[PRCo] Christmas in April for PRCo. fans

[Fredbruhn at aol.com]

The latest Trolley Talk magazine arrived yesterday and included was an 
announcement from our own chat member Jim Holland, DBA Holland Electric 
Railway
Operation.  Jim is announcing that due this fall is the first of a series 
(isn't that interesting) of low floor car models in O scale.  While these 
won't help Bob Detrich and I do work in HO, these models make the ultimate 
display piece.  I don't work for Jim or anything like that, but have been and 
continue to be a customer for these models from Russia.  These guys at St. 
Petersburg Tram (www.sptc.spb.ru) know how to make molds and models.  Jim was 
an early dealer in these models and 
his 1700 PRCo. cars are still about the finest around.  Even the mirror over 
the center doors is included.  I had my city car numbered 1786 and the only 
thing I have found missing is the GE motor logo on the dummy motors that are 
part of the truck assemblies.  

I think at least one of our group, Greg King, has powered these cars and Q 
Car has
B-3 trucks now to meet those needs.  

I have both an IRR car and a Phila Hog and the rivet detail is about perfect. 
 St. Pete
does excellent research including some of our group before producing a model 
so I am sure the single end car with front double doors (the first offering) 
will be right on the money.  I''ve just sent my reservation to Jim but 
decided on 2-ETNA as a destination instead of 32-P&LE which is on our minds 
at the moment.  I would never say a single end car did or did not run on that 
line, but I have good evidence that 
the Etna line did have 5200's in service.  

We can acquire single end cars, double end cars, maybe interurbans, more 
PCC's if Jim can persuade Leonid to keep producing.  These are not cheap at 
between 300- 400 dollars (not rubles) but with full interior, underbody 
details and correct lettering, and all they just beg for a place on your desk 
or den.  I know clear glass display cases are available unless you want a 
dusty weathered look.  We have had discussions in the past about what color 
was used for the low floor cars, but I'll put my money on Leonid to research 
what is correct.

These are all very limited and if you have been putting off getting a 1700 
from Jim Holland, you shouldn't put it off any longer.  Many of the past 
offerings have been sold out.  Jim doesn't say in his ad how many units of 
the 5000's will be offered, but if your interested you best get Jim a 
reservation (pghpcc at pacbell.net)  

I don't think we will see a more accurate model done, and as a bonus you can 
pick 
destination and car number too.  Like I said in the subject, its Christmas in 
April.  

the other Fred   (to answer his question of last week the original Fred is 
Fred Schneider III, or titanium Fred now with his new knees, or Fred III)