By David Vaughn

In about 1994, Ken Krayer, from Erie, Pennsylvania decided to put together a list of Nickel Plate O scalers and to a issue a newsletter containing items of interest to modelers with such interest. It was a great idea. O scale is small in the percentage of modelers and NKP is a small road. Most manufacturers and importers are not going to be interested in NKP-specific items, certainly not without strong advance support. To obtain the O scale models NKP'ers want, we have to band together, be creative and support those manufacturers who do produce items we need. A place is needed where we can exchange ideas and funnel wants and needs specific to O Scale Nickel Plate.

I figured that I had nothing to complain about lack of available models and parts if I was not willing to take initiative. And so, as Nickel Plate High Speed Products, I became a manufacturer and importer - on a very small, essentially non-profit basis - of NKP-related items in O-scale.

I figured it would be useful to assemble a list of other NKP O scalers so we would have a better market for the items that are produced. The list is now over 200 names, although not everyone on the list is actively modeling and not everyone on the list is primarily a NKP modeler.

The projects I undertake I choose in part on the basis of what interests me. But I also look to projects that can be done easily, using research and preparation that has already been done. I have also tried to bring out projects that cannot easily be duplicated by kitbashing other, commercial products. Each of the products described in the newsletter is the result of using these “guerrilla” tactics. The run of NKP trailer decals was done because there were no other sources; and Mark Vaughan (note spelling, no relation) had done the art work and produced the decals in HO; I simply bought a run from him in O scale, using that existing art work and research. There were few correct trailers for NKP, so I encouraged Lee Turner to design and cast a run in resin and agreed in advance to buy a number. They are out of production now but may be available again at some time in the future.

The NKP passenger cars I knew would likely never be produced by a major importer - the market is just too small -, but a friend of mine was working with a fellow - Basil Varnum - who was primarily a Western Maryland modeler who was building WM passenger cars in brass, essentially one at a time. I contacted Basil, asked if he was willing to build NKP cars; and he agreed. I assembled rough “plans” from equipment diagrams and photographs and shipped them to him for production.

I wanted kits for the NKP extended cab used on H-6e and H-6f Mikados, but I was unsuccessful in obtaining The Car Shop drawings from which the Society’s (NKPHTS) HO kit had been done, so I sent Basil an HO kit and plans; he made drawings which happened to fit on the end of the etch sheet for the NKP coach.

I ran into Rich Yoder preparing to market C&O hopper cars and noted that the cars - AMC be blessed - would also represent NKP cars. And so on.

Another distinctive piece of NKP rolling stock is the war emergency caboose. I knew that Overland had imported this model in HO years ago, and knew that Overland had the drawings. Working with Jim Canter, we have negotiated with Overland to have Ajin build the car in O scale. We know the high quality of previous Overland NKP cabooses. Although developing a project like this involves a good deal of research and negotiations, Brian Marsh at Overland is working to build its O scale presence; he has been good to deal with. We plan on following up with other projects.

There is nothing magic about what I do. Anyone of you can do it with your favorite part of the Nickel Plate; it takes a certain amount of time and perserverence, which I sometimes have in more abundance than others, and a financial commitment, which I am fortunate enough to be able to make.

We need enthusiasm and involvement from the people on the mailing list to build our numbers, give feedback on possible projects, help with “how-tos” and mutual encouragement. If you buy the products, even better. And, thanks!

If you like what you see in this newsletter, tell me. If something needs to be changed, tell me that too. If there are other people who should be receiving this newsletter, please provide me with their names and addresses. And if, for whatever reason, this newsletter does not work and you want to be taken off the list, let me know that too. Thanks for reading.

Drop a line and/or stop by and visit me in Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Coshocton (or wherever we are).

Life is great on the O-Scale Nickel Plate!

Nickel Plate/48 at TrainResource.com

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