Glen Snyder out of Product until Summer 2023 - Alternatives?

@3rail...honestly, I use 1×4's and I went though the phase of routing the grooves but...

I stopped with the grooves on my last move and just put both loco's and rolling stock on the boards (sans grooves) and have suffered neither a disaster nor accident. They basically stay put...and I'm located in one of the most earthquake prevalent zones in the world.

Try it and see... your experience may differ.

John

Wow!  I just picked up 22 pieces at York!  Guess I got lucky.  I had ordered them just a month ago.

@Frank Mulligan posted:

Wow!  I just picked up 22 pieces at York!  Guess I got lucky.  I had ordered them just a month ago.

Yep Frank, you were one of the lucky ones. I talked to her two weeks before the show and they were sold out at that point. I offered her a premium to take 6 from your order…..

😉😉😉😉😉

Donald

@John Meyncke posted:

@3rail...honestly, I use 1×4's and I went though the phase of routing the grooves but...

I stopped with the grooves on my last move and just put both loco's and rolling stock on the boards (sans grooves) and have suffered neither a disaster nor accident.

Agree with this.  The grooves are meaningless in my experience especially with regard to engines.  They don't want to roll anyway.  I stopped making grooves in my 1x4 shelves.

If I were them I'd be investing the $2500-$4000 on a new extrusion die and find a new supplier. Better to spend a little to keep the customer base then let it go to the competitor.

Harry Bush from Derry PA. builds kitchens and baths. He made the shelves for our store. They aren't metal but they are oak.

She had same issue a year ago for STD Gauge size. Her people that make it for cannot get the aluminum. I am not sure why she does not increase her orders?

Joe Gozzo

@jim sutter posted:

Harry Bush from Derry PA. builds kitchens and baths. He made the shelves for our store. They aren't metal but they are oak.

Hi Jim! Hope you can give your Dogs a bone now! Lol

Joe Gozzo

Joe, unfortunately, we no longer have any dogs.

As of last weekend, my GS shelves are now full, and I intended to place an order for a few more this week. I don't need many shelves, but 2023 is a long time to wait.  I didn't realize aluminum was scarce. Who is gobbling it up:
* The auto industry?
* The aerospace industry?
* The saucepan industry?
* The aluminum foil industry?

The "shortage" can't be blamed on the war in Ukraine or climate change.

Mike M.   LCCA 12394

Look at Cabin Fever Auction site that ends Wedneday, lot 126.

@jim sutter posted:

Joe, unfortunately, we no longer have any dogs.

Sorry Jim

Don't know if this is a help, but some years ago I discovered that baseboard molding can easily be used for train shelves. I found that (at least the molding I used) if you turn the molding upside down, the indentation on the bottom is the perfect width for the wheel flanges on O-Gauge trains. Quite a coincidence! The trains fit perfectly and securely into indentation on the back side of the molding. I mounted the molding "shelves" on wall brackets (along the lines of the picture below - obviously using smaller brackets). I painted mine an off-white at the time to match the wall, but you can get these pre-colored now, too. It worked very well. The outer edge of the moldings is available in many different styles, of course, so the choice is yours as to what you like.

@Mike H Mottler posted:

As of last weekend, my GS shelves are now full, and I intended to place an order for a few more this week. I don't need many shelves, but 2023 is a long time to wait.  I didn't realize aluminum was scarce. Who is gobbling it up:
* The auto industry?
* The aerospace industry?
* The saucepan industry?
* The aluminum foil industry?

The "shortage" can't be blamed on the war in Ukraine or climate change.

Mike M.   LCCA 12394

I could summarize the global problem, but others have done it so much better.

Type in "Aluminum Shortage" into your search engine.  Select an article or two.  For the most part they're saying the same things are at play.

However, another thing they all seem to agree on...It ain't gonna get any better in the near future!

Yepper.  Lotsa 'new norms' everywhere.  Oh goody.

So, what's more important?: Containers for your cold beer, your craft brews?  Or shelves for choo-choo's??  I mean, if you're a metals broker, who gets the 'grease' first?  You know...

Hmmmmm.

But, you're right in a couple respects:  I didn't read any blame-game re Ukraine or climate.

I dunno.  Wood sounds good.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch....

I used 1 x 4 pine, painted it industrial grey enamel, picked up a bunch of used 027 straight track (Cheap under tables at train shows) which I painted rattle can flat black, screwed to the wood, and fastened the wood to the wall with 3" L brackets. Not fancy but works for me.

@Mike H Mottler posted:

As of last weekend, my GS shelves are now full, and I intended to place an order for a few more this week. I don't need many shelves, but 2023 is a long time to wait.  I didn't realize aluminum was scarce. Who is gobbling it up:
* The auto industry?
* The aerospace industry?
* The saucepan industry?
* The aluminum foil industry?

The "shortage" can't be blamed on the war in Ukraine or climate change.

Mike M.   LCCA 12394

Well, Im doing my part in collecting and recycling cans and foil via my local scrap yard.

@Z-man posted:

Look at Cabin Fever Auction site that ends Wedneday, lot 126.

Is that Glenn Snyder shelving in the auction? I can't tell from the photo.

@Peter Frenzel 010119 posted:

Is that Glenn Snyder shelving in the auction? I can't tell from the photo.

From what I can tell, no it is not. There is some aluminum shelving out there that has a flat base with a lip. It appears to be just that. I do not see the 3 raised lugs that the GS shelves have.

Donald

I think this is a sign from above for me that maybe, just maybe I have enough trains.  I never thought I would say that but....  

I bought some of their product last year and it's great but I am running out of actual walls to hang them on.

A good problem to have I guess.

@3rail posted:

From what I can tell, no it is not. There is some aluminum shelving out there that has a flat base with a lip. It appears to be just that. I do not see the 3 raised lugs that the GS shelves have.

Donald

Rail  Rax was an alternative but appears to be NLA. At this point it appears your only source for either will be the secondary market. Both show up from time to time on the auction sites.

Pete

@breezinup posted:

Don't know if this is a help, but some years ago I discovered that baseboard molding can easily be used for train shelves. I found that (at least the molding I used) if you turn the molding upside down, the indentation on the bottom is the perfect width for the wheel flanges on O-Gauge trains. Quite a coincidence! The trains fit perfectly and securely into indentation on the back side of the molding. I mounted the molding "shelves" on wall brackets (along the lines of the picture below - obviously using smaller brackets). I painted mine an off-white at the time to match the wall, but you can get these pre-colored now, too. It worked very well. The outer edge of the moldings is available in many different styles, of course, so the choice is yours as to what you like.

That's an innovative use of that style of molding - great idea.  One caveat however, especially if using the particle board or MDF versions - be sure to keep the supports very close together - probably no more than 12", as those materials will tend to sag, especially when supporting locomotives or other heavy items.

@Peter Frenzel 010119 posted:

Is that Glenn Snyder shelving in the auction? I can't tell from the photo.

I don't think so as I believe Glen Snyder shelving does not come in 7 foot lengths.

Maybe I should sell the 22 pieces I just bought!

You can try Trainshelf.  They re wishing to sell the business and retire, but something changed a couple of years ago.  The received a new shipment of shelves and may still have some.  I bought 100+ feet at that time.

https://trainshelf.net/

There is also Mr Train.com.  I don't know anything about them.

https://mrtrain.com/product/mo...train-display-shelf/

Jan

Sad to hear that, had just purchased some cut pieces for a friend's case and hoped to pick up some longer ones in September. Mrs. Snyder has been great in continuing the company and hope to get some next year.

@Jan posted:

You can try Trainshelf.  They re wishing to sell the business and retire, but something changed a couple of years ago.  The received a new shipment of shelves and may still have some.  I bought 100+ feet at that time.

https://trainshelf.net/

There is also Mr Train.com.  I don't know anything about them.

https://mrtrain.com/product/mo...train-display-shelf/

Jan

Mr Train is out of stock

My understanding is that Trainshelf is out of business.  They made a last run of product after the October 2019 York show that apparently was made to order only.  The idea was to pick the product up at the Spring 2020 York show (which did not happen).  I ordered 40 pieces in October 2020 and was lucky enough to have a business trip that took me reasonably close, so I could pick it up and save on shipping.

NWL

@Frank Mulligan posted:

Mr Train is out of stock

Whenever something is posted here about low stock it immediately becomes sold out!😁

@jim sutter posted:

Harry Bush from Derry PA. builds kitchens and baths. He made the shelves for our store. They aren't metal but they are oak.

Those are beautiful shelves Jim. The price of oak boards has gone through the roof (like most everything else these days). Based on my last trip to the local big blue box store, it is now more expensive, per linear foot, than the GS shelving - not to mention stain, poly and labor.

I don't know if this helps anyone...  I have a lot of aluminum O-gauge train shelving I don't need.  It's taking up space in one of my utility closets in the basement.  I used it in my prior home around my prior layout.  I bought it so long ago, I don't remember what I paid for it or who made it.  I would like to sell it, but I have been attending to other priorities and thought I would deal with it later (years later?).  I plan to go to York this coming October & could bring it, so I could save shipping for anyone who wants to buy it.  The sections are all used and have #10 screw holes in them from my prior installation.  Most pieces are the standard 6-foot length.  Here is a picture of the bundles.  I do not want to try to ship these unless someone absolutely cannot wait until October York, or cannot meet me there, or cannot pick them up from here in Western Michigan.  If anyone is interested, please let me know and we could work out something off-Forum.

@MI-Marc posted:

I don't know if this helps anyone...  I have a lot of aluminum O-gauge train shelving I don't need.  It's taking up space in one of my utility closets in the basement.  I used it in my prior home around my prior layout.  I bought it so long ago, I don't remember what I paid for it or who made it.  I would like to sell it, but I have been attending to other priorities and thought I would deal with it later (years later?).  I plan to go to York this coming October & could bring it, so I could save shipping for anyone who wants to buy it.  The sections are all used and have #10 screw holes in them from my prior installation.  Most pieces are the standard 6-foot length.  Here is a picture of the bundles.  I do not want to try to ship these unless someone absolutely cannot wait until October York, or cannot meet me there, or cannot pick them up from here in Western Michigan.  If anyone is interested, please let me know and we could work out something off-Forum.

i have interest. Which company made them? Please reach out my email is in the profile.

Regarding the company.  I truly don’t remember.  This brand is shiny.  I think the Glen Snyder brand has a dull finish, but perhaps others with that brand know better than I.

I bought my Trainshelf shelves in April 2020.  They were new  production.  There most recent supplier up their price and minimum run size so Trainshelf returned to a previous supplier.  This supplier still had the dies.

Jan

@MI-Marc posted:

I don't know if this helps anyone...  I have a lot of aluminum O-gauge train shelving I don't need.  It's taking up space in one of my utility closets in the basement.  I used it in my prior home around my prior layout.  I bought it so long ago, I don't remember what I paid for it or who made it.  I would like to sell it, but I have been attending to other priorities and thought I would deal with it later (years later?).  I plan to go to York this coming October & could bring it, so I could save shipping for anyone who wants to buy it.  The sections are all used and have #10 screw holes in them from my prior installation.  Most pieces are the standard 6-foot length.  Here is a picture of the bundles.  I do not want to try to ship these unless someone absolutely cannot wait until October York, or cannot meet me there, or cannot pick them up from here in Western Michigan.  If anyone is interested, please let me know and we could work out something off-Forum.

Hey Marc,

I'm in desperate need of shelving and am heavily invested in Glenn Snyder shelving already which I believe is similar to what you have. Do you have any 6ft sections left?  I'm based out of Atlanta, and have an immediate need.

-Ben

Railrax shelving in this running auction on Cabin Fever.  Lots 64 thru 67.

@Mike H Mottler posted:

As of last weekend, my GS shelves are now full, and I intended to place an order for a few more this week. I don't need many shelves, but 2023 is a long time to wait.  I didn't realize aluminum was scarce. Who is gobbling it up:
* The auto industry?
* The aerospace industry?
* The saucepan industry?
* The aluminum foil industry?

The "shortage" can't be blamed on the war in Ukraine or climate change.

Mike M.   LCCA 12394

Russia is a major exporter of aluminum but I doubt that is the issue in this case. The basic answer is the supply chain from mining to shipping to producing the raw aluminum they use is as out of whack as everything else, during the pandemic many of the producers cut back, then have had trouble ramping up. I have a plane spotting you tube channel called Bigjet tv, and in the streaming comments people who work in the industry said they are having trouble with Aluminum as well, it has delayed the introduction of some of the newer Airbus planes supposedly.

I agree with what others have said, you can get 027 tubular track pretty cheaply, so even for a 30' run it should be a really small outlay. screw that to pine boards, paint the track and board a dark color and that would work I would think (or whatever color scheme you would use). Don't even have to use the ties, if you do that you don't even need 30' of track since you wouldn't need the third rail so would have 30% more rail to work with. lay out two long parallel lines w a pencil on the board at the right gauge, and glue the rails to the board with gorilla glue or the like on the lines.

RailRax is virtually identical with Glen Snyder except that RailRax is shinier. I've mixed the two on a wall. Frankly it will be hard for your guests to spot the difference once you load up both with trains. If the difference still bothers you, a dulling transparent paint can always be applied just to the edge of RailRax.

@Frank Mulligan posted:

Railrax shelving in this running auction on Cabin Fever.  Lots 64 thru 67.

Yes, there is a lot there if you need it. Just be aware, before you decide how much to bid, that there is a buyers premium tacked on top of the selling price. Also, their packaging and shipping charges tend to be pretty high. This can all ad up if you are not careful in your bidding. Good luck.

Jeff

@mowingman posted:

Yes, there is a lot there if you need it. Just be aware, before you decide how much to bid, that there is a buyers premium tacked on top of the selling price. Also, their packaging and shipping charges tend to be pretty high. This can all ad up if you are not careful in your bidding. Good luck.

Jeff

Yeah I took a look at that.  In all honesty having people bid on it and then charging a 15% buyers premium (which is really just a nice way of saying we want more money), and then hitting you with shipping on top of that sounds like a complete money grab, which is really in poor taste.  Occurrences such as this are exactly why few folks from my generation are in the hobby.  I'm willing to pay, so long as its fair.  I'll explore other options before resorting to that.