NSC US Virgin Islands Boxcar

I just received my N Scale Collector US Territory boxcar, the US Virgin Islands. This special run car is very nice and will fit in well with the MTL state series cars.
Jim

 

For the Virgin ISLANDS they didn't do a water tank car?

 

If one hasn't (i.e., if I haven't) followed the MTL series, how do I get up to speed on what's available or not?

 

Pete
This car was issued by NSC to fit in with MTL state car series. As such, this car is only available to members and only one car per member. You can usually find the last 4 or 5 monthly releases of different state cars available at several dealers. Earlier ones can be purchased through auction sites or whatever.
Jim

 

Thanks, Jim.

I guess I'm actually looking for an update: how many state cars have been issued, so, am I too late to realistically join in the collecting? While I'm close to the hobby, I haven't been very close to the industry.

 

Pete:
If you go to the MTL site and look under products, you will find a list heading US state car series. Click on it and it will show the cars already issued.
Jim

 

Pete:
Here is the website for MTL.
http://www.micro-trains.com/states%20of%20union.htm
Jim

 

Thanks, Jim.

MTL has released 17 states so far. It seems I could get those 17 without price-gouging?

 

You should be able to get most of them for a reasonable price, but the first car, Illinois, runs $250-350 on eBay. The California and DC (and NSC member car) cars are in the $75-200 range.

 

So, if you join NSC now, can you still get the DC and Virgin Islands cars from them?

 

I think I'll pass on these--which means I'll pass on the whole series. Anything above $10 sets my Yankee bells ringing.

 

You can probably still get the Virgin Islands car if you join immediately, but the D.C. car was the membership car from last year and is no longer available. The N-scale Collector group will only have enough Virgin Island cars produced to fill the orders that are being taken now. The window of opportunity is closing very soon, and each member is allowed only ONE car! If you want this car...don't delay, or it's eBay!