You can still have one or 10 SHS NdeM boxcars for $40 (each). I have two or three cartons (12 cars each) remaining that never sold. In recent years I tried to promote their sale as cars that could be repainted and relettered, but not many S scalers are into that. I also promoted the S scale 40-foot boxcars as perfect for conversion to On30. And many many modelers don't realize that the NdeM became a "fallen flag" longer ago than Southern Pacific.
I am not in assisted living, but simply a senior apartment building where I am one of the more active residents, currently coaching youth soccer for the 39th year. After the Northwest S Scalers club gave away its portable layout several years ago to a fellow in Wyoming, I've had no place to operate my S trains. So, I've been gradually selling them at O/S Scale West, NASG national conventions, and Fall S Fest. I already have two tables reserved at this year's S Fest, November 2-3, in Orland Park, IL. I have only one piece of brass remaining (a South Wind UP 2-8-0 at less than $500), but plenty of plastic and parts.
As my investment in S dwindles, I am increasingly active in On30. Not Colorado prototypes, but the 18-foot fantasy rolling stock. With companies like Mount Blue, Wiseman, Frenchman River, Rusty Rails, Railway Recollections and others producing On30, I don't have to rely on the high-priced Bachmann products.
I can now be reached at gmheugene@gmail.com after being without email the past four years. I am having difficulty updating my log-in on this forum.
Gil Hulin
Eugene, Oregon