top of page

THE

BLOG
Search
Exciting collaboration with McCarville Studios
We're thrilled to announce that we've entered a collaboration with our friend Mike McCarville and his dynamic McCarville Studios line of...

Seth Johnson
Feb 20, 20241 min read
At the National Narrow Gauge Convention in Denver
We're enjoying NNGC '23 here in Denver this week. It's a bustling show, with over 1k attendees and lots of great layouts, vendors, and...

Seth Johnson
Aug 31, 20231 min read


NNGC 2022 report
We're on our way home from the 42nd National Narrow Gauge Convention in Tacoma. Attendance and vendor participation were a bit light, but...

Seth Johnson
Sep 3, 20221 min read


Announcing a change
When Rand and I purchased the Crystal River product line, we were very excited. We’re still excited. We planned to sustain and grow the...

Seth Johnson
May 20, 20222 min read


What’s Up? A Plan. A Commitment.
A few weeks ago, we received a letter from a long-standing Crystal River Products customer. His question? “So where are the kits that you...

Rand Johnson
Nov 10, 20202 min read


The Adventures of a Fellow Modeler, Part 2
What I love about this hobby is the wealth of resources available to modelers (hobby magazines, YouTube videos, on-line chats, Facebook...

Rand Johnson
Jun 16, 20204 min read


The (Mis)Adventures of a Fellow Modeler
My wife excitedly recommended that I blog about my experience in building the On3 Round Roof Water Tank. I do so with a little fear and...

Rand Johnson
Feb 5, 20203 min read


Happy Holidays from Crystal River Products
Has there ever been a more opportune time than this season of holiday cheer to feel and express gratitude? As Seth and I reflect on the...

Rand Johnson
Nov 30, 20192 min read


Hello from the 39th Annual National Narrow Gauge Convention! (with Product Announcements)
It seems like only yesterday that Seth and I attended the 38th National Narrow Gauge Convention in Minneapolis as new owners of Crystal...

Rand Johnson
Sep 7, 20193 min read


Seth's layout: On30, shadowbox-style
Confession: I'm an On30 guy. I'm as fond as detailed, meticulously-prototype-y layouts / structures / rolling stock as the next fellow,...

Seth Johnson
Sep 6, 20191 min read


First kit produced!
So, it turns out that producing laser-cut wood kits is kind of hard, even when you start out with fantastic plans produced by a master...

Seth Johnson
Mar 5, 20191 min read


‘Tis the Season to Be Jolly, to Be Thankful, and to Be Hopeful
We at Crystal River Products have much to be thankful for. As we gear up for a very productive 2019, we have CRP’s founder, Tom...

Rand Johnson
Dec 29, 20182 min read


Where to start?
I think that’s the question most model railroad hobbyists face when they first consider taking the plunge into building their dream...

Rand Johnson
Sep 18, 20185 min read


A fresh start for a great brand
My dad and I have made trips to Colorado and New Mexico in three of the last five years to explore narrow-gauge country. It's beautiful...

Seth Johnson
Sep 3, 20182 min read
bottom of page