SoundBytes XXXIIX

Happy Fourth of July!! Please have a safe and fun weekend. This weekend, take time to remember why we celebrate this day. The United States of America is a beacon of freedom around the world, and without freedom, we would not be enjoying the world’s greatest hobby!

On a short post this time, we start off with a talk of the big upcoming show, NMRA Convention and National Train Show in Sacramento, CA. Also, George just returned from the N-Scale convention and we’ll talk about news related to that. Next, we will take a sneak peek at the upcoming Blackstone Models EBT Hoppers. Last up will be our next dealer spotlight, Hobby Smith Hobby Shop in Portland, OR.

NMRA National Train Show

NMRA and the National Train Show are just around the corner. This year, it is in Sacramento, CA at the Sacramento Convention Center July 8-10th in conjunction with the NMRA National Convention the preceding week. We have been working hard to get ready for this show. We will have a few announcements in both SoundTraxx and Blackstone Models, so be sure to come by and see what we have new for you and your layout.

National N-Scale Convention

George just returned from the National N-Scale Convention in Hershey, PA this past weekend put together by the N-Scale Enthusiast. He went there to promote and officially kick off shipping of the much-anticipated SurroundTraxx system.

This is a revolutionary sound system to give full surround sound to your layout, be it a small home layout, or a large club. George gave a clinic about the SurroundTraxx and its features to about 35 attendees. Overall, it was a fun weekend. We would like to thank the N-Scale Enthusiast and all who worked hard to put this convention together.

East Broad Top Hoppers

We have been working on this model to ensure the most accurate representation of this model as we have built a reputation on. We have been given the newest CAD drawings that we can share with you. These models will be produced to arrive just after the first of the year, so be sure to get your orders in for these cars before the deadline passes to prevent being left out after they sell out, as has many of the most recent Blackstone releases.

On another note C-19s are selling out, so be sure to get yours before they are all sold out. We have only the 347 with the black boiler and the 345 in the Bumble Bee scheme left. These are selling out quickly.

Dealer Spotlight

Our Dealer Spotlight this time is The Hobby Smith, located in Portland Oregon.

The Hobby Smith is a full line model train store that carries HOn3, HO, N, Z and Lionel. In their store you will find a great selection of SoundTraxx DCC products along with brass, books, DVDs, consignments and used equipment along with HOn3 products including Blackstone, Micro Engineering and more. The Hobby Smith does DCC decoder and sound decoder installation in all scales plus repairs. They do offer reservation discounts, terms and ship products anywhere. Located 17 minutes from the Portland airport and right off I-84 this is truly a friendly model train store that is open everyday except Monday.

You can find Ron and his crew at 1809 NE Cesar Chavez Blvd. Portland, OR 97212 on the web at www.hobbysmith.com or call them at 503-284-1912. Toll Free 1-877-284-1912.