Ralph George Collection
For the most part, the inventory has been completed. 750+ cars were in the totes. Several boxes of car kits, accessories, and building kits were also part of the collection. On August 18th from 1 pm to 5 pm we will offer the items in the totes for sale, along with some other items. The sale will be at The Greene County Historic Society in Xenia, OH. This sale is limited to Division 3, MCR, NMRA members and members of the Miami Valley Modular Railroad. At the end of this article is a link to some sample photos of the collection.
The collection has a variety of equipment. It leans to the modern but a lot of “Athearn blue box type” kits were the basis for his weathering and scratch building efforts. The collection contains both freight and passenger equipment. Passenger equipment ranges from steam era heavyweights and REA express cars to Amtrak’s latest cars. Freight cars range from a 1904 stock car to the well cars of today. Several colorful hi-cube box cars and covered hoppers are included. Numerous flat cars loaded with containers and trailers, and 3 bins of spare containers and trailers.
As a member of the Miami Valley Modular Railroad, he was set up to run long trains and unit trains. A lot of fallen flags are represented, both eastern and western roads make an appearance. Some Canadian covered hoppers help liven up the consist freights.
- Trains
Have you seen the red Landmark covered hoppers? There are 28 of these Tangent cars in the collection. Labeled for area granaries, of Columbus, Washington Court House and Chillicothe. An orange Pacific Fruit Express block of 12 cars. Single, triple, and 5 car well units. 40’ cars from the golden age. 60’ auto parts and paper box cars. A 14 car sugar beet train. Mixed freight and coal unit trains, Top Gon from NS and rapid discharge cars from BNSF. 90’ auto carriers and a reefer cooled by nitrogen. A pulp wood train and some flat cars loaded with finished lumber.
Several of the passenger trains have interiors and passengers and a few may be lighted.
- Weathering
Most of the cars that were weathered were done so lightly. Some have graffiti on them. But one example was weathered so heavily that it could only be determined that it was a Great Northern car. Most of the cars are not weathered.
- Local interest
In addition to the Landmark train, the stock car is labeled as being built in August 1904 by the Barney and Smith Co of Dayton, OH. with Clinchfield markings. Several cars, tanks and covered hoppers, for Cargill.
- Engines and Electronics
A few DC power packs. Flashing Red End of Train Devices, an old Hyperlight decoder, and 3 Soundtraxx decoders, new in package.
Locomotives range from two A’s and 2 B’s, Athearn Genesis F-3s. A Bachmann GE 44 tonner, dual motored, and a couple of early yard switchers. A Mantua steamer and 0-6-0 switcher and a Woodland Scenics wheel cleaner.
- Open Car loads
Several flat cars and well cars have container and/or trailer loads. A fair number of the open hoppers have mineral loads, either manufactured or scratch built.
Flat cars, bulkhead flats and gondolas, some have scratch built pulpwood and lumber loads, along with pipe and structure forms loads. Other flat cars have heavy equipment loads with Norscot, Walthers, Boley and Athearn vehicles.
- Manufacturers
Most manufacturers are represented in this collection. Ranging from life Like, Mantua, MDC/Roundhouse, Bachmann, Accurail, Con-Cor and Front Range to Athearn, Walthers, Kadee, Scale Trains, Tangent, Atlas, Intermountain, Steward, Kato, Rapido and Bowser . The more unusual manufacturers include Steam Era Structures, Portland Car and Foundry, Ring Engineer, Riverossi, Alloy Forms, Durango Press, N J International and Tomar . All manufactures may not be presented at this sale.
- Disclaimers/Conditions
- Supplies are limited.
- First come, first get. No rainchecks or holds.
- All items are as is, where is.
- If you break it, you buy it.
- Cash preferred, checks with prior approval, no credit/debt cards. ATM nearby.
- You supply all packing materials and containers needed for you to transport the items you purchase.
- Items do not leave the showroom until purchased and a receipt is in hand.