Nelson Gray

Sale to Mort Mann
The following advertisement appeared in Live Steam Magazine, April 1979, page 66


 * CLOSED
 * Due to conditions beyond my control, I am forced to cease operations. Thanks for past support.
 * NELSON W. GRAY
 * (No Calls Please)

The following notice was published in Live Steam Magazine, September 1979, page 61:


 * Sunset Steam Models Has Nelson Gray Line


 * The very popular line of 1 inch scale items offered by Nelson Gray for many years now available from Sunset Steam Models at 138 Campbell Avenue in Campbell, California 95008.


 * Mort Mann, who has been involved in the import of brass HO gauge equipment for many years, has purchased all the tools and dies from Nelson Gray and currently has the coupler kits available. The Bettendorf Roller Bearing freight trucks should also be available by the time you read this report.


 * It will take some time to produce the complete line, but the present scheduled plans will have the Symington Gould trucks and the marker lamps available in September, followed by the Andrews and Arch Bar trucks in November.


 * We all wish Mort Mann success in continuing these popular Live Steam supplies.


 * To Nelson Gray we send best wishes for his retirement and a heartfelt thanks for all the effort he has put into making high-quality products available to The Hobby. We'll be watching for him at Live Steam meets around the country!

Francis Industries
Alan Francis wrote:


 * I acquired the sand cast line of parts from Nelson Gray in the late 1970's

From Finger Lakes Live Steamers webpage:


 * FRANCIS INDUSTRIES - 1" & 1-1/2" Scale cars and parts.
 * Alan E. Francis
 * 758 West Whitney Rd.
 * Fairport, NY 14450
 * 585-377-3670

Question: Are you still actively making and selling parts and equipment? Do you have a catalog?

Alan Francis said on 1 July 2014: Thanks for asking, but only special orders such as a run of cabooses, tanks cars etc. The small parts are a lot of effort and no return.

1" Scale Railroad Supply
From Finger Lakes Live Steamers webpage:


 * 1" Scale Railroad Supply
 * The popular Nelson Gray line of die-cast 1" scale freight trucks and couplers, along with other products. Serving the hobby since 1995.
 * Lonnie Knechtel, Owner
 * P.O. Box 1931
 * Ferndale, WA 98348
 * 800-224-1853
 * trains@oneinchrr.com

Diesel Model
Here are some excellent pictures showing the construction of a Diesel engine. They were submitted by Mr. Nelson W. Gray, who is constructing the engine.

The locomotive is battery powered with a 12 V.D.C. motor and the transmission is a surplus aircraft hydraulic transmission. That is all the information we have at this time, oh yes, it is in 1 inch scale.

We think this is quite a little beauty and will pass on any further information that Mr. Gray might send us. For anyone who might be interested Mr. Gray lives at 900 E. Brighton Ave., Jamesville, N.Y.

Journal Boxes
Postwarbob posted an auction on eBay, July 2014, as follows:


 * 8 Ea 1 1/2" Type RB Journal Boxes For free lance project (NOS Nelson Gray). Nelson manufactured these for the steeplecab electrics that were being made in groups at various clubs.  Lonnie still sells them at 1" Railroad Supply in Washington. They are easy to finish and are very stout.  They are equipped with needle bearings and also come with a dozen case hardened 1/2" by 2".  They measure 1 3/8" wide and 1 5/8" tall. Width between side glides is 1 3/16".  They are equiped with needle bearings and also come with a dozen case hardened 1/2" by 2 "precision ground dowel pins.

Death
From Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, March/April 2018:


 * “Nelson Gray passed away December 12, 2017: he was 101. Nelson was a pioneer designer and manufacturer of Z gauge and Nn3 kits and parts. He had a profound effect on the development of Nn3 through his products, and the articles he wrote about his layout. Early on, Nelson developed some dummy narrow gauge couplers, which were acquired by Keith and Dale Edwards, who used them to start their line of Kadee couplers, and their Micro Trains Line, which included many Nn3 products.” Tom Knapp and Steve Schweighofer.


 * PaulP posted on Chaski.org, 14 April 2018:


 * Nelson passed away in December but my father and I had met him in person in 2016 at a train show in Syracuse, NY (Nelson's home town). At the time he was 99 years old and was still as sharp as a tack. He was still working on a 1" scale FP40 in his home shop. Nelson also visited the Finger Lakes Live Steamers in 2017 a club he is an honorary member of. Unfortunately Nelson passed this past December. He is well known for his contributions to all things railroading as well as his line of 1" scale parts, now offered by 1" Scale Railroad supply. Some members of FLLS have been in touch with the family and have found homes for what was left of his shop. The FP40 locomotive was graciously donated to the FLLS and one of the members is currently working on finishing the locomotive.