When I switched from HO to N about 10 or so years ago I decided that I wanted to model the EL with a little LV, D&H, and NYS&W thrown in. Unfortunately I was rudely awakened to find that N-scale locomotives were limited runs and that I had already missed a good deal of EL units.
While visiting my parents in Omaha, NE one year the Great American Train Show was in town and I was able to add a few of the EL GP's that I missed. Only had to add the MT pilot kits to them. After that, I planned my vacation each year around when GATS was in Omaha. Would always come away with rolling stock, structures, and that most elusive of all N-scale items, modern-era vehicles.
E-bay helped me to complete my D&H roster, was able to get the SD's and RS's off of e-Bay. My LV and NYS&W fleets were all purchased new as they came out.
By going to shows and the internet I was able to build a decent roster of EL (almost 20) and D&H units and not have any duplicate road numbers.
I don't like taking business away from my hobby shop, but when the stores don't have them you do what you have to do.
BTW, still looking for EL RS-2/3's and GP-35's. Can't find them anywhere lately, shows or internet.
Joe P
Long Live The EL
www.geocities.com/jmpwpd29
