I have 2 projects in que that I'm working on, and once I'm finished with those, I'll be starting on the '08 TBFCs. :thumbs_up::thumbs_up: I have purchased 20 N scale models that will be initially offered to "test the market." If all 20 are purchased, I can see making an additional buy - with the amount as required. The N version will be a 50' TOFC with single 40' Trailer painted up in a new TrainBoard livery. Pricing and road numbers are TBD. More information on progress will be posted as the other projects are completed.
Progress update Initial paint base coat was applied today to 1/2 of the N scale fleet - hopefully the good weather continues and the remaining half get done next weekend. Then on to the HO cars.
Now taking Pre Orders! Now taking pre-orders! :tb-biggrin: I'm hoping to have these done and in the mail by 1 March. Cars will be sold for a $50 donation to TrainBoard + $5 for priority mail shipping (or actual cost for our overseas members). I only have 20 N scale cars to bid on. Roadnumbers for pre-orders are upto the buyer. Roadnumber wil be TBX08_ _ (you choice for the last 2 digits). Other roadnumbers will be made at random. These cars are probably going to be TrainBoards only fundraiser for the year. Cars can be paid via PayPal or Money Order. Please contact me for payment details. Thank you for your support of TrainBoard!
From the home office Mike suggested that I comment on how we spend money. This is from the thread in the Support Forum where we explain about donating and may answer a few common questions about supporting this site: We have monthly bills that are now in the hundreds of dollars. We are always looking for ways to raise money, increase advertising (without pop-up schemes, etc.) or get more folks to donate $2 per month (our favorite way). When someone like Mike (who has been a think-tank of ideas) comes up with an idea like this, it means a lot to us. Mike's ideas (to date) have paid a lot of our bills. People sometimes ask what we do with the money and it is simple: We use all money received to pay our bills. We have a dedicated server and some associated costs and the money goes there. Donations fluctuate and there have been times we had a reserve of about $1400 and then recently I was putting in personal money to pay a bill so it comes and goes. We have a PayPal account. The donations go into that account, the bills are paid out of that account. One of our staff members pays a $39 monthly bill out-of-pocket as a donation, and while we appreciate that, he should not have to do that. Another one of our staff members gave $100 the other day. Two staff members gave $50, etc. We have a dedicated server and the cost is moderately high. I used to think it was really high until I compared prices and realized that we are on the low end of the cost scale so far. But, we've been on the dedicated server for quite a while and our administrator feels that the load on the server is too high and we will soon need to step forward. How to pay for this (over the long haul) is the hard thing. A web site (of any kind) will either generate enough money to pay its way, or it will simply fail. We always appreciate your suggestions so if you have them, contact us any time. Only one word about ideas; Every couple of months or so I get an e-mail from someone who points me to some Super-Dooper hosting company with a blowout sale for $19.95 per month for unlimited disc space, bandwidth, etc. It just doesn't work that way. There is no free lunch. If we want to have what we now have, and more in the future, we have to pay for it. I should also mention that we have a couple of ideas on hold for new web sites that we think would be a hit for the railroad and model-railroad community. We just have to find a way to pay for them. If you like it here then good. We want you to like it here! That's why we are here too. When you support these special events (and our advertisers) you support TrainBoard. Charlie
I don't know what you guys are paying, but a friend of mine pays $975 per month for a dedicated server. Put me down for two cars please.
2 March update All, Due to a family member's death, there will be a delay in the forum car completion date. I will post again once I have matters settled and can resume work on these cars. I sincerely appreciate your patience in this matter.
Update - When life happens, it happens a lot! Hello all, Well since I posted last, my wife delivered our 2nd child (our 2nd daughter :tb-biggrin: ) and I've had the flu for a week, that I'm now about 90% over. Needless to say that the TBFC's are not quite finished. I do have them all painted, however, and I just need to make & apply the decals... then I'd be happy to post a pic for those who are holding out for that. I'll do my best, I'm just hoping that in-between feedings, burpings and diapers that I can complete these cars fairly soon. Oh and then there is that work thing -
Congrats on your new addition to the Family. I look forward to seeing the pictures of the completed cars.
