planning.
The Gallery is a dealer for M&L, so, if you wish to reserve any of the above pieces, receive pricing information, or require additional information, please contact us.
Renzo Dottori displayed the restaurant car of his magnificent teak Orient Express train (circa 1904). The workmanship is unbelievable! Every detail is there, including ceiling decoration, fantastic interior detail, and even a few passengers realistically painted. He will make the entire train of five cars over the next several years. The Gallery is proud to be the dealer for Mr. Dottori. Please contact us for reservations and pricing.
Fulgurex has a few of its Swiss Ae 8/14 electric locomotives in stock. It is very well made by FM and nicely detailed. Certainly up to the Fulgurex standard. Aster continues to make live steam locos and a limited number of electric versions of most types. The Gallery is a Fulgurex dealer. Contact us for more information.
Lemaco made models of the Swiss Ae 6/6 electric last summer. The run was completely subscribed before delivery. The Swiss SBB Re 460 and BLS 465 are currently available, but going quickly. Also available are the last few SBB Ce 6/8lll Crocodiles in green. The K. Bay.St. and DRG BR 16 2-6-4 are due to be delivered very shortly. The Bay version is fully subscribed, but, the DRG version has a few openings that are going rapidly. If you wish Lemaco's DR 243 or its variations, reserve quickly, because at least some versions are completely booked. Look for it late this year. I think that the DRG BR 06 4-8-4 is fully subscribed or nearly so. It's to be delivered late in 1996, also. They say that the SBB Re 4/ 4 ll (two pantograph version) should be here in 1997 and they have begun to accept reservations. Reservations for the SNCF 241P 4-8-2 are encouraged at this time with a mid 1997 arrival date. Lemaco is also tempting us with a SBB Ae 4/7 for a future release, but alas, it's too early to make reservations.
Several of our favorite manufacturers did not display at the Fair. But, this doesn't mean nothing is happening! Please forgive my double negative. For instance:
Bockholt & Sohne did have a couple of their freight cars at the Fulgurex display, but, no locomotives. Bockholt has taken the last five Nickel Plate Berkshires 2-8-4, and converted them to the engine that powered "The Cincinattian" passenger train. Many details were changed on the boiler, lights, etc. And a stunning light blue and gray paint scheme was applied. If you missed your opportunity to purchase a black "original", or if you just like Bockholt quality, you now have a chance to own one of five of these beautiful engines.
The run of Swiss Ae 3/5 (17 models) and Ae 3/6 (34 models) is probably sold out by now. The Gallery can inquire if you desire. They are accepting reservations on the BR 45 2-10-2 for delivery late this year or next. Also in planning for the future are a BR 120 (DR C-C diesel freight) and a BR 132 (DR C-C diesel express). The Gallery is a Bockholt distributor, so, please make your reservation through us.
Finescale Locomotive Company is a relatively new builder, but, if they continue making models to the same level as their first effort, they will be with us a long time. Based in the United Kingdom, their first piece is a splendid model of the "Duke of Gloucester" pacific 4-6-2. 100 pieces will be made and the subscription list is currently over half full. At current exchange rates, the price is about $6760 plus duty and shipping. Also included is a very nice glass case and wood base. Finescale also has pre-production examples of various coaches and brake vans to complement the "Duke" and future locomotive offerings. They are all brass construction, including the roof, and should sell for between $975 and $1150 plus charges depending on the coach. These will be out before the end of 1996.
The Gallery is a display agent of Finescale Locomotive Company, not a dealer. We will assist the customer in every way possible, of course. Stay tuned for more news.
Bloch & Preiswerk is a Swiss firm specializing in contemporary Swiss railway locos and cars. B&P builds in series, but, their offerings may be re-issued if demand warrants. No guarantees either way! This is in contrast to most other Ga 1 artisans that have an unwritten rule of no reissues. They build in batches of about 25 pieces. B&P recently issued their SBB Re 4/4 ll in either green or red per the customer's wishes. A batch of SBB Re 6/6 is nearly complete. Soon to follow will be the little SBB/BLS switcher Ee 3/3. They have told me that they plan to issue the SBB Ae 4/7 in 1997. (Can we talk them into an Ae 3/6, too?) B&P waits until it fills all 25 or so spots before starting a run. Sign up now if you want future issues.
B&P's models are quite robust, but, well detailed. This includes such niceties as a well done cab interior and intricate roof detail. The loco sides look like they are machined from 3 mm (about 1/8") brass plate. The rest of the engine is similarly constructed. It is obvious that computer controlled machining is used extensively. The locos operate well, too.
The Gallery is a display agent of Bloch & Preiswerk, not a dealer. Count on the Gallery and GOC to keep you aware of happenings at B&P. We will make reservations at the customer's request.
...Hegob makes some of the finest German freight wagons ever made?
...Besig sells beautiful, scale German signals and lights? They look great on loco display bases!
...Bockholt has a few terrific looking modern German freight cars still available?
...Lemaco says that they are taking reservations for German DB TEE/IC passenger cars? ... and Swiss SBB light weight coaches?
...Bloch & Preiswerk says that it will soon issue Swiss SBB Eurocity coaches and restaurant cars?
...Fine Art Models, at last check, had a few of their marvelous Pennsylvania Railroad flatcars with loads available?
...the Gallery of Transportation has more Ga 1 1/32 scale locomotives and cars on display for sale than any firm in the world?
...the Gallery buys and sells discretely and in confidence, single pieces or entire collections?
Next issue: I will try to interview one of the manufacturers to hear their views on where is quality 1/32 collecting is going and how did we get to where we are? You will read about the latest Ga 1 news and events, of course!
The Gallery of Transportation would like to thank you for your support. Feel free to copy this newsletter and give it to a fellow collector. Call or fax if the Gallery can be of assistance.
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