Note: Most of the new products for this month were introduced at the 1999 1/87 Vehicle Club national convention in Portland, Oregon. For additional information about the convention, check the 1999 Convention Report.

A-Line announced the development of the Wabash National Corporation's 53' DuraPlate trailer (as used by Schneider National and other truckload carriers). Watch our web site for expected delivery date.

ASB Hobby Company had their first 1/87 model samples on display. Four different flatbed trailer decks (to be offered as parts of trailer kits) were available for display. The simulated wood decking on these are phenomenal. We'll have additional information as it becomes available; for now check out the scans of the samples shown at the show.

Atlas' 1997 Ford F-150 pickup truck models should be on your local hobby shop's shelves (March 20, 1999). Check the November 1998 New Products for additional information.

Classic Construction Models displayed a sample of their latest in the 1/87 scale brass construction equipment series, the Caterpillar D250E articulated off-road dump truck. CCM also announced that the first 1/87 model to be introduced after the current 12 model series is complete will be the Caterpillar 797 Mining Dump Truck.

GHQ Models displayed production versions of their first 1/87 model, the 1953 International Harvester farm tractor. Also announced were the next two items in the series, a McCormick 200 manure spreader, and a 3 bottom plow. GHQ models are cast in Britannia pewter and are almost flash free.

Lonestar Models displayed a brake detail set consisting of brake chambers, camshafts, and axle tubes for trailer models. These details may be retrofitted to any trailer model and might even be modified to fit tractor drive axles also. We will have more details on availability as we get them. Another exciting announcement from Lonestar is the development of 10 hole disc wheels ("Budd" type) that are individual wheels that mate together like the prototype; it is intended to offer drive axle hubs in addition to trailer hubs (please note: this project will take a substantial amount of engineering and tooling time to complete. No promised delivery date but early 2000 may be realistic). Lonestar is also going to produce a stake body kit (similar to their very successful lumber delivery flatbed body) to fit the Herpa Ford L9000 cab and chassis.

Microscale has a new set of 1/87 decals for emergency vehicles - police, fire, and ambulance; set # MC-4150, HO Scale Mini-Cal.

Nothin' Specific Company manufactures custom display cases made of Plexiglas and oak wood and had several different styles on display. They also distribute precision hobby tools and are the Northwest distributor for Micro Mark tools.

Paul Heiser Models displayed the latest progress on the injection molded plastic World War II era Sherman tank models he has been working on. The M4, M4A1, and M4A3 variants will be available as will other versions that will include resin or white metal parts to model specific variations.

Puget Sound Casting Services announced that they have several new fire and rescue trucks in production and under development.

Walthers displayed the first two models in their automobile plant series, the 1967 Ford Mustang (in hobby shops March 20, 1999) and the 1998 Ford Expedition. June 1999 delivery is expected for the 1966 Ford F-100 pickup and 1998 Ford Crown Victoria. The Ford LNT-9000 automobile delivery truck model is also targeted for June delivery.