Chicago, IL [Nov. 1, 1998] Our inside rumblings of some really big news coming from the Model Railroad Industry Association show October 31 - November1, 1998 in Rosemont, IL (Chicago suburb) may turn out to be even better than we had expected. Not only did GHQ announce their entry into the 1/87 field but our "spy" tells us that Norscot is seriously considering production of 1/87 models (to be very clear, they have NOT yet made a decision; we can only hope!). In case you're not aware, GHQ produces an extremely high quality line of cast pewter models in 1/160 scale. These models of military, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, trucks, trailers, and automobiles have been highly acclaimed in the railroad modeling press as some of the best offerings in N scale vehicle modeling. The club welcomes this very high quality entrant to the ever expanding choices now being offered to 1/87 scale vehicle modelers and GHQ has told us they are willing to produce "what the market wants". We haven't even shown them our survey results yet so they may not realize just how much we 1/87 scale vehicle modelers do want!

Norscot is a manufacturer licensed by Caterpillar Tractor Company to produce approved models in scales larger than 1/87. Although the Norscot representative at the show did not officially announce their intentions, he affirmed to our persistent "spy" that they are seriously considering 1/87 scale and should make a decision within a matter of weeks. We will have any news posted here as soon as we get our hands it.

Club members got a sneak preview this week (October 29, 1998) in our club newsletter number 6 (September 1998) of the Ertl John Deere 9510 Maximizer Combine Harvester with corn head (part number 5468CO) and the Wilson grain trailer from Lonestar Models. Both of these models debuted exclusively in the 1/87 Vehicle & Equipment Club newsletter and were displayed at the show. Kudos to newsletter editor Wayne Calder for a terrific newsletter, both in content and appearance. I think this is the absolutely best newsletter we've produced to date!

Though not at the show, Don Mills Models has begun shipping their 1952 Kenworth "bullnose" cabover tandem axle tractor model. An excellent resin kit, this fills a void that many of our survey respondents noted.

Model Power displayed their new Kenworth T600B tractor with various trailers. This is an assembled plastic model.

Atlas Model Railroad Company announced they will be producing 1997 Ford F-150 pickup in both flareside and smooth side versions.

Resin Unlimited has their Seagraves fire trucks in sedan, pumper, and hook and ladder version at your hobby retailers now.

The 1/87 Vehicle & Equipment Club welcomes GHQ to 1/87 scale! We feel that the growing membership of the club has had a very positive effect and provided an environment that is encouraging more manufacturers to enter the market. Your membership in the 1/87 Vehicle & Equipment Club benefits all of us who build or collect 1/87 scale models. If you are not a member we encourage you to join and participate in the exciting growth taking place. For current members, we appreciate your continued support and hope you realize the newsletter and web site exists to keep you informed of current "happenings" and to act as a catalyst for new members. Check back here during the coming weeks as we have more news from the show posted to the November 1998 New Products section.