NWSL (Northwest Short Lines) to Close

NWSL a major supplier of wheel sets, gears, and power truck parts plus other supplies for model railroaders of all scales has announced its closure. The last day of operation will be in early August, 2019. 

Over the years NWSL's array of products grew. It is a manufacturer and supplier of many items of which most model railroads use daily. For O scalers NWSL wheelsets are used to manufacturer power trucks for model trolleys. For the last 3 decades the NWSL wheelsets have been used to replace plastic wheelsets in freight cars. Metal wheels on metal rail make a distinctive sound like prototype freight cars make rolling by. Also, there is less chance of dirty rail!

NWSL has saved many O scale diesel locomotive models from the junk pile. NWSL makes replacement wheelsets with gears on the axels for AHM (ROCO),  Atlas, K-Line, MTH, Red Caboose, Weaver, perhaps other diesel models.

NWSL has a wide variety of gears and gear boxes. Enough to power and/or repower any steam locomotive. My comments have been mainly for the O scaler. However NWSL also has products for N, HO, S, and larger scales.

Then, there are the tools, hardware, parts, and books  every modeler needs. To see the full range of products available from NWSL, you need to look-up their on-line catalogue on the internet.

I hope someone will acquire some or all of NWSL's product line and do well! 

We are entering a drought of scratch building parts. Sometimes old manufacturers are being bought-up and the new owners do well. Other times the new owners find out they are in over their head for various reasons. When this happens the new owners sell off the parts to regain their original investment. Nothing is being upgraded or renewed. 

One way to obtain old parts is to try contacting individuals who handle estate sales of model trains. Always attend model train shows and meets to look for parts. 

Another idea is to find a computer savvy  individual who can prepare the material required for having a 3-D printing of the part. If the individual has a commercial company like Shapeways produce the part, they can make money for their work. This is easier than trying to making, a pattern, mold, and casting the part out of epoxy or metal.

Cheers,
Ed 

Donald A. Bruno 1942-2019

Donald (Don) A. Bruno died on April 18, 2019. He modeled O scale trolleys as well as other O scale trains and scales. He had a college degree in photography and industrial design. He worked for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) for most of his career.

Don, will be best known for his deep interest in Italian automobiles. The brand of cars in which he was most interested was Alfa Romero's. He had an antique Giulietta TI which he rebuilt and an Alfa Spyder. He raced a British made Lola. I guess it was, "What Lola wants Lola gets!"

Most may not have heard of Don's model trolley and railroad and railroading interest, as he put most of his interest into his career at the CTA . Upon joining the CTA, Don worked his way up from flagman, conductor, and then motorman on the (3rd) Rail Division or "L". When a position opened up which was more suitable to his education and interest he applied and was promoted. He worked on signage for "L" stations, right-of-way, and "L" cars. When cost savings was instituted on the CTA, Don's job also included the Surface Division.  His work included bus terminals, passenger stops, and bus interiors and exteriors.

It wasn't his normal work that Don was known for at the CTA but instead his ability to solve engineering problems on the "L". He was able within minutes to solve why "L" cars would derail on newly installed trackwork when the engineering department was unable to resolve situations like this.

Perhaps his most important problem-solving ability was to prove to the higher management of the CTA, the proposed design for the placement of escalators for a redesigned multi-million dollar main transfer point station effecting most "L" routes was not workable. He made a scale model to prove his point. He showed his scale model to most of the upper CTA management and the escalator design/placement was changed.

To all of those who knew Don, he was irascible. When 1st  meeting a couple of CTA employees who worked with Don I was met with, "So you know Don Bruno!" However, to Don's benefit, once he knew you, he was your friend forever! He was extremely generous in his friendship!

Over the years by dumpster-diving or grabbing obsolete items, Don was able to amass a number of vintage items from the CTA and the CA&E Ry. Many valuable items were saved all of which may have been destroyed. Most of Don's collection has been donated to the Illinois Railway Museum (IRM). 

Don, the light has changed from red to green. It's safe to put the accelerator to the floor. Or, if you want move the controller to the post.

Thank you. It was great being your friend!
Ed