Darrens Blog




Get your orders in!

posted Jun 20, 2012 11:06 AM by Darren Altbaum

Ok - so now that we have a "more-or-less-precise-but-not-really" schedule from the factory,
   I would encourage your orders for the CP MINI BOX CAR.  This box car, originally made in 1929 was used across Canada in CP RAIL service.  A handful of cars eventually made their way to BCOL for MoW service and icicle duty as well.  What makes the cars so unique was the interior height of only 8'6" instead of 10'. 
   You can also still preorder the CN 8 HATCH REEFERS and GTW 8 HATCH REEFERS, so if you were sitting on the fence to see the CP units, you should get off that fence!
    Also check out the new run of 1937 and 1944 era box cars including new variants with 4/5 Dreadnaught ends and Express Reefer trucks.  For those asking, the Express Reefer trucks will soon be available separately, part number 900914 (SRP $6.75).  These trucks are also commonly used on EXPRESS variants of the CN 8 HATCH REEFERS.
    Hope the summer is keeping you busy!

Yes - We're sold out.

posted Jun 20, 2012 10:47 AM by Darren Altbaum

Thats right!  The CP/PGE/BCOL 8 Hatch Reefers are SOLD OUT! 
    Sorry for the long delay, but the cars needed to be perfect!  With over 100 parts on each car we wanted to make sure that they were as good as we promised.   We are completely OVER SOLD on these cars, so please make sure you check your local dealer first for availability!
    Check out more photos on facebook at www.facebook.com/truelinetrains

4th Run Box Cars will feature NEW paint schemes and trucks!

posted Jun 11, 2012 12:39 PM by Darren Altbaum

    Thats right!  The new 40' box cars (1937 and 1944) will feature NEW PAINT schemes for ONR and CN!   Green and Gold, Green and Black and 1961 scheme!  Plus a new variant with BX EXPRESS trucks and 4/5 Dreadnaught ends.  Stay tuned for more information or check out the BOX CAR page for images and more information! 
   

Don't forget to stop by and say Hi!

posted May 31, 2012 7:19 AM by Darren Altbaum

This weekend, Randy Hammill (and in no way related to Mark Hamill, yes, I know it is spelt differently) will be attending/showing and hopefully not dancing this weekend at the annual New England/Northeast Prototype Modelers Meet. (http://www.facebook.com/NERPM).  Randy is a spectacular modeller and a great guy to boot.  
     Not only will he be glad to help you out and get you on the right track, but with lots of new items coming up around the corner,  we are sure there will be something to interest you!
     New items - 8 Hatch Reefers, 4th run of 40' 1937 and 1944 Box cars including new paint schemes and assorted new tooling, a new run of Vanderbilt Tenders, MP36 Locomotives, re-run of 4 Axle C-Liner locomotives with ESU sound and correct grilles and trucks for US and CN liveries, along with a rerun of CP.  The HO scale MINI BOX CAR (with an 8'6" interior height) and more.  Dont forget our WATER based acrylic airbrush ready paints and HO scale accessories! 
    After - go on the layout tour and check out his layout (where you can read about it here http://newbritainstation.com/).  Have a great weekend!

Partake or don't.

posted May 22, 2012 1:56 PM by Darren Altbaum

   I am not sure if people are aware, but we are doing a special run of the METRA #401 model where all proceeds will be going to the MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION and the HSC (Hospital for Sick Children) Cancer research.   This life threatening sickness can come in all forms and can affect loved ones, family and friends, and even pets. 
   Frankly,  I have been pretty shocked at the lack of pre-orders on this one item - so I will give it another go - the STATIC model will retail for $50.00, and all the proceeds will be donated to HSC or the MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION. 
  

Great Time at the Ottawa Train Expo!

posted May 10, 2012 11:05 AM by Darren Altbaum

   What a great show!  We had lots of fun, and a great time had by all.  Lots of new people, and it was nice to see familiar faces stop by as well!  There was a great reaction to the soon-to-be-here-but-not-quite-yet 8 Hatch Reefers and the new CCM model Coffee shop! 
   Thanks to Fred Adams and the entire crew at the OTTAWA TRAIN EXPO for putting on a great show and for ESU for being great neighbours!  We will definitely be back next year and with a new great line up of product!
   Thanks do Mark Kaluza for sending in this photo of what other things can be done with a Vanderbilt!

Upcoming Shows and New web page!

posted Apr 30, 2012 5:26 PM by Darren Altbaum   [ updated Apr 30, 2012 5:29 PM ]

Hello all,
   Hope to see you at the OTTAWA TRAIN EXPO this weekend (May 5-6) at the Carleton University Fieldhouse.  We'll have lots of new things to show (well, not new, but really delayed).  This is the first year of the show, and we are trying to make it as successful as we can, so stop by and show yourselves, browse, buy or schmooze, but come down!
   Mark and I will have some Can-Car model kits there available (https://www.truelinetrains.ca/can-car-structural-kits-1) as well as 8 Hatch Reefers and more.  Don't be shy, come by and yell at Mark (I need a break from the yelling).
   We have also updated the MP36 page with new artwork and information (https://www.truelinetrains.ca/locomotives/ho---mp36-3c-3s-mp-40). 
    You can also come find us on FACEBOOK for streaming information and on YOUTUBE for new videos and up to date information.
   
    I will be arriving in Ottawa on the 4th before setup to do some rail fanning, so you're all welcome to come join me (call the office for the details)
   
    Hope to see you all there!

Darren

Oliver "Ollie" Tibbles

posted Apr 23, 2012 10:20 AM by Darren Altbaum

Well,
     Things are getting under way, and the MP36 projects are being finalized now.   This has been a hard project for some time for me - all thanks to one engine in particular.  The METRA 401. 
     While I haven't really promoted this particular engine, as I think that it would be rude to promote a product on the base of a donation, we have accrued enough orders to go into production on its own.  So, now I can promote the engine on its own.
    What you didn't know about this particular engine was that a portion of all the proceeds for this locomotive were going to Brain Cancer Research (Sick Kids Hospital) and the Make a Wish Foundation (Canada). 
     The story behind this locomotive is touching and speaks mountains of how far we have come, and how far we still have to go to to find a cure for this terrible disease.
     The METRA "OLLIE" will be the only locomotive that we will offer in a "desktop" version for those that wish to donate, but either don't model METRA, or simply don't model trains but wish to donate. 
     I am sure that many of us have lost people to Cancer, personally, a Step - Brother and a Grandfather were taken from me well before their time.
     Please don't take this as a message to buy the product, there are several other ways you can donate as well.  Finding a cure isn't always easy, but the more people that make it possible by donating, the faster we can get there.

Delays....

posted Mar 28, 2012 3:39 PM by Darren Altbaum   [ updated Apr 2, 2012 5:16 AM ]

You know, lately I have been getting a lot of flack for the delays over in China.  There, unfortunately is nothing I can do about it.  Factories are closing and skilled workers are becoming more and more difficult to find.  The state of the economy and our hobby only compound the matter.  
    You can rest assured that we appreciate your patience, and that we are doing everything that we can..including going over to China in the summer - trust me, not fun.  
     There are lots of projects on the go that were all supposed to be out by now, but we are still trying to catch up from other issues.  This year promises the 8 hatch reefers mini box cars and cabooses and new transfer vans, not to mention re-runs of old favorites like the 4 axle c-liner in correct US schemes and our new lower priced box cars.  There are also several other projects such as the new paint colours and some top secret stuff that only a few privileged people know about (ahem Mr. Moses...).   
     I assure you that we are doing all that we can, and appreciate your business.   I would also like to remind you that we have our contest starting this upcoming month and encourage you to enter your photos to win!   I hope to see some of you at the upcoming Ottawa train show in a few weeks!

We want your photos!

posted Mar 23, 2012 12:40 PM by Darren Altbaum   [ updated Mar 23, 2012 12:44 PM ]

Hello all my fellow modellers -
    We need your photos of your True Line Trains locomotives and cars to put on our slide show!  Upon your entry of the photo, we will be drawing a name at random for monthly prizes!
   Custom painting or out-of-the-box photos are welcome.  Even if it is someone elses' car but you have custom painted it by using our brand of TRUE LINE TRAIN paints you are eligible!
   The winner will be drawn and announced on the the 15th of every month!

Thanks
Darren

1-10 of 17