You have probably heard this phrase before, whether it was in a movie, song lyric, or advice from someone, perhaps a teacher or mentor. The original Latin phrase “carpe diem” literally translates to “pluck (or harvest) the day.”
In any case, the expression is often used to suggest that we do not wait, but rather do the things we want now rather than later. Take action, enjoy life, make a move while we can. In the railroad modeling hobby, many of us can relate to delaying our dreams or hobby aspirations due to other priorities in life, only to find that opportunity has passed us by. In the larger sense, this might be health, vision or fine motor control or resources. As I approach retirement these factors are coming into focus (pun intended). Fortunately, I am still physically able to perform, and even improve on, the skills for detail work on HO scale prototype models and also am fortunate to have the resources to (usually) obtain what I want, for the time being anyway.
Currently I have accumulated much more than I have built in terms of models, adding many “to be built” kits and detail parts to my stash over the last few years. In some cases, these are limited release or out of production craftsman kits that have been “seize the day” purchases.
Archer resin printed surface details are once again available, after a short hiatus when the original owner sold the business, leading to much angst in the prototype modeling community. This seems to be much more the exception than the rule, however, given the hurdles of finding a buyer for a small scale business.
I was reminded of this just this morning, when I learned of the closure of Custom Model Depot, which stopped producing last year. This family run business offered a range of 3D printed model railroad items, including the Dalman Andrews trucks pictured above. In this case, I did purchase several sets of these when they were announced, since they are a “signature” freight car truck for the Great Northern. The business closed due to demands of work and limited free time.
Running a business is challenging, requiring a great deal of effort, time and money. For hobbyist type producers, unless a large established manufacturer with a range of items with broad appeal, their enterprise is frequently a labor of love as opposed to paying the bills. As a result, burnout, everyday life or changes in circumstance play a part in the short life of many suppliers. Some do last, but even so their products are commonly limited production runs. All the more reason to seize the day when possible.
In the event one misses the original availability of a limited run kit or other item, not all hope is lost. In person swap meets and online marketplaces such as eBay, or forums like HOSwap on IO , as well as specialty online retailers, can be viable sources of out of production items.
Patience is a virtue when seeking out a specific car or other item of interest that is no longer manufactured, unlike the near instant gratification of buying when a kit is first available. It can take months, even years, to find something that is long out of production. I have learned to ask around in the modeling community, as you never know what someone else has in their stash that might be just what you want. In some cases, trades can be worked out that benefit both parties, allowing us to get value from our surplus. Learning how to set up targeted saved searches on eBay is another way to hunt for a sought after item.
The warehouse kit and the “Roof Topper” shown above are both the result of literally multi-year searches waiting for these items to show up from a seller. In each case, I had seen these advertised when they were first offered, but put off buying for one reason or another only to find that the manufacturer had shuttered operations when I finally had the resources to move ahead. Scouring hobby shops and swap meets was fruitless, but online searches finally paid off after a few years. The waiting does ensure that the sought after item is REALLY wanted.
The New Rail Models Bingen Loading Warehouse is a unique signature structure on the SP&S (now BNSF) rail line through the Columbia Gorge in Washington state and fits with my time period and wood products focus. I have driven by the actual warehouse in Bingen while traveling on Highway 14 through the Gorge many times. While the model is selectively compressed, it captures the unique look with curved roof and large exposed tresses. Perfect for a loading siding with stacks of plywood or lumber and offering a good reason for all the double door box cars in my stash!
Seeing the Great West Models Roof Topper ads years ago inspired an idea for a small chemical plant scene with a distinctive but relatively common arched industrial roof shape, particularly in the coastal Northwestern US, where abundant rain makes flat roofs problematic. Again, this is a roof style I have observed frequently in work travel over the years. These roof moldings were offered in several sizes intended to modify several different common HO building kits. The one I sought is for the City Classics Carnegie Street Manufacturing building kit, adding visual interest and a change from the standard look. Many pulp and paper mills in the Northwest had small specialty chemical manufacturing operations associated, as I have discussed before https://olympicpeninsulabranch.blogspot.com/2025/03/prototype-inspiration-chemicals-and.html More reason to build all those tank car kits I have been accumulating.
I have had similar success searching for out of production freight car kits that caught my interest or filled a specific desire, often after significant time waiting. With time and searching it is possible to locate that prize you missed the first go round in many cases. There are still a few on my list! The easiest and quickest path though is to pluck the day when you first see that beauty you want, if it fits your budget.
-Carpe Diem
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