Nearly 100 years ago, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad celebrated its first century of service with the expansive and lavish Fair of the Iron Horse. The multi-acre event, that took place in the southwestern Baltimore suburb of Halethorpe, MD, opened to the public September 24th 1927. Originally scheduled to run for two weeks, the event was so successful the B&O elected to extend that one additional week. Much more that a static display of historic railroad equipment and artifacts, the daily centerpiece was a nearly two-hour long parade that depicted the evolution of inland transportation with emphasis on the role that the B&O and the greater railroad industry had in the development of our Nation.
The importance of our railroad culture remains with us today and this week we want to celebrate railroading and the great hobby model railroading with a landmark, week long sale, with special promotions each day during that event that will focus on specific sectors of specialization and notable manufacturers. Within each topic you will find a selection of quality model railroad equipment and accessories that will add interest and value to your model building experience.
The depth and breadth of our hobby continues to expand and improve with nearly each release. The high-performance locomotives of today that serve BNSF, CP, CN, CSX, NS UP and others will be well-represented within the items we will post. Historic favorites including the B&O, C&O, PRR, NYC and other in the eras from the 1880s through the last days of big steam power and first- and second-generation diesel-electric locomotives will also be included. Amtrak diesel-electric and electric locomotives will be featured along with today’s commuter motive power.
Consists too will be featured that span the era of wooden passenger car up to today’s Amtrak streamliners and new bi-level commuter cars. Freight equipment will cover every description of box car, hopper car, tank car and beyond representing all eras and all types of service. Contemporary well cars, containers, autorack cars and high-platform tank cars will fill the mix.
Next, we will continue our America the Beautiful theme of two weeks ago by offering structures and scenic materials including trees, foliage and landscape surface paints and textures. That collection will also offer a wide range of commercial and industrial structures including retail shops, food establishments, manufacturing, warehousing, freight facilities and coal mines, docks, wharfs and much more.
Finally, and most importantly, we want to underscore our thanks to you as we strive to build and expand our base operation. That steady progress over the past six months has been possible by your continued patronage and we sincerely thank you for your support and patience during this aggressive process.
Frank Wrabel
modeltrainstuff.com