ATSF n scale is out of business

[Dreyfusshudson]

I remember his Blue goose was masterpiece...hope he is getting well.

[Mark5]

Website for official notice: https://www.atsfnscalemodels.com/

Best wishes for Dirk.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Damn that sucks.

I wonder if he'd sell off the files / materials to someone else.

I just realized how useful those archbar tender trucks would be...

[C855B]

Yeah. Best of luck to Dirk. Deteriorative nerve disorders are a horrible diagnosis.

I have two of his semaphores, and they are wonderful models.

[Jesse6669]

I don't model the Santa Fe, but it would be a real shame if these models simply were lost after he closes up shop.   

Hopefully, some entrepreneur who is already doing an 3D/etch model line can buy his designs and carry on...

[Chris333]

I was going to order a boxcar yesterday, but saw the message.

Was going to message him to see if any were left. But $18 boxcar kit + $31 shipping + whatever tariff there is 

[randgust]

Dirk told me that I got the 'very last' wheels he had on my order for two tender trucks.

I did get them, may be the last order he did of assembling wheels in trucks.   He was hurting but did it anyway.   I only have admiration for him, so if buying his inventory or even offering for his artwork helps, he's earned it.

The kits and assemblies he did are first rate.   He uses a combination of etched metal, resin and printed parts like nobody else I've bought from - avoiding the pitfalls of trying to do everything in one medium.    If you can get a kit of his out of inventory that you want, I sure recommend it.



Link:  http://www.randgust.com/JAM341521.jpg

Cars like this only come from him - the original TK01 class that I have done up as a work train water tank car:



Link:  http://www.randgust.com/TKG01.jpg



link: http://www.randgust.com/TKG02.jpg

There's some really excellent artwork out there he's done, and hopefully a way to keep it going.

[Dreyfusshudson]

This my blue goose. State of the art. I used Kato's old C62(LOT number 2003-nit 2017)-which is quite similar with Con Cor's 4-6-4.

[squirrelhunter]

I messaged him yesterday regarding any stock left, I'll post here wjat I hear back
 I'd ordered some freight car parts from him earlier this summer and he was very helpful. I wish I'd ordered an HH660 now.

[Dirk Jan Blikkendaal]

Hi there, sorry I didn’t post earlier, but the last couple of weeks have been hectic. As many of you know, my health is not that good (CIDP unfortunately getting worse to the point I’m losing control of my hands and feet). My lung problems are also getting worse. It simply means I am almost completely dependent on help from my Wife and other people… model rail road work is getting impossible so my layout has come to a standstill and I cannot finish the Models from my website anymore.. but that’s enough complaining… I still enjoy the things I can do and my family and friends! It also means I won’t be around probably in two or three weeks time. I’m closing shop and selling off the remaining inventory. If you’re interested send an email and see if I can do something.
There are some M190 left in both N and H0 scale… some doodlebugs in both N and H0 scale…two RSD7 in N scale..
N scale tank cars, stock cars, and box cars kits…. And also some N scale tenders and steam generator cars and steam generator cars in both in N and H0 scale… it has been fun to do all this for my own layout but also for fellow ATSF addicts…😂. Thanks for all your support, kind regards, Dirk Jan Blikkendaal

[John]

Best wishes to you and family.  Enjoy what time you have .. you have made a difference for n scale. 

[johnb]

Dirk, I am sonsorry to hear about your horrible disease.

I have always wanted one of your 664 kits

[Dirk Jan Blikkendaal]

Gentlemen, I have some bad news and some good news…
The bad news is my health.. it’s going down faster than expected….. and that means I won’t be around in seven days….. I had a good life, enjoyed it very much, even these last days. Running my small website and supplying my Models has been fun and I thank you for all the support I got.
The good news is that a long time customer wants to continue the website and shop… not in exactly the same way as I did it, but the Models will remain available….
He will take over the website and all STL files and etchings.
Announcement will be made later on on the website, on train board, on the rail wire and the historical society FB
All the best, Dirk Jan Blikkendaal

[KSTXFLID]

So sorry. No words but I respect and admire your attitude.
I'm glad your legacy will live on although diminished I'm sure.
God speed and I can only hope to face eternity with the same fortitude and positivity.

[superchief]

Dirk,
  Thank you for the reply to my email, sorry for the news on your health. I want to thank you for what you have done for N Scale and Santa
Fe modelers. Sounds like you had a rich life, the best to you sir. High greens.
                                                                   Gordon Bliss / Santa Fe-All the Way