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While reading through a lot of back issues of OGR magazine, I frequently came across advertisements for Berkshire Valley in Adams, MA. They did a lot of custom painted O gauge trains. Their website was: Berkshirevalleyinc.com

It looks like they are not around anymore, though there is another company called Berkshire Valley Models in Fenton, MO (and it doesn't appear to be the same company as the product line looks different).

I was just wondering what the history was of this company, and when did it close. Since they were located pretty close to where I live, I would liek to learn more about them. Thanks.

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They use to be a fixture at New England shows, local TCA shows as well as York. I spent a lot of money over the years at their table. Great detail items and well thought out quality kits. Their Product can still be found but different owners.

I’m guessing here. They probably just wanted to retire. They had a presence at shows and did mail order. No store front that I know of. I believe they are now marketed in Montana. The store on eBay has many new offerings as well as some of the old.

Ben, Google is your friend - Go to Berkshire Valley Models - bring up the listing and on their website go to "about us". This is what you'll find:

"I have been involved in model railroading and the model railroad industry since I was young. My father, Robert Rands, started Rail Craft in the 1960s selling rail and track products and eventually flex-trak. After college we started a new company called Clear Creek Models that sold detailed models of some of the Colorado narrow gauge freight cars in HOn3. After the purchases of the HO & O scale lines of Tomalco and Durango Press the name of the company was changed to Micro Engineering. The purchases gave us a much more extensive line of HO and O scale narrow gauge rolling stock and other kits associated with narrow gauge railroads. In 1987 Micro Engineering and Rail Craft merged. In 1998 I left Micro Engineering to pursue other work. However, the enjoyment of developing and producing model railroad products never left me.
Berkshire Valley Models was originally founded by Frank Czubryt in 1989 in Adams, MA.  Over the years Frank, helped by his brother Henry, developed a line of O scale structures, freight cars, and a large selections of model railroad detail parts. In 2013 Frank and Henry decided to retire and sold their company to my wife and me.
In 2017 we bought the Anvil Mountain Models line of HO building kits and O scale wagon and animal kits.
Our plan is to continue producing the line and add new products on a regular basis.
Our parts and kits are made from white metal, laser cut wood, and/or urethane.  Many of the detail parts do not require any assembly.  Also, some of our parts are pre-painted so they are ready to added to your scene.
I have built an extensive On30 layout in our present house and a trip to the National Narrow Gauge Convention is always a must. We also try to annually make a trip to our favorite locations in Colorado.
We hope you will enjoy our product line.

Richard & Donna Rands"
A new advertiser for OGR, Mr. AdMan??

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
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