Hobby Crafts N More

New 89' Flat Cars From BLMA

2011-12-08T21:24:00.001-06:00

The long awaited RTTX ACF F89-J 89' Flat Cars from BLMA!

Available in 2 road numbers:

#600963
#51002

Click on either road number to order.

Newest Hobby Products Available

2011-12-05T23:14:00.001-06:00

There's still plenty of time to get that perfect gift before Christmas! We've recently updated our inventory of plastic models.

U.S.S. Freedom LCS-1
USS Indianapolis US Heavy Cruiser & I-58 Japanese Submarine
Japanese Military Transport Set
Japanese Navy Auxiliary Vessels
USS Bogue Escort Carrier
USS Fletcher DD445 U.S. Navy Destroyer
DD-797 Cushing WWII US Navy Destroyer
Z37 & Z39 German Destroyer Z Class
USS Hornet US Aircraft Carrier
King George V British Battleship
1930's British Built Destroyer (Decals for 9 vessels on the class: Exmouth, Electra, Escort, Echo, Encounter, Esk, Eclipse, Escapade, and Express)

Now offering Preiser people in Z scale.

Preiser

Get your AZL products here!

Among others, Norfolk Southern C-30-5 Bay Window Caboose now in stock!

It's not too late...get your orders in today!

Special Thank You Christmas Sale

2011-12-04T19:23:00.001-06:00

As a special thank you to all of our followers we are offering a Christmas Sale. Simply type in: jollyelves to receive 10% off. This offer runs until 12-31-2011. Make the holidays a little brighter...with all the jingle you're going to save!

New Product From Great Lakes Models

2011-11-27T15:22:00.001-06:00

"Slim the Cowboy" now available in HO Scale from Great Lakes Models. This never before produced accessory is made from etched brass and comes unpainted. "Slim" can be painted with a flat black enamel paint or primed and coated with a black acrylic paint. It is suggested that enamel paint be used as the features are very delicate and will be diminished with multiple coats.

"Slim the Cowboy" comes one to a package and includes instructions. They are available exclusively through Hobby Crafts N More. "Slim" retails for $2.25 each.

These are modeled off of Woodcrafts actual plans for their Slim the Cowboy shadow (silhouette) plan which brings the Old West to your yard and now to your layout! He's unique and will turn heads!

Get your today! www.greatlakesmodels.com

Marsilius Line Purchased by Micro Trains Line Co.

2011-10-27T19:40:00.001-05:00

Breaking news! Marsilius Line purchased by Micro Trains Line Co. What will this mean for Z scale?

Newest Models

2011-09-18T23:34:00.002-05:00

We now have models from Dragon, Eduard, Encore, Hobby Boss, Roden, and Squadron and books from Driveline Publishing. Please click any of the titles to view available products.

Rokuhan Track

2011-06-14T22:54:00.002-05:00

Now in stock: Rokuhan Z scale track. Molded roadbed. Easy to set up/assemble. Get your today!

Newest Products, Additions, and Companies

2011-03-21T22:14:00.006-05:00

It's been a busy couple of days, what with all the new products being put up and all. Hope everyone had a great Monday! Check out new stuff on the site!

Now stocking books from Arcadia Publishing:

East Broad Top Railroad

Lake Michigan's Aircraft Carriers

South Dakota Railroads

Nebraska's Cowboy Rail Line

Buffalo Railroads

Railroad Depots of Michigan 1910-1920

Click on the title to activate link.

Now in stock are the new RDC's from AZL!

Pictured below is the B&M RDC-2.

Click on the link to be directed to the product.

New Haven RDC
B&M RDC
B&M RDC
B&M RDC-2
B&M RDC-2

Get 'em while they last!

And last but certainly not least, we are proud to announce the arrival of a new company, GREAT LAKES MODELS.

A fantastic product, great detail, easy to use. Great Lakes Models produces HO scale brass manhole (sewer) covers. Details so fine you can read the letters on the cover. An absolute MUST HAVE!

Click HERE to purchase!

New Blackstone Products

2011-03-06T13:10:00.006-06:00

Hobby Crafts N More now has the newest HOn3 tank cars available from Blackstone in stock.

Click on the road number to take you there.

GRAMPS

Frameless Tank Car

#55140 (Weathered)

UTLX

Narrow Frame Tank Car

#12770

#13236 (Weathered)

#13120 (Weathered)

Get 'em while they last!

American Z Line (AZL) Rail Diesel Cars

2011-02-21T16:14:00.004-06:00

Don't miss out on getting your very own RDC from AZL. Most of these cars are already sold out, but we have some left on our website. I was very impressed with the appearance and quality of manufacturing that went into these engines. The one pictured below is the Southern Pacific.

Click on the road name to take advantage of quantities still available!

ATSF
Western Pacific
Western Pacific
Southern Pacific
Canadian Pacific

Show off these distinct engines at home, at a show, or at a club meeting. Be the talk of the group!

New FACEBOOK Page

2011-02-20T22:14:00.001-06:00

CLICK HERE to visit our new Facebook page and click on "Like" to receive updates and new releases posted to your Facebook page.

Intermountain Update

2011-02-20T14:37:00.004-06:00

For those of you who were wondering the status of the Z scale Intermountain train cars, this post is for you. Intermountain has delayed the release of their first Z scale cars approximately one month because the hatch covers were not made to their quality standards and had to be remade. As soon as they are released, I will post them on this blog and to our website.

You can also follow us on Twitter and receive new releases and product updates there.

We appologize for this inconvience and hope to have the new cars in soon!

Happy New Year

2011-01-29T20:26:00.001-06:00

Welcome everyone to a new year. Plenty of new products now available. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. Check back for more.

TRAINFEST and Admission Confusion

2010-11-09T22:23:00.002-06:00

It's hard to believe that Trainfest is this weekend. Where does the time go?

Trainfest is held in the Wisconsin Expo Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, WI November 13th & 14th, 2010.

Due to the confusion on Admission prices, I am going to try to help explain them. Some local hobby shops are allowed to sell advance tickets. From June until September the advance ticket prices were $8. From September until Trainfest (November 13th) the advance ticket prices are $10. There is a 3 day pass that sells for $40. Regular door admission is $12.

Children 3 and under are FREE. Children 4 to 11 are $2 at the door or FREE with a voucher (called coupon) that is available on Trainfest's website: www.trainfest.com.

This voucher (coupon) must be redeemed at a ticket window for a children's ticket. If you go to the ticket takers they will send you back to the ticket line.

There are also coupons on Trainfest's website for $1 off admission---these are only good at the door. Retailers are already selling tickets at a discounted price.

FYI: Local hobby shops DO NOT make a profit on these tickets.

Well, hope this helps. We will be going at least one day this weekend and I will report to those of you unable to attend.

www.trainfest.com <---click here for official Trainfest website.

Fall Scraps

2010-09-12T21:57:00.004-05:00

Well, it is getting to be that time of year to gear up on hobbies. The weather is getting cooler, the gardens are starting to die off. Time to pick up your paintbrushes or glues, grab ahold of a model kit or some train track and get to work! We have models, trains, craft kits, and books to keep you active in the coming months. Oh, and remember, Christmas is coming! Get a jump on the season--buy now and enjoy the holidays at your leisure.

Now in Stock: Blackstone's D&RGW Denver & Rio Grande Western Flying Grande Herald K27 2-8-2. Equipped with SoundTraxx Tsunami Digital Sound Decoder. HOn3.

And, last but certainly not least, we have a new Hobby Ambassador...Hermie! He's our Hobby Hermit Crab and he is more than eager to help you find just what your looking for! Check him out HERE!

Trainfest (November 13th & 14th) is coming up quickly as is the iHobby Show (October 23rd & 24th). Mark your calendars!

New Full Throttle Now In Stock!

2010-09-06T18:06:00.002-05:00

Hobby Crafts N More now has new Full Throttle Z scale rolling stock in stock on the site.

Waddell Coal
--->2 Bay 33' Rib Side Hopper

Waddell Coal
--->2 Bay 33' Rib Side Hopper

Bettendorf Trucks
--->Bowser Bucklers

Click on the links for more info.

National Train Wreck?

2010-08-06T21:56:00.001-05:00

To be fair, it wasn't a total wreck. From an observer's point of view, the National Train Show was well done. Tons of manufacturers (although not enough Z manufacturers for our taste!), beautiful, elaborate layouts and vendors from all over the world. First thing I have to say is that I am biased, being that Trainfest (West Allis, WI), the largest model train show in the country, is in my hometown. So for me the National Train Show was wonderful, but I was not as starry eyed as some of the folks I talked to.

The National Train Show had a different feel than Trainfest. It was geared more for adults, which is different than most shows I've been to and was a refreshing change. Everyone was on top of their game and things appeared to be running well.

HOWEVER, talking to a lot of the vendors and exhibitors, there appeared to be a lot behind the scenes that we didn't see that made this a poorly run-and a potential financial disaster-event. The local NMRA division was not allowed to run the show and were often left out of the loop on major decisions. According to some of the local members (and exhibitors) the show should have been held at a different location, with better, cheaper parking, the set up and tear down was disorganized, and some vendors and exhibitors were shorted room, among other mishaps over the extended weekend.

We enjoyed the show. It was a nice change of pace and we met some interesting people from all over the world. We picked up a few new products lines and got some insight on product lines soon to be released including the new Intermountain Z scale cars (see our site for pre-orders).

Click HERE to see photos!

Click HERE to visit our site!

BREAKING Z SCALE NEWS!!!

2010-07-08T21:32:00.003-05:00

Intermountain Railway Co. has announced that they will be releasing Trough Hatch Cylindrical Covered Hoppers in Z scale. There will be eleven (11) different paint schemes with six (6) road numbers a piece.

As an established Intermountain Railway Co. dealer, we will be carrying and stocking these cars.

By Monday we should have more details about road names so check back to the blog for more info.

These are pre-order items, so if you are interested in these cars, please email us at: hobbycraftsnmore@aol.com so we can be sure to order enough. Being a first release from Intermountain, these are sure to go fast---so don't wait!

NMRA National Train Show 2010--MIlwaukee, WI

2010-07-08T21:01:00.003-05:00

We are hoping this post finds you all well. I have been hearing some confusion as to the details of the National Train Show. So I am going to help clarify. The National Train Show is being held at the Midwest Airlines Center (Frontier Center) from July 16th to July 18th, 2010 (address: 400 W. Wisconsiin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203). www.midwestairlinescenter.com.

You DO NOT need to be a member of the NMRA to attend.

Hours:
Friday (7/16/10)...Noon-6pm
Saturday (7/17/10)...10am-6pm
Sunday (7/18/10)...10am-5pm

Admission:
Adults...$12
Seniors (65+)...$11
2 Day Ticket (1 person only)...$22
Children (6-12)...$6
Under 6...FREE

Park at the Hyatt or Grand Avenue.

www.nationaltrainshow.org

If anyone has tips or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment. We will be visiting sometime during the weekend, so check back to see all the highlights!

Train Shows Update

2010-03-09T21:22:00.001-06:00

My, my. I have been a bad girl. In my defense, I have been pretty busy. People tend to think that fall and winter (before Christmas) is the busiest time of year for model railroading. Apparently that's not so.

We checked out a wonderful O scale show in DePere, WI a couple of weeks ago. It was quite large and featured both new and vintage buildings. They were running the Coors train, among a few others like Thomas. It was a very nice show and well worth the drive in the country to get to.

Next stop: Mad City 2010 in Madison, WI. Always a nice show. Southern Wisconsin Sandhouse Crew had an interesting coal mining operation.

The Dewey, Cheatem & Howe Railroad was there displaying (First Place-Best Display Trainfest 2009).

Kettle Moraine Ballast Scorchers from West Bend, WI were running a pair of "J" engines and was sporting "Hoffa" Cement...how fun!

7 1/2 gauge was running upstairs (you could tell from the screaming, laughing children).

Glacier Garden Railways featured a Little Joe--one of my personal favorites!

The NMRA booth was preparing for The National NMRA Show--in Milwaukee, WI 2010.

Richard Smyth was peddling his watercolors (of which I own quite a few).

Cedar Creek Central had some HOn3. Always nice to see the narrow gauge!

There was an extensive Edmund Fitzgerald Display. There were a couple of models with HO or N scale trains running along the top, loading it up and one Lawrencecliffe Hall being loaded by HO cars. A wonderful display with intricately detailed model work.

GRVS (Great River Valley System), an N scale club from the Twin Cities, MN had a corner devoted to The International Possum Brotherhood Chapter 11. For those of you that are unaware; this is from the Red Green Show. I must admit, there was a lot of detail and creativity that went into this section! It's one of the most original pieces I've seen.

I can't mention all the layouts and clubs because it would take me all day and my trains are getting bored, but I'd like to mention a couple of other impressive layouts. Capital City "N"Gineers featured a motion ski lift and the Badgerland S Gaugers went the extra mile to put dandelions in their yards.

Naturally I found some things to buy (this is a great place to treasure hunt!) and I am already looking forward to next year's show.

On to the Domes (The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory). They run G scale in the Show Dome for 2 months and then pick one weekend that they have an all scale show. We went to the all scale show to get our model railroading in pure concentrated form. The Domes Show is always a treat because you can go through 3 Domes (Show, Arid, and Tropical) and see the different plants and flowers. The lobby is filled with all different scales and you can see some of the local clubs and talk with them on a more personal level. All scales were represented-from Z to G!

This past weekend was the MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering) show. This show has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years. They clicked over 2100 people on Saturday-with 500 of them being in the first half an hour of the day!!! The 7 1/2 gauge was running around the entire perimeter of the show giving rides to young and old. I don't know who had more fun--the kids or the adults!

Milwaukee "N" Southeastern was putting on a good show and Badgerland S Gaugers added a new figure on his layout where he puts all his celebrities--Michael Jackson now resides there! (Near, but not on, the playground. How's that for irony?) The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Transit Historical Society and The Milwaukee Transit Archives had a display complete with running layouts there as well. Kettle Moraine Ballast Scorchers and The Milwaukee Metro Z Scalers were there putting on a fantastic show!

Well, like I said, my engines are a-waitin'! And my rolling stock, and my ballast...and...and............

Happy modeling all!!!

Newest AZL and Full Throttle/Uncle Will Releases!

2010-02-03T21:39:00.004-06:00

Exciting New Z Scale Releases!

We now have in stock AZL Illinois Central Gulf PS2-CD 4570 Cu. Ft. 3 Bay Hoppers, Canadian Pacific Bi-Level Auto Racks, and PROCOR 23000 Gallon Funnel Flow Tank Cars.

Also we now carry and stock Full Throttle/ Uncle Will. Now in stock on our site are the Blue Coal 3 Bay 70 Ton 40' Offset-Side Hoppers.

These Blue Coal Hoppers are available in 2 or 4 car sets.

Blue Coal? What's that?

Anthracite is a dense, hard, shiny-black, smokeless, clean-burning, coal mined in Pennsylvania and perfectly suited for home-heating. As early as 1928, for a distinguishing feature and marketing ploy, the Glen Alden Coal Co. of Ashley, PA, sprayed the nuggets with a blue colorant as they tumbled down the loading chutes from their huge, historic Huber Breaker. During the 30's and 40's, 'blue coal' was the sponsor of the popular early radio show, "The Shadow," starring detective Lamont Cranston, whose voice was eventually dubbed by Orson Wells! Thus, 'blue coal' became an enormously popular commodity for keeping warm in the cold Winters of the burgeoning urban and rural areas of America's East Coastal States! And so it remained until the advent of natural gas and fuel oil for domestic heating, well after WW II into the 1950's. In honor of these inventive entrepreneurs, FT pays tribute to the Anthracite Industry using Z Scale models of open 70-ton, 3-bay offset-side "billboard hoppers" adorned with the original 'blue coal' logo, and represented by several of the major Rail Lines that distributed this unique, ubiquitous product throughout the Northeastern USA! Hay Bros. Garage has created the very realistic 'blue coal' loads.

Let me tell you, these are fantastic cars...get 'em while they last!

New BLMA Releases!

2010-01-27T21:34:00.002-06:00

Now available:

HO Scale:

--------------->Norfolk Southern G-86R TopGons Rd#s: 23251, 23254, & 50049.

N Scale:

--------------->Norfolk Southern G-86R TopGons Rd#s: 23254 & 23164.

Click on the link to go to the page or CLICK HERE to go to our website.

Ring In The New Year Right! New AZL Releases!

2010-01-02T21:26:00.003-06:00

Now available on our website:

AZL January releases: MKT PS2-CD 4750 Cu. Ft. Hoppers in green and yellow and Southern PS2-CD 4750 Cu. Ft. Hoppers in grey. Click on the link to see the product!

Nice Caboose!

2009-12-29T07:46:00.002-06:00

New Release From Rapido!

Rapido Trains Inc. has released their long awaited Wide-Vision Caboose in HO scale. Our website had them available in both Santa Fe(Rd #999719 & #999804) and Chessie System(Rd #903241 & #903279).

These cars have super-detailed underbody and ends including all separate air and brake piping, super-detailed Barber-Bettendorf caboose trucks with in-line brake shoes, see-through, etched metal end platforms and steps, full mulit-colored interior with proper floor texture and cupola handrails, and interior lighting and operating marker lights.

To see any of these products simply click on the road number you'd like to see or CLICK HERE to view all Rapido products.

Rapido Trains Inc. is officially endorsed by the Canadian Pacific Historical Association.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday--see you in the New Year!

EXTRA! EXTRA! New AZL Releases!

2009-12-23T00:21:00.003-06:00

EXTRA! EXTRA! THIS JUST IN:

AZL released new cars for Z scale this week and they are now available on our website. The first is a 23000 gallon Funnel Flow Tank Car available in black.

Next (and my personal favorite) is a 4 Bay Hopper; Dupont Alathon Polyethylene Resin. This is a hot looking car!

The other 4 Bay Hopper for this week is The Family Lines System SCL/LN Georgia-Clinchfield West Point Route in an ochre color.

And last, but not least, are the PS2-CD 4750 Cu. Ft. Hoppers: one Chicago Northwestern Lines in CNW yellow and one in Union Pacific in grey. These are a new body style from AZL.

To see any of these products simply click on the car you'd like to see or CLICK HERE to view all AZL products.

Season's Greetings!

2009-12-19T17:42:00.001-06:00

All of us here at Hobby Crafts N More wish you and yours a happy and safe Holiday Season!

Newest Product Line Now Available!

2009-11-29T22:57:00.002-06:00

We have some exciting news! Hobby Crafts N More has added more models to our product line. (Click on any name to go to the page on our site). We now carry Academy, Aero, AFV, Airfix, Dragon, Glencoe Models, Italeri, Revell, Trumpeter, and Zrezda. We've also begun carrying some prebuilt models. Begin your Christmas shopping early! Don't forget our 5% discount on orders over $100 and 10% on orders over $200.

Trainfest 2009

2009-11-22T20:32:00.002-06:00

Trainfest was so great I needed a week to recover! For those of you who may have attended, you realize the scope of this show. For all of you others, please be forewarned that photos do not do it justice.

Let me lead off with some sad news. Milwaukee's own Bits N Pieces club has sold its layout. The Bits N Pieces have been a staple in every model railroading venture in and around Milwaukee for decades. At the beginning of the show, the layout sported small signs that simply read "For Sale". By Sunday the only change was that the signs came down. News spread through the show like wildfire and although they were happy that it sold, there were tears mixed with the laughter. The layout is a two tiered layout with HO on the bottom and N on the top. They layout is primarily scratch built "bits n pieces" of Wisconsin focusing on the southeastern areas. Some areas represented were Rockwell Automation (Allen Bradley), Holy Hill, Miller Park, The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes), and The House on the Rock. Each of the sides represented a different season-four sides for four seasons. Each bit was fashioned and created with loving care and skill most of us will never know. It was wonderful for them to share with all of us and to inspire future generations.

Having said that, be aware that they fully intend to build another layout, smaller, and perhaps only one level (HO). I look forward to seeing what they come up with this time!

Other layouts there were the Kettle Moraine Ballast Scorchers (N), Badgerland S Gaugers, G-Whiz Gang, Wiz Kidz, Lionel, Wiconsin & Michigan Model RR Club, Metro Milwaukee Z Scale, Milwaukee N Southeastern, and multiple traction layouts. One extra mention: on the Badgerland S Gauger layout the gentleman running said that he had added to his junk yard. Sure enough, he had added some handmade appliances to it! Look for photos of this in the photo section--they are really good!

Some manufacturers in attendance were: Walthers, Richmond Controls, Intemountain, Overland, Bluford Shops, Lionel (FANTASTIC BOOTH!!!), Accurail, MRC, Athearn, GCLaser, Kato, Micro Trains Line, Imagine That Laser (they had some really detailed kits), Sylvan Scale Models, Timberline Scenery, Centerline, Unreal Details, Atlas, Soundtraxx (Blackstone), Wright Trak (this group does HO kits of rolling stock in HIGH detail. We are considering picking up this company), Deluxe Innovations, Fox Valley Models, Marklin, Kalmbach, Monroe Models, and Con Cor.

Talking to Joe Amato he mentioned that the E8 will hopefully be due out soon in Z scale and that a switcher should be following after. I don't know about you, but I sure could use a switcher or two! He also stated that they had cabooses in the works for Z scale as well as some new heavyweight passenger cars. No news as to which road they are going to be running first.
Needless to say the show was FUN FUN FUN! For those that attended, hope you had fun and for the rest CLICK HERE to view photos of what we experienced. Only 51 weeks to go until next Trainfest!

New Arrivals and Soon To Be Out!!!

2009-11-03T20:32:00.003-06:00

Hi all. Just a line to let you know about some new arrivals and some products that are sold out.

First things first...although almost everyone else is sold out-even at the manufacturer-we still have AZL Union Pacific Bi-Level Auto Racks in stock. Get them while they last! Click HERE.

As for the new arrivals...we have begun to add model kits to our hobby shop. First up: monster model kits. To see each one, click on the name. We have Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolfman, and The Mummy. These kits are from Revell.

By Rapido Train in HO scale we have the Baltimore & Ohio 10-5 Sleeper car and Milwaukee Road Cafe-Bar-Lounge car (1955 UP scheme).

And DON'T FORGET that Trainfest 2009 in West Allis, WI is coming up on Nov. 14th & 15th. We will be there and I will report as soon as possible!

iHobby Expo 2009

2009-10-27T20:32:00.002-05:00

Welcome to another installment of my blog! iHobby Expo 2009 was this past weekend and as always it never fails to impress. Right down to the nitty gritty. There were planes, trains, and automobiles of every shape and size. The show displayed train layouts along the edge and one in the lobby. When you first entered, there was a slot car track and a dirt pit where people ran radio control cars and trucks. There was a display where you could run your crawler radio control trucks.

Among some of the companies on display were: Bachmann, Woodland Scenics, Walthers, Revell, Blackstone, Kalmbach, Atlas, Kato, Testors, Alpha Precision Abrasives, Micro Trains Line, Scalextric, Airfix-Humbrol, Hornsby, GC Laser, Carrera, Iwata, SCX, and Model Power.

There were battle 'bots and radio control helicopter competitions. It is truely amazing what some of those people can do with those helicopters! They spin and flip and race through the air.

The train layouts were some I've seen before, but there was a new and interesting one that I'd like to tell you about. Some of the layouts that were on display were Midwest Rails, Acels/Northeast Corridor Layout, Kenosha Garden Railroad Society, Venture Crew 57 B.S.A. Baden Powell Modular Railroad, LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago, Northwest NTRAK, and Northwest Trainmasters.

First, let me say that they all put on their best show. But a few stand out above the rest. What I like to do now with my show reviews is pick out a few things that stand out on one or two of the layouts. Midwest Rails had the unique idea of using tiny cactus' in small one inch pots and they used in on a section that represents the southwest. It really adds depth and realism to the layout.

The one I really want to highlight was a group called Venture Crew 57 B.S.A. Baden Powell Modular Railroad. This group is a "railroad" enthusiast club formed in 1993 from 4 different Boy Scout councils. By joining this group the kids earn 3 different merit badges; one for railroading, one for electricity, and one for electronics. These kids did a fantastic job and I really believe they earned all their merit badges.

Revell is coming out with some new models: Knights of Vienna, The Black Knight of Nurnberg, and Creature from the Black Lagoon all of which are incredibly detailed.

The show had all kinds of features for the kids like a LEGO play zone and they had 5 different Make & Take groups: model, rocket, general, special, and airplane.

The Boy Scout presence was very strong. Not only were there a dozen blue shirted youngsters handing out bags at the door, they were racing pinewood derby cars down a track and putting on a great show for everyone!

If you want to see pictures of the show, just click here.

If anyone else went to the show, please feel free to leave your comments.

***FYI: Now available on our website: Union Pacific Bi-Level Auto Rack #91202-1. Click HERE to be sent to the listing.

New AZL 3 and 4 Bay Covered Hopper Releases

2009-10-13T23:45:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Tuesday! AZL new releases now up on http://www.hobbycraftsnmore.com/. The first is the SOO LINE ACF 3 Bay Covered Hopper (with the wheat symbol). The second is the Rio Grande ACF 4 Bay Covered Hopper. This one is orange with black lettering and is VERY striking! At the very least, click on the links just to see the photos of these beautiful cars!

As a side note, we will be attending the iHobby Expo in Rosemont, IL at the end of this month and I wll be providing a show and new products review at that time. Be sure to check back for the full report.

You're welcome to browse photos of iHobby Expos past by clicking here.

More new products and companies coming soon!

Books Available by Iconografix

2009-10-11T22:45:00.002-05:00

Great Northern Railway Ore Docks of Lake Superior Photo Archive by Douglass D. Addison, Great Lakes Ore Docks and Ore Cars by Patrick C. Dorin, Pennsylvania Railroad Locomotives Photo Archive: Steam, Diesel, & Electric by John Kelly, White Trucks 1900-1937 Photo Archive by Don Bunn, White Trucks of the 1950's (at work series) by Barry R. Bertram, White Trucks of the 1960's (at work series) by Barry Bertram, and Commercial Ships on the Great Lakes by Franz A. VonRiedel are now up and available at: http://www.hobbycraftsnmore.com/.

All of these books are published by Iconografix.

Click on any of the links above to be directed to the book. If you have questions or requests, you can email us: hobbycraftsnmore@aol.com.

New Products Just Listed!!!

2009-09-21T21:17:00.003-05:00

Sorry I've been away...things have been busy. But, on to the exciting news! We've just got done listing some new products on our website and they are certainly impressive.

The first one is AZL's ACF 4 Bay Covered Hopper FPCX (Oxy Vinyls LP). Built in the early 1970s by ACF® to haul plastics and different types of granular commodities, AZL's model represents the post-1971 version of the ACF® 5250 4-Bay Covered Hopper Car that was used by railroads and private shippers across North America.

The next one is AZL's ACF 3 Bay Union Pacific "We Will Deliver..." Covered Hopper. This one is a MUST HAVE!

And I've saved the best for last...AZL's Southern Pacific Bi-Level Auto Rack. The cars are highly detailed and feature etched stainless steel sides, intricate pad printing, truck mounted couplers with 17.5mm arm, blackened metal wheels features a new prototypical wheel profile, and AZL's AutoLatchSM couplers. Cars will negotiate 195mm curves, but 220mm and above is recommended.

You can click on one of the links above or on the sidebar to find the product you are looking for.

Any questions? Email: hobbycraftsnmore@aol.com

Bead And Button Show 2009

2009-07-03T21:17:00.002-05:00

FINALLY POSTED! (Sorry for the delay)
***
Millions and millions of beads. Glass beads, plastic breads, wooden beads. Some made from bone, some with liquid glitter inside. Some were hand carved, some blown glass. Some stamped, some baked. Some were made of resin, some were photo etched onto metal. The Bead & Button Show at the Midwest Airlines Center in downtown Milwaukee is the largest bead and button show in the world and I can understand why there is such a hype.

When we got there, it was all I could do to not fall over with amazement of all they beautiful shiny things. Some were displayed individually on specially made racks, others were layed out on tables by the thousands. It would make anyone with a creative mind want to jump up and make beautiful things. We talked to quite a few manufacturers and vendors and found some new product lines that we are looking into carrying. Some are pre-formed kits and some are individual sets of beads and findings.

We will absolutely be back next year for more and we encourage anyone who is able to make the trip also.

You can click HERE to see some of the photos we took.

New AZL Products In Stock!

2009-06-16T23:51:00.003-05:00

We now stock AZL (American Z Lines) ACF 3 Bay Covered Hoppers in Up (Union Pacific), BN (Burlington Northern), BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe), and CP (Canadian Pacific) road names as individual cars. These cars are incredibly well done and deserve to be a part of everyone's lineup. Click HERE to see AZL ACF 3 Bay Covered Hoppers.

New LA-Z-WAY-OUT Products Now Available

2009-06-11T21:14:00.008-05:00

Hear Ye Hear Ye! Hobby Crafts N More now has new LA-Z-WAY-OUT products available on our website. Now available are: Bulldozer, Tracked Front End Loader with Movable Bucket, Wheeled Front End Loader, Vintage Street Sweeper, Scrapped 1950's Car Piles, Piles of Bundled Scrap, and 40' and 50' Gondola Scrap Loads. These are all unpainted resin kits.

These kits are ABSOLUTELY MUST SEE!!! The detail is incredible and the prices of the kits are very reasonable. Each of the products listed above are linked to the product. If you'd like to see all the LA-Z-WAY-OUT products that we carry you can click HERE.

Upcoming Craft Show

2009-06-03T23:35:00.003-05:00

Just a note to let my crafters know that I will be attending the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee this coming weekend. I will be taking photos and plenty of notes. For those of you new to our show listings, we go to shows (trains, hobbies, and crafts) and I review them for those of you unable to attend. We post photos on our website where you can view them. Feel free to leave comments on our blog as well as any experiences you may have had at the shows as well.

Kenosha Train Show 2009

2009-05-31T22:22:00.004-05:00

This was our first time at this show and, for being as small as it was, had quite a few people there and plenty of new ideas to share. Midwest Rails (G Scale) had the great idea to use cut tree branches to resemble cut trees in a logged area of a forest. They also used copper sheeting or copper leaf on the roof of a building...it looked incredibly realistic.

Lego made a return to shows!

Lake County Society of Model Engineers had a module that had a dug out section and put in thick gray plastic or foam sheets to represent a foundation of a building at a construction site. They had HO narrow gauge running on the upper section.

Milwaukee N Trak had a large display.

Northwest N-Trak Club from Bensenville, IL (T-Trak Division) was a layout we'd never seen before. They had a great idea to use a Clementine orange box and made an orange grove out of one inch Styrofoam balls pegged on wood dowels then flocked with green flocking and added a few tiny orange beads.

The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Transit Historical Society was running an "O" scale interurban railway.

And for $0.50 you could even take a trip back in time and ride the streetcars!

The show was small, but for free, we got some great photos and ideas to share with you!<---------CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS!

The Great Crash of 2009

2009-05-31T22:16:00.002-05:00

Just a note to let you know that we are back up and running after our computer hard drive crashed. Thank you all for your patience and your orders are on the way!

Now on Facebook!

2009-05-16T22:18:00.002-05:00

Now you can follow us on Facebook. Just go to facebook.com and find us under Hobby Crafts N More. Make us a friend and post with others on your favorite hobby subject!

Titletown Train Show 2009

2009-04-26T23:40:00.002-05:00

Well, at least the weather was better than last year. Both the Kettle Moraine Ballast Scorchers and the Capital City "N" Gineers were running the Micro Trains Line N scale state cars.

There was a group that was a first time for me and let me say, was I impressed. The ETTRICK & Northern RR from Eau Claire, WI put on an excellent display. They run HO but in a fashion that is quite unique. Their display is higher up, like Z scale and they had a backdrop. A high backdrop because when they pack up, they take off the mountains and the buildings and the where the backdrop meets the layout, it's hinged and it folds over itself and latches. There are handles. After they unscrew the legs from the bottom, they just pick them up and away they go. The layout is shaped like a "C" where the short sides are 19 feet long and the long side is 21 feet long. The setting was in the past, some scenes were western...they were beautifully done. I sincerely hope they come back next year.

The 7 1/2 foot scale was there providing free kids rides. The Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay had a wonderful layout made out of Lincoln Logs and were running a Packer train. Being in Green Bay, of course this drew a big crowd. There were booths with actual railroad memorabilia.

Central Wisconsin Model Railroaders Ltd. (Stevens Point/Plover, WI) had on their display a wooden sidewalk like you would find in the old western days. Cedar Creek Central was there. The WiZ KidZ were also there. They had a new building on their layout of a local hobby shop, Greenfield News and Hobby in Greenfield, WI. The likeness is quite good. They even took a picture of the sign and shrunk it, and put it in front of the building.

The Chicago & Northwestern Historical Society had a booth there was well as The Tool Man. Kenosha Garden Railway Society had a display there as well as the Wisconsin & Michigan Model RR Club. They have incredibly detailed rock and cliff faces. The South Eastern Wisconsin Hi-Rail group had a lighthouse boxcar running around where the light on the top of the lighthouse flashed.

Hobby Junction was one of the vendors there and they seemed pretty busy. They are really nice people and they have quite a variety of products. If you're in the Marinette, WI area, be sure to stop in their shop.

Well, another one down. Of course we'll be there next year. Click here to see our photos of the show.

New Product: Sheepshead Book

2009-03-28T20:54:00.001-05:00

Announcing a new product Hobby Crafts N More is carrying! "How To Play "Winning" 5 Handed Sheepshead" book by Robert M. Strupp is now available through our website. Have you always wanted to learn how to play Sheepshead? Do you need a refresher course? Makes a great gift!

According to this book "the game originated about 1800 to 1810 near Altenburg, Bavaria." "The shepherds marked score in the sand, one stroke for each game won. The first shepherd to for the figure of a sheep's head won the game. This is why the game is called SHEEPSHEAD or SCHAFSKOPF in German.

The game was brought over to this country by the settlers in the Midwest, especially Wisconsin. Although the game is popular all over the Midwest, Wisconsin is the capital of SHEEPSHEAD."

But what IS Sheepshead? It's a card game requiring cooperation between partners that involves unusual situations and good card sense. There are over 500,000 different hands in Sheepshead---so no hand is ever the same twice!

***Now includes basic rules for 2-3-4-5-6-7-8 Handed Sheepshead.

This is a wonderful book that is a must for those who have ever wanted to learn to play and for those who want to remember the great times of playing with great friends.

Click here for link to Sheepshead Book.

Manufacturer Index

2009-03-22T20:16:00.002-05:00

Hobby Crafts N More added a new feature to the website. We now have a manufacturer index which allows you to more easily and efficiently find your favorite manufacturers. See for yourself!

We Need Your Help For Train Shows!

2009-03-22T15:05:00.002-05:00

Are you looking for train shows in your area? Do you want to advertise your upcoming show? Do it on modeltrainshows.blogspot.com! Hobby Crafts N More has set up a new site where you can post and look at all train shows in your area. They are listed by state then by date.

What I need from you is the information. If you know of an upcoming show or if you are putting on a show, PLEASE email me at hobbycraftsnmore@aol.com with the information (Use "Train Show" as the subject).

Please include dates, times, and address. Also if you are aware of an admission fee, please include that as well.

I request that you send this information at least 3 days before the beginning of the month of the show. There is no guarantee on information sent to me after the cutoff date. I will update this blog at least once a month-usually around the first.

Please do not leave show information in the comments area.

If you do not want to send the information via email you can mail a letter or flyer to:

Hobby Crafts N More
P.O. Box 371121
Milwaukee, WI 53237

Check back frequently for more show information!

The Zelatory

2009-03-19T22:57:00.004-05:00

The new manufacturer The Zelatory, now available through Hobby Crafts N More, has a couple of new conversion pieces for Z scale. These are the conversion pieces to be able to put Micro Trains Line trucks and couplers on Marklin Mikado/Pacific tenders and cabooses.

The purpose of these conversions are that when you remove the Marklin trucks and couplers, the holes don't line up with the Micro Trains trucks and couplers and this bar-when put on correctly-provides accurate holes for the MTL trucks and couplers.

There are two different conversions. One for the Marklin Mikado/Pacific tender and a separate one for the Marklin cabooses.

The pieces are professionally made and come with full step-by-step instructions complete with photos.

2009 Train Time at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)

2009-03-08T19:41:00.002-05:00

HOLY COW!!! Okay, to be honest with you, I wasn’t expecting all that much, I mean, it’s a nice little show, but being that there was no LEGO (they are still putting in their 10 weeks at the Domes), and, unfortunately there was no Z scale, I was incredibly impressed!

The 7 ½ gauge railroad dominated this show. With 700 feet of track running around in a circle (complete with a switch) and plywood crossings and 3 trains you could ride on, a fun time was to be had by all ages. This is something that words cannot explain. When we entered the building, our jaws hit the floor. The show was absolutely packed. This was no nice little show. This was a nice little show that had grown into it’s ears and feet.

There were transit archives and railway museums and layouts of all scales. The show was geared more for kids, but the fun for adults often extends through the ages.

All the local clubs were there like N Trak, Cedar Creek Central, Little W.I.S.E. Guys and Gals, Wisconsin “N” Southeastern, Badgerland S Gaugers.

Kenosha Garden Railway Society was running Thomas & Friends in G scale- their layout being complete with a carnival and a race track (a slot car set). This is a new and interesting concept for me.

The 2008 Trainfest Best In Show “Gypsy Trolley Lines” layout had a piece on display.

We spent some time at the NMRA booth getting info on the National Train Show coming to Milwaukee in 2010. I’ll touch more on this in future blogs.

This year Train Time had slide shows and clinics and a few vendors in the auditorium.

Oh, yeah. Christmas in March!!! Lionel was running The Polar Express!

We’ve been to this show quite a few times and like I said, I wasn’t expecting much. But, man, were we impressed. See photos here.

2009 Domes Train Show

2009-03-03T22:42:00.003-06:00

There seems to be on common-ok, two common-themes at these train shows. One is the trains (Duh. You couldn't have a train show without trains). The other is the abolute awe-inspired magical look on the faces of everyone inhabiting the lowest three feet of space. The giggles and squeals (and sometimes the shrieks of unhappiness at having to leave) mingled with train whistles and the sometimes overpowering smell of smoke. Oldies music blaring from the Badgerland S Gaugers booth and screams from a display on the Bits 'N Pieces layout. These are the vital ingredients for a great show.

The Domes put on a fantastic display, both in the way of trains and the dome display as well. They did quite a renovation-making the lobby bigger and better, taking out the waterall and the classroom and moving the gift shop to a more central location. They fixed the broken panes of glass and put in special lighting. The show dome puts on a wonderful light display every night.

Lego was asked to assist in this year's theme: Lego. There was also a Lego Miller Park and a Lego Milwaukee City Hall. S gauge was represented by Badgerland S Gaugers. N scale was being represented by N Trak and Milwaukee "N" Southeastern. Bits 'N Pieces was there showing off their N and HO scale multi-level layout. There were battle-bots and 7 1/2 gauge trains that will the feature of Train Time at MSOE next weekend. Lionel and Lego were new to the show this year.

Of course there was Z scale. They were running a bunch of semi-local locomotives like Chigago North Western, Rock Island, and SOO. This is a show we look forward to every year and it is WELL-WORTH-IT! Next weekend is the MSOE and Cedarburg train shows. Check out photos of the 2009 Domes Show!

Now Taking Pre-Orders!

2009-03-02T07:56:00.003-06:00

Now Taking Pre-Orders for New Micro-Trains Line Products!

*N Scale Presidential Series Locomotive
#987 01 611
MSRP $99.95

*Z Scale State Series Locomotive
#982 01 019
MSRP $189.95

*N Scale Rock Island 4 car runner pack
#993 00 031
MSRP $49.95

*Z Scale Southern Pacific 4 car runner pack
#994 00 009
MSRP $74.95

All pre-orders must be received by March 21, 2009

Due September 2009

You can email your order to: hobbycraftsnmore@aol.com

Walthers NOT Out Of Business!

2009-02-23T20:36:00.004-06:00

It has come to my attention that some people out there have heard a rumor that Wm K. Walthers is going out of business. This IS NOT true! I just wanted to set the record straight. The truth, in fact, is that there is a model railroad group that had built a layout-600 feet of mainline track-over the last 32 years in the Walthers building. Walthers needs the room, and as there is only 2 members left, the layout is being torn down because they need the space. It is sad, this is a huge display of passion, love and talent. But it is only the layout being torn down and taken out, not the store.

So, no, Walthers is alive and well.

Mad City 2009

2009-02-22T23:52:00.006-06:00

As always, Mad City put on a great show. We went Sunday...didn't feel like battling Mother Nature's last ditch effort at Winter on Saturday.

The smell of the steam locomotives, the sound of train whistles, the chug, chug, chug of engines hauling endless lines of freight. The happy squeals and laughter of children. There were vendors selling-swapping-new & used; there are shelves lined with blue and pink conductor's hats. All these things are a neccessary asset to a great show.

Most all scales were represented: Z, N, HO, O, S, & G. There was even some HOn3. The HOn3 is a part of the larger Cedar Creek Central Modellers group. He had cars from Blackstone, Micro Trains Line, as well as some that may no longer be around. (Still checking on that.)

The N-Trak group had an interesting new feature...a "T" scale train. It is smaller than "Z"! I couldn't find out much more, the box was in Japanese. (But I will look in on it.)

At the Kalmbach boot was the O-scale Cascade & Timber Trail layout.

The WIS-ILL group, Overland Western Lines, Fond du Lac Society of Model Engineers, HO Trak, the Ballast Scorchers, the Milwaukee Operators Organization (the MOO Crew), Southeastern Wisconsin Sandhouse Crew (this one has a rock formation witha cross on it right down the road from a "No-tell Motel". Kinda ironic.), European Train Enthusiasts, Rusty Rails, and Cedar Creek Central all helped represent HO scale.

The WizKidz were the sole Z scale representation there and they did a fantastic job. The Domes had a newly installed light show...just like the real ones.

Sunnyvale & Grovemont RR had a fabulous 2X4 foot N scale layout. This one you have to see!

Great Northern Railway Historical Society, Capital City "N" Gineers and Dewey Cheatem & Howe Railroad displayed N scale to their finest ability.

Glacial Garden Railways and the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society had G scale running at full steam.

Badgerland S Gaugers had S gauge and Madison O Scale had O scale.

Naturally Thomas the Tank and friends made an appearance (in mulitiple scales).

One of the vendors there that has quite a few new items is the artist Richard Smyth. He does wonderful watercolor paintings.

One of my favorite things was The Toy Train Barn had a circle layout about 3 feet in diameter with a barn on it and a circular track with a train. But the train wasn't the only thing moving...the entire circle was spinning. It was quite the interesting display!

Wonderful show! Lots more coming up soon! Click here to see our photos taken at the show.

Mad City and Show Update

2009-02-22T09:09:00.004-06:00

Just an FYI: We're about to head out to the Mad City Train Show. I will bring back lots of goodies-photos and information-for all of you.

Also I found out that the Cedarburg Train Show is going to be on March 8, 2009. We went last year and had quite a bit of fun!

Of course, if we go to Cedarburg, I will also post my findings. The photos of Mad City should be up tonight. My review should be up tonight or tomorrow. Keep checking back and leave a comment or two if you want. I'd love to hear your feedback.

Intermountain Announcement

2009-02-12T23:18:00.011-06:00

Intermountain announces a newly entered agreement with Eastern Seaboard Models. They will be distributing the ENTIRELY NEW line of N scale rolling stock. The first to be offered is the Pennsylvania G26 Mill Gondola. There are four designs; Pennsylvania-Circle Keystone (three numbers), Pennsylvania-Shadow Keystone (one number), Penn Central (one number), and Conrail (one number). Click on the flyer to enlarge.

All preorders are due by March 20th, 2009.

To preorder, email us at hobbycraftsnmore@aol.com

Marklin Bankruptcy

2009-02-08T16:51:00.003-06:00

German model train maker Marklin filed for insolvency (similar to the US version of Chapter 11 bankruptcy) on February 4, 2009 after failing to secure a loan extension. They had received an extension through January 31, but even with the extension, they were unable to cover the salaries of approximately 650 employees. They had been in negotiations with their lender to put off repayment of their loan, but the banks refused the extension.

Marklin started in 1859 producing tin toys. In 1891 they began to build model trains and introduced its HO scale line of model trains in 1935. They currently produce a full line of Z scale and HO scale model trains. They are also the owner of the G scale model train LGB line, having acquired them after LGB declared insolvency in 2006. Their Z scale locomotives are modified by many to create the narrow gauge Nn3 line of locomotives. They also own Trix line of model railroading supplies.

Since 2006 Marklin has been owned by British investor Kingsbridge Capital and investment bank Goldman Sachs.

Frederik Braun, owner of Miniature Wonderland the world’s largest model train exhibitor, based in Hamburg, Germany, expresses optimism that Marklin would survive the insolvency. Marklin’s executive state that they intent to go on selling model trains through the restructuring.

The company had already started restructuring, closing a plant in Sonneberg in 2007, laying off 400 people.

This announcement comes only days before the Nuremberg Toy Show.

Now Taking Pre-Orders

2009-02-01T23:40:00.009-06:00

Pre-Order Now! New Micro Trains Line releases.

*N scale Battle of Midway Locomotive & Caboose Set.
#993 21 081
MSRP $139.95

*N scale Amtrak hoppers. 4 car runner pack.
#993 00 030
MSRP $79.95

*Z scale Missouri Pacific boxcars. 4 car runner pack.
#994 00 008
MSRP $64.95

All pre-orders must be received by February 24, 2009.

Due August 2009.

Visit us at http://www.hobbycraftsnmore.com/ or email us: hobbycraftsnmore@aol.com

4th Year Anniversary Sale

2009-02-01T21:55:00.002-06:00

Sale! To celebrate our 4th anniversary we are giving you an additional 4% off on our website. This is in addition to any other discount that is currently available. The anniversary sale runs through the end of February 2009.

For those of you that are unaware, on our website we offer a 5% discount on all orders over $100 and a 10% discount on all orders over $200.

There is also a new feature on this blog. I have added labels to each posting. If you have a particular interest, you can look at the sidebar under labels and click on the subject matter. This will bring up all posts that I have labeled with that keyword.

Domes Train Show Re-schedule

2009-01-20T08:07:00.006-06:00

Just dropping a line to let you know that due to scheduling conflicts with other events at the Domes, the all scale weekend train show at the Domes was pushed back to February 28th & March 1st. I have changed this date on a previous post.

The G scale and Lego exhibits are currently running at the Domes.

This plants the Domes show right between the MadCity and MSOE train shows. I've heard people (obviously not "train people") say that train season is mainly December and leading up to Christmas. Are you kidding me? There are more shows in late winter/early spring than in fall! It's great and I intend on taking in every one of the ones in my area.

Just an FYI: The MSOE is a free event. So, in these times of economic turmoil, you can still afford to take the kids, grandkids, or, well, just yourself. (Then you can go spend all that well saved money on some toys for yourself!)

I'll be doing updates on some new products soon and a full report of all the shows I attend complete with photos.

New Blog Features

2009-01-15T13:34:00.009-06:00

Hello all. Just adding some new blog features. We are going to be highlighting some product lines that you may or may not have know that we carry. Just look at the right sidebar at the photos. If you see something that interests you, click on the photo and it will take you there.

Keep in mind I didn't list ALL the scales, so if you are looking for something more specific, please visit our site and search to find what you are looking for. If you are inquiring about a special order, feel free to email us.

P.S. Don't forget: We carry a variety of railroad pins.

Upcoming Shows

2009-01-08T21:36:00.006-06:00

Happy New Year! Hope it finds you and yours well. Okay, so I'm gonna list some train shows coming up in the next few months. Also-NEW FEATURE-in the sidebar, you can now subscribe to this blog. It will let you know when there are new posts or new comments.

TRAIN SHOWS:

*Domes Train Show (all scales weekend) at Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory Milwaukee, WI February 28 & March 1st, 2009

*MadCity Train Show Madison, WI February 21 & 22, 2009

*MSOE Train Show at MSOE Campus Downtown Milwaukee, WI March 7 & 8, 2009

*Titletown Train Show Green Bay, WI April 25 & 26, 2009

CRAFTS

*Bead & Button Show Midwest Airlines Center Milwaukee, WI May 31-June 7, 2009

I will be updating this again soon as we are getting ready to ad other lines to our site. Keep checking! Or, subscribe and get it automatically!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-20T15:11:00.002-06:00

Happy Holidays from Hobby Crafts N More! We hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday season and may you give and receive all of your hearts desires. May your holidays be safe and delightful and we look forward to your continued patronage throughout the next year.

Trainfest 2008

2008-12-01T13:13:00.005-06:00

Thank you all for your patience. Sometimes I can be a bit tardy in getting this blog up. Well, this time I’m going to give you my review of Trainfest 2008. Although Trainfest has been setting the standard for shows for a long time, this one absolutely outdid itself. The booths were all full and the people were friendly. As usual, every scale was represented. Domrois Z was there and with additions! An extra 5 feet make quite a difference in Z scale! But the fact that there was a Northern Brewing Co. car on it really was the icing on the cake.

In addition to the Z scale layouts (WIZ kidZ were there as well), we were treated to other layouts, some we’ve seen for years and wouldn’t be the same without them, and others were new and added to the excitement in the air. Kettle Moraine Ballast Scorchers, Lionel, Bits N Pieces, Wisconsin & Michigan Model RR, G-Whiz Gang, Badgerland S Gaugers, Iron Beaver, Southeastern Wisconsin N Track, Little WISE Boys & Girls, Acela Express-NE Corridor (who put on a fabulous show at iHobby 2008), Bedell Demonstrations & Display, Milwaukee Electric Traction Club, Milwaukee N Southeastern, Glacial Railways, Lake County Society of Modular Engineers, Wisconsin Garden, Fond du Lac Society of Model Railroad Hobbyists, Capital City N Gineers, Waukesha County Gandy Dancers, Northwest Traction Group, Northwest Trainmasters, Mod Trak, Midwest Rails, Cedar Creek, Madison O-Scale, N-Trak, and last but not least: Gypsy Trolley Line (Best of Show Trainfest 2008).

Of course, the vendors were there peddling their wares. Walthers, Intermountain, Kalmbach and GC Laser among them. Micro Trains Line (MTL) was showing off its new Z scale GP-9 Southern Pacific in black widow paint. Come one, come all, Trainfest 2008 was a blast and posted record attendance numbers. Almost 23,000 people can’t be wrong! Keep us bookmarked for upcoming shows and hobby news!

International iHobby Expo 2008

2008-11-09T21:46:00.008-06:00

Welcome back to our hobby blog! We went to the ihobby show in Rosemont, IL and now I would like to report on all the great stuff we saw. First let me apologize for being so late in writing my blog--you know how crazy it can get this time of year. Next let me state that this show was FANTABULOUS! Not only did some of the local model railroading clubs bring out their pride-and-joys, but the vendors were helpful and there were so many new products to see...and...and..okay. I'm getting ahead of myself. So, as they say, let's start at the beginning.
Well, Con Cor had a booth there and they were showing off their brand-new-soon-to-be-released-preorder-now North Shore Electroliner in HO. These have been a long time in coming, but from the looks of it, it is going to be well worth the wait.
There were a few new companies and some exciting new products. One of those companies is MNP (Many New Products) and they make track cleaning cars. They mount a type of motor inside a car and it goes through the bottom of the car and spins to clean the track as the car moves. Unfortunately, nothing in Z scale, but he goes as small as N scale. He is the manufacturer and produces them for Walthers and Micro-Trains.
Then we have the expected Micro Trains Line passenger cars and their new SD40-2 locomotive. As always, very impressive. There are some photos on our website that you can check out any of these products.
Walthers is coming out with their new set of Milwaukee Road passenger cars in the yellow paint scheme. Hobbytyme Distributors is going to be carrying a new imported U.S. Navy ship line and a merchant ship line called Tri-ang and they are available in 1:1200 scale.
Naturally GC Laser had a huge booth with their fancinating products.
I myself was interest in some of the vintage monster kits that Moebius is coming out with. To add to their line, they are coming out with kits for Ironman, Mummy, Spiderman, Green Goblin, a bigger Flying Sub, and another size of Frankenstein.
There is another company that I was very interested in. They are called the Transatlantic Toy Company. They have a line called American Dimestore. These are the most nostalgic cars you'll ever see. They are remiscent of the old dimestore cars that were made from molded plastic, that didn't have much detail, but they fit your Lionel set perfectly. They are reasonably priced and we are absolutely going to be carrying them in the near future. Diecast Direct is coming out with some new police diecast vehicles and of course, Lego made a grand showing.
The show had everything from a huge make-it-take-it area to battle robots and the cage where people preform stunts with radio control helicopters or airplanes and perform tricks with them.
What can I say? Every year it gets to be more and more fun. You can access some of the pictures on our website.
Trainfest 2008 is coming up! So far we are hoping to be able to go. And don't worry, I'll take notes! Check back often for new products and new shows!

Upcoming Shows: iHobby & Trainfest

2008-10-15T23:28:00.005-05:00

Just a bit of upcoming news...we will be checking out the iHobby show in Rosemont, IL this weekend and bringing back all kinds of photos and news. We've gone the last couple of years and talk to manufacturers, preview new products, meet new vendors. It is really quite exciting! The iHobby show has more than just model railroading; there is radio control, robots, miniatures, military figures, models and more! If you'd like to see past photos of the show, click here. I will post a new blog talking about all the new things we've seen when we return. Also, Trainfest (West Allis, WI) coming up in November, we will try to make it, check back!

NEW Northern Brewing Company Beer Reefer in Z Scale!

2008-09-30T21:04:00.006-05:00

Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the next installment of Hobby Craft N More's Blog! Our feature for today is our new Z scale Northern Brewing Co. beer reefer. Painted in beautiful, eye catching colors, this car is sure to stand out on your layout. It is the first in a series of beer reefer cars that we are going to put out. They became available on September 26, 2008, but are a limited run. The car body is a Pennzee body with Micro Trains Line couplers and trucks. The cases are made to fit with Micro Trains cases and each car is protected in a two piece fitted blister pack inside the case. We decided to start the beer reefer car series for a couple of reasons. For one, we live in Wisconsin. Wisconsin, Oh, Wisconsin, how proud of our beer and alcohol production are we! So, then, of course, we had to produce one from our home state. The next one will also be from Wisconsin, but after that, it could be from YOUR home state! Maybe we'll even do one from every state! (That is yet to be discussed). You'll have to check back often for updates and new releases! Click here to view the Northern Brewing beer reefer.

Titletown Train Show 2008

2008-04-29T19:28:00.008-05:00

Hello and welcome back! This year's Titletown show was great. They had most scales and the WizKidz put on a great Z scale display. Some of the vendors also had Z available. They had a representation from narrow gauges also. The individual that had the HOn3 has it so that his home layout matches up with the club layout and is a wonderful addition to the display. He also has a scratch built MOW ballast machine.

I think the thing that I really take away from these shows is the fresh ideas that you can glean from just talking to other people. People with the same interests, the same thought patterns. You also get to talk to manufacturers. I discovered while browsing-looking for my next muse- that GCLaser is coming out with new kits. One is a new barn, another is a silo, also a boat with incredible details, and the most interesting was the 40" reefer. There are some pictures on my site if you'd like to see what they look like. Green Bay is a nice city and the people are fantastic. The show seemed to run smoothly and that is always a good sign..that the show will continue on for some years.

I'm biased, of course, to Z scale, but the Northeastern Wisconsin "O" Gaugers Association Layout had this giant ore dock. It was huge and very well done! There was a multi scale group, the Kettle Moraine Ballast Scorchers. They alternate both N and HO at shows. The WizKidz had their full layout there and had addresses of actual modelled places. They even had a rock band playing! Well, hope you had a chance to catch the show and if not, you can always view it on our site. Bravo and looking forward to another great show next year!

Welcome To Our Blog!

2008-04-23T00:07:00.006-05:00

Hello and welcome to our blog. We hope this will be a beneficial and informative form of communication with everyone. Let me begin by inviting all of those who haven't visited our website to click on our link to browse around. http://www.hobbycraftsnmore.com/ We specialize in Z scale and narrow gauge trains. The newest edition to our product line is our Z-Bend Track Wiring Harness Kits complete with assembly instructions. We also have new Pennzee Reading 3 Bay Hoppers in stock! They are fantastic! We welcome all questions, just ask!