Micro-Trains - NSE MTL 08-71 - Passenger Car, Heavyweight, Pullman Diner - Great American Circus - Louisville

Specific Item Information: This Kato sleeper is decorated by Micro-Trains.

Prototype History: In 1868. the Pullman Co. unveiled the Delmonico, a plush dining car named for the famous New York City restaurant. The age of dining on the rails was born. The 1940s and 1950s were the golden age of train travel and also the pinnacle of railroad dining car operations. For many passengers, the ambiance of the dining car was the reason they rode the train. Each railroad had its own fleet of dining cars where travelers were made to feel like royalty as they gazed over menu offerings that included roast leg of lamb with mint sauce, oven-roasted chicken, or pan-fried trout. Freshly baked desserts and fine wines often accompanied dinner. Food was prepared by specially trained chefs and served by attentive uniformed waiters.

Pullman was the leading manufacturer of the heavyweight passenger car in the 1st half of the 20th century. These cars were made of concrete and steel and were VERY heavy.

Road Name History: The Great American Circus and Wild West Show is a fictitious circus created by Lowell Smith. Here is what he says about it:

“The Biggest Little Show on Earth” was birthed when I realized there was no N scale circus train available. Not wanting the expense of a license with the Ringling Brothers was a smart move, as it made my circus not only affordable, but allowed the freedom to be totally creative doing what ever I wanted. It’s my circus! The series launched in the summer season of 2003.
After years of no competition, finally a few years back another N scale circus came onto the scene. Many have asked how I feel about Micro-Trains producing the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey train. My response is simple. Back in the day there were many a circus competing from town to town around our nation. And so I welcome the competition! It is all fun! But without a doubt, The Great American Circus and Wild West Show continues to wow audiences around the country. It truly is, “The Greatest Show on Rails”!

Brand/Importer Information: Micro-Trains is the brand name used by both Kadee Quality Products and Micro-Trains Line. For a history of the relationship between the brand and the two companies, please consult our Micro-Trains Collector's Guide.

Commissioner Information: Desiring to bring a creative and artistic approach to model railroad cars, Lowell Smith Signature Series was born in 1994. The first special run car commemorated the Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the Golden Spike - "Wedding of the Rails". Since 1994, Lowell Smith Signature Series has continued to produce over one hundred and thirty-five unique cars or train locomotives to date.

A native of Portland, Oregon, Lowell Smith married his church choir sweetheart Barb in 1978. After a lifetime of rail-fanning, Lowell and Barb ventured out in 1992 to launch a new business in Portland, Oregon.
Following Lowell's passion of model trains, The Hobby Smith was built to be the community center for model railroaders - operators and collectors alike. Located in the Hollywood District of Portland, The Hobby Smith was the place to learn and to enjoy the camaraderie of others with the same passion.