How did you get interested in large scale?

I think my first model of large size was one of those lovely 7/16 scale Mantelpiece Models kits that Dick Wheeler and Model Engineering Works put out in the 1970s. It had that mixture of mass and scale you rarely get when modeling the "little stuff". I made it up into a Pacific Coast flatcar and still have it as a reminder of the earlier days of my large scale involvement.

Within the next few years I ran into other large scale modelers such as Don Winter, Joe Murphy, Bob Cage, and Marc Horovitz. Each of us had hold of a different part of the elephant, but we all shared a common bond and appreciation of the special attraction toward the size and feel of what later was loosely to be called "G" scale.

We would argue about the best scale to use but usually agreed the LGB-type track, while oversize, was probably going to win out just because it was sturdy and available. Therefore any kits or models for any other gauge probably wouldn't sell enough to pay for the investment. None of us was really happy about that but at least we were realistic.

I don't mean to imply I was one of the pioneers of American large scale modeling. Far from it, as many interesting and innovative people had come and gone before us, but somewhere in the early '80s it became obvious there was a nice little ground swell of miscellaneous parts and pieces coming out of the woodwork. Advertisements began to appear in the pages of The Track Record, Big Train Operator, and Sidestreet Banner, the predecessor to Garden Railways.

But how did you get started doing Trackside Details?

Oh, sorry.... Well, my first engine was a common little Mamod 0-4-0 tank engine kit. After I assembled it I found it rather disappointing both in performance and looks. I was able to tinker with it but it still lacked even the basic outline of an American engine. Except for some nice Precision Scale parts for a 7/16 scale K-27 there was nothing on the market for the average modeler to detail the more commonly owned LGB 0-4-0 or the Kalamazoo 4-4-0 models. Because my Mamod live steamer could get very hot I had to make the headlights and domes out of brass and copper plumbing fixtures and silver solder the pieces together. Luckily I could use them as master patterns later when some other modelers also wanted some. That is how I got started. I took the parts to a local bronze figurine casting shop and had them cast some up for me. They were pretty crude, so later I improved the patterns and had a regular brass casting place do them.

As I had already produced a series of patterns for the Detail Associates O scale tool sets a few years earlier I felt I could attempt tools, an air pump, generator, and bell in 1:24 scale. Luckily I finished the air pump because I doubt if I would ever try that difficult a part now. It has over fifty separate pieces and it taught me a whole lot about building master patterns, mostly what not to do again!

Anyway, those first fifteen or so parts became Trackside Details and ads started appearing late in 1983. For a few years there were almost no sales and several times I thought seriously about quitting. An occasional nice comment kept me going, or another order from Caboose Hobbies made me think someone out there must need the parts, so I just kept plugging along and adding things from time to time.

What determines the parts you make?

Quite frankly, it is a mixture of modelers' requests and whatever appeals to me. Another factor is what engines happen to appear on the market and might need special details. Obviously the many runs of the LGB 0-4-0s and Moguls created a lot of use for my parts. But now that a lot of different models of American prototype are available, or about to be, fewer modelers seem inclined to take the time to dress up their purchases. Many seem to be caught up in the number of engines rather than the quality. I guess we're getting spoiled!

Anyway, to get back to Trackside Details, I first tried to make available items you may easily apply to the common models. Later, by pleading and almost selling my soul, I was able to entice two of the West Coast's best pattern makers, Joe Murphy and the late Oscar Neubert, to do special items for me or at least let me use some of the lovely pieces they had already done. Their nice work shows up in the more beautiful boiler backhead details and some other delicate parts. Mine are the crude and ugly ones!

What are some of the less desirable aspects of being a manufacturer?

Wow, it depends on what week you ask me! Sometimes it's people asking questions or wanting my catalogue but never sending a self-addressed stamped envelope; other times it is the complexities of foreign orders and their currency problems; or perhaps it may be people who complain about or never send the minimum shipping fee when it costs me about twice that much to send anything UPS out of California. But most modelers are very courteous and kind to me and are a joy to deal with. The real frustrations come from trying to keep up with supplies of bulk parts. Cash flow won't let me order in big enough quantities, even if I could get suppliers to supply! My brass caster is very reliable and somewhat expensive but well worth it. On the other hand, I have had five different soft metal people and seem to have constant problems involving quality control and shipment date reliability. Lately I've been offering some poured resin items but the same problems seem to occur along with that of shrinkage and distortion.

What does the future hold for Trackside Details?

Well, I'd like to go back and re-do a couple of patterns and also add a few selected new parts from time to time, especially for those modelers who detail and cross-kit projects. Most retail stores balk at putting in my whole line - almost a hundred fairly expensive parts. Many just "cherry pick" the best selling items and the average buyer does not realize how much is available. I don't blame the stores; it's safer for them. But they do miss a lot of profitable impulse sales while hoping for a big ticket ready-to-run sale. I've been trying to keep prices down, so far without much luck. Good thing I don't rely on Trackside Details sales to live on.

Have you anything else you'd like to add?

Yes. Many people have asked me just what scale are my parts. I have to tell them most are 1:24 (one-half inch) scale, and of standard old Baldwin prototype design. They seem to fit most smaller engines very well. The ones for the large Mogul are usually noted as such on the parts cards and on the catalogue descriptions but standard fittings usually look good on all the engines we run unless you are a whole lot more picky than I am.

Anyway, I'm here for the price of a large self-addressed stamped envelope for the latest catalogue sheets if you need me. Tell me what new parts you want. But don't expect a long, in-depth answer as I, too, would like to get some modeling done!