River Point Station has posted on their web site the following:

"We have recently arranged to bring back the fine 1/87-scale (HO) vehicles, formerly made and/or announced by Masterpiece [Automotive Replicas] a couple of years ago, but as River Point Station models. On our behalf, the 1/87-Scale Vehicle Club announced the news at the recent Springfield show. On hand was an example of the long-awaited 2009 [Dodge] Challenger. As soon as licensing with Dodge is resolved, we will get the Challenger and Journey into production. I am still awaiting status of the previously speculated RAM 1500 pickup truck tooling. Before the Dodges enter production, we will also produce the 1950 Ford Fordor, and reintroduce the Step Van.

We expect to post some photos soon, as well. At this time, I'd like to draw your attention to our popular Ford pickup trucks. Some of the current models are either sold out or close to sold out at the warehouse. Coming soon will be the long- awaited crew cab variants. It is our goal to have the caps for the pickup boxes in concurrent production, and as a consequence, we will be adding several new decorated models to the lineup, as well. Those won't appear until the new Website is published, so please be patient.

In closing, I'd like to thank everyone for their continued patience as we resolve the problems associated with corporate growing pains. Be assured that we are working as quickly as possible to continue bringing you some of the finest models available in 1/87-scale. Ron Elsdoerfer"

From the Model Railroad News web site where Masterpiece Automotive Replicas principal Bill Cawthon is editor:

"This is exciting because it means that up to six HO vehicles will be coming your way this year. A few you’ve seen before: the 1970 Ford Custom, the 2008 Dodge Charger R/T and Police, and the American Walk-In van. Three others have never been released, including the 2008 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, and (hooray!) 1950 Ford Fordor sedan.

The 1936 Chrysler Airflow Imperial Eight, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, and 1968 Plymouth Fury I sedan won’t be among the re-releases. At least not yet; a new license will have to be negotiated from scratch with Chrysler.

This won’t happen right away; new licenses have to be secured and some other changes are involved, but the tooling is basically finished. I have had samples of the Challenger, Journey and ‘50 Ford for quite some time and they are really nice models."

We certainly welcome the return of the Masterpiece Automotive Replicas product line and hope the arrangement with Ron Elsdoerfer and his crew at River Point Station makes for a successful venture! Thanks to Ron and Bill Cawthon of Masterpiece Automotive Replicas for putting this deal together; we wish them both all the best! [posted 02/15/2011]