NSE Special Run Numbering

In the mid 1980’s, the N Scale Enthusiast (then the N Scale Collector) (“NSE”) began assigning identification numbers to special run cars and multi-car packs (“Cars”) produced by Micro-Trains.  Numbers were assigned going back to the first Car produced in 1974 and continue to this day.  This system has made it possible for collectors and others to easily identify, catalogue and buy, sell or trade these Cars.  The system is comprised of a series of numbers that identify the year the car was produced and the unique number assigned to the Car.  For example, in number “13-01” the 13 identifies the year produced, 2013, and the 01 identifies the unique car.  It should be noted that for multi-car packs there is also a unique identification number assigned to each car in the pack.  For example, the 3-Pack of Micro-Trains Milwaukee Road boxcars released for the 2013 NSE convention is identified as follows:

• 13-53 - Milwaukee Road (Road Number 2150)

• 13-54 - Milwaukee Road (Road Number 2151)

• 13-55 - Milwaukee Road (Road number 2159)

• 13-56 - 3-Pack of Milwaukee Road boxcar

This system has proved to be so popular that several years ago the NSE began assigning identification numbers to Cars produced by other manufacturers.  The only difference is that the number is preceded by a three letter prefix which indicates the manufacturer.  Examples of this are:

• INT     (Intermountain)

• ATL     (Atlas)

• WAL    (Walthers)

It should also be noted that the NSE makes every effort to assign numbers accurately and in the proper order; however our ability to do so is dependent on the manufacturers advising us in a timely manner that a special run project has been contracted and the project sponsor agreeing to provide the needed information.  In some cases, there may be a gap in the numbers that are published on the website.  This is because the NSE has already assigned numbers to specific Cars where the sponsors have requested that we do not release information until the Car is available for sale.

Over the next few months the NSE will be updating and publishing the special run lists for all years going back to 1974.  In addition, the 2013 and future lists will be updated and published on the website on a quarterly basis.  Please note that only Cars which have numbers assigned by the NSE will be included.  Also, please remember that this is effort is being undertaken by volunteers who are donating their time and effort to improving our organization and the information that it provides.  It is possible that the information provided is not 100% accurate or may have some missing data.  We welcome your comments and any additional information that you may have to correct or complete these lists.

Finally, all purchases of Cars will be from the sponsors directly or as the sponsor directs.  In the case of Cars sponsored by the NSE, all Cars will be advertised on the website and NSE magazine, though in limited cases Cars will first be advertised by letter solicitation.  For Cars sponsored by others, purchase information will be provided in the NSE magazine if they choose to advertise their Car (which we strongly encourage).  If not, purchase information is generally available via model railroad publications, websites and other model railroad information sources.  All questions regarding Cars should be addressed directly to the sponsors.

We hope you find these lists helpful and welcome any suggestions you may have to improve them.

David Kaplan

 

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Last updated August 20, 2019