An icon of model RRing, especially for us brass tinkerers, is closing down it seems. This is posted on NWSL's official facebook page: This is the post I don’t want to make but the time has come. I just can’t do this without Lynda. Following is the notice I sent to all the magazines. ======= After 60 years in business, NWSL will cease operations effective August 30th, 2019. The company will continue to take orders for in-stock products until July 1st, 2019. Closure is for personal reasons and sale of the business is not anticipated, although reasonable proposals will be considered.
sadly means many more brass locos will be consigned to cabinets and not get the opportunity to smoothly roam the rails of model empires...
I hope we get another source for motors, shafts, gearboxes, and so on. I am a brass junkie and would hate to have to give up on running them. Plastic steam just isn't made in enough types.
I'd be surprised if another manufacturer doesn't step up to acquire NWSL. "Icon" well describes their recognition for excellence.
Well that news just sucks. I have used a lot of their stuff over the years, guess I better order some parts while I still can. I too, hope someone will step up and buy NWSL. I hate to see these kinds of businesses going away. Without NWSL I would not have been able to make this old beast perform like it does. Just would like to get some sound in it some day.
On the NWSL facebook page, a post from last June revealed that the owner's wife had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and was undergoing treatment. A subsequent post in November stated that she had passed away. Another post indicated that someone had been hired to help out with the business. Perhaps that didn't work out and/or the owner no longer has his heart in it following the loss of a life partner.
This is my guess. I have been married but a fraction of the time Dave and Lynda were, and I cannot imagine what I'd do without my husband. It is sad news, but completely understandable, and I hope life treats him well from here on.
Yea, I have talked with him a couple times. I would not know, how to go forward without my Vicki (30 years). Feel bad for him and her. I do hope he can find some comfort, and solace. I sure wish the best.
I am surprised that NWSL is closing, what are we modelrailroaders going to do now? For gears,parts for our ATLAS a1g, MINITRIX parts to run on our current locomotives and layouts. Tom
It's a minor blow for us, compared to that of the proprietor. 'Traincat' went the same way. But-the loss of truly artisanal products takes us further away from prototype modelling. If no-one steps forward I guess it tells us a great deal about the state of railroad modelling today.
I must say this is one of the biggest reasons I am dipping my toes into British prototype modeling. There is a large and growing pool of people in finescale 2, 4, and 7mm making everything from 3d printed details to complete etched locomotive kits.
Sad, it's come to this. You don't want to make any sudden or quick decisions at the time of a family loss. Sounds like he's had time to think it over. We will miss what NWSL brought to the world of model railroading. Take care.
From Facebook Dave here, and I have good news. NWSL released the following today: ======== NorthWest Short Line Press Release For Immediate Release NorthWest Short Line is pleased to announce that the entire line has been acquired by an NWSL employee, effective September 3rd, 2019. All existing back orders will be filled, and NWSL will be open to new orders as soon as the new websites are rolled out; the primary website nwsl.com will carry forward as the primary contact point. The line is expected to carry forward largely unchanged although the company will no longer offer phone support. NWSL will be headquartered in Kila, Montana, located near Kalispell, and the new address is PO Box 219, Kila, MT 59920. Email contact is through the website.
