Our Reading 50' Stretched boxcars can now be ordered through our website;
https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-148-1
https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-148-2
The last few bits of detail parts are en-route and the final parts bagging will be done shortly, then orders will be shipped.
We're very pleased with how this project turned out, hope you are too.
Modelers who are keen followers of the anthracite railroads in the years leading up to Conrail will no doubt be familiar with Reading’s “stretched” ACF boxcars. These were a highly recognizable part of the Reading’s boxcar fleet and they represent the bankrupt railroad’s desperate grasp at extending the utility and earning opportunities for significant (for RDG) block of boxcars.
50’ cars were created by cutting 40’ ACF-built boxcars apart and stretching them by ten feet. The middle of the roof received three diagonal panels in the gap created by the stretch. The rest of the roof is comprised of the unique ACF-style panels. Three classes received 8’ doors and one class received 10’ doors. In all, four classes were created: XML e,b,c,h. We’re talking about a total fleet of around 150 cars so this is to be understood as a RDG-specific project. If you’re modelling the northeast and you’re paying attention to freight cars, you know about these.
The models feature, one piece pressure cast resin bodies, photo-etched details, detail parts from Moloco and Tichy, and Kato trucks. Along with custom decals and something new, a precut paint mask for the iconic "READING" banner
148.1a XMe
115900-115949 8' door $75.00
148.1b XMLb & XMLc 19276-19300, 19301-19325 8' door $75.00
148.2 XMLh 19950-19999 10' door $75.00
First of all, Tariffs
As far as I know, at this time, the De Minimus exemption, is still in force which means that individual shipments of less then $800.00 value are exempt. So you should be able to get your orders from me without tariffs.
First up, a new kit
https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/ResinModelKits/YMW-147
For the NYC modelers
https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/Products/2154
The Despatch end
and
https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/Products/4554
The Despatch 40' roof
and another style of 2 rung sill step
https://www.yarmouthmodelworks.com/index.php/Products/YMW-231
All these items are now on the website and available for purchase
So we've been given a reprieve, for now.
30 day hold on the threatened tariffs.
Hopefully that continues for the duration.
I want to first thank all those people who voiced support for me and my fellow countrymen as we dealt with this threat. I was touched very deeply and my faith in people was reaffirmed.
I did use some strong language at times and some were offended, to which I say "when your livehood and national sovereignty are threatened, then you can judge."
I also want to drive home how massive a sense of betrayal most Canadians are feeling right now towards what we thought was our closest ally.
So let me tell you a story.
This is my grandfather;
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Lt Cmd G.M. Oliver on the bridge of the landing craft he commanded for the Normandy invasion.
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These were American built vessels that were Lend-Leased to the Royal Navy and 20 were then seconded to the Royal Canadian Navy for invasion duty.
My grandfather made multiple trips across the channel carrying troops to the beaches,
Including landing US troops onto Omaha Beach.
This was the legacy that has been crapped on. I can only imagine what Gramps would be saying...
It's also important to say, for the most part our issue is not with the American people, but with the current presidential administration.
Hopefully this chapter is over.
Now onto better news.
In the next couple of weeks the NP/SP&S '51 built boxcars will be released
I just need to write instructions.
As of this date, Feb 2, 2025, Trump has decided to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, save oil. Effective Tuesday the 4th.
Which still gives us an option to avoid this insanity.
However
Should he pull the trigger;
One way or another, everything I sell to my US customers will likely windup costing 25% more. Whether I have to add it to the bill and submit the tariffs to the US government, or the customer has to pay the tariff to the shipper before receiving his package.
We're being told that former $800.00 valuation exemption is being removed.
As you can imagine, I'm not happy about this.
The future of Yarmouth Model Works is now very much in doubt. We will try and persevere through these trying times and hope that common sense returns before too much damage is done to both of our national economies.
If the policies announced remain in force through the summer, I will not be attending any of the RPMs I usually frequent.
Buckle up people, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
I've been avoiding writing about this contentious issue, in part because I'd been hoping that is was a lot of bluster from incoming President Trump, but it's looking more and more likely.
Also I've been motivated by Jason Shron's excellent column in January RMC on the same topic.
Simply put, the threatened tariffs will raise the end cost of almost everything we consume in this shared hobby of ours.
It's that simple.
How the tariffs will be collected remains to be seen, but most likely for mail order items such as my products, it'll be collected by the post office before they hand over to you your package.
If I wind up having to prepay the tariffs before shipping into the US, that amount will be added to the price of every item I sell.
That's the way it works.
I'm hoping that wiser heads prevail in this.
Right now I am still moving forward on new projects. The Canadian Postal strike and a few other hiccups have set me back on releases of new kits.
I'm hoping that within a month or so this car will be ready
