Pacific Design Shops

10/09/2026

Flatcar Friday showcasing all our flatcars designs. From the shorter 41' flatcar, perfect for short bed pickups or SUV's, to the long sleek 60' flats, to our heavy duty and easy to ride depressed flatcars.

https://pacificdesignshops.com/

10/01/2026

PRR #8686 and SCV #3084 double head a passenger train up the 1% grade S curve during the September 2026 Public Run. At the rear, a PDS bulkhead flat hauls the conductor.

09/30/2026

Tomorrow is the last day to order our new Commonwealth Freight Trucks or the Depressed Flat + Trucks Bundle before prices go up. All steel construction, no machining required, wheels axles and bearings included, ability to add both straight air and automatic air brakes.

Commonwealth Truck Kit: $1500
Depressed Flat + Trucks Bundle: $2500
Add on brakes: $500

On October 1st, pricing for the Truck Kit will be $1800; Depressed Flat kit will be $1200.

https://pacificdesignshops.com/cmw/

09/28/2026

Ride in comfort with our 3-axle Commonwealth Freight Trucks. Perfect when combined with our depressed flatcar, the trucks feature all steel components, swing bolster, and optional brakes on all wheels.

09/26/2026

Our PDS train featuring every style of PFE re**er and Flatcar we have ever built.

09/22/2026

Our 5’ Economy Ride Astride is now in stock. A simple, robust, and affordable car that only requires simple tools to complete.

We will be following up with those that pre ordered to get this shipped in the next couple weeks. We have a few remaining from this batch. $299 + shipping.

https://pacificdesignshops.com/freight-car/ride-a-stride-cars/

09/22/2026

This weekend, we will be headed to St. Croix RR in Hudson, WI for the annual Fall Meet.

If you are looking for a good winter project, we have the following kits in stock and can bring them with to save on shipping costs. Orders need to be in by 9/23 to pack it in time; payment can be completed at the meet.

1.5" 41' SP Flatcar Kit - $535
1" 41' SP Flatcar Kit - $450 (without stake pockets)
3-Axle Depressed Flat Kit - $1200
2-Axle Depressed Flat Kit - $900

Pacific Design Shops

09/20/2026

Looking like an EMD factory here. Catching up on orders with a pile of GP9’s in progress. Two are standard GP9’s, one will be a GP7 variant, another is a GP9u and the last is a GP9 B unit.

09/19/2026

The prototype journal boxes came in to complete our Commonwealth Truck design. We also went back to our 3-axle depressed design to create a GSC variant that was common with the Commonwealth Trucks with modifications to the side sheets and lifting brackets. This version will be available with the bundle for no additional cost.

We are extending the pricing window for our Commonwealth Trucks and Depressed Flat bundle until 9/30 due to a delay in getting the prototype parts. Depressed flat bundle with the Commonwealth Trucks is $2500.

https://pacificdesignshops.com/cmw/

09/04/2026

Flashback Friday. We are fortunate to be directly involved with the hobby for over 35 years. Way before starting PDS, we attended meets at St. Croix Railroad, worked on the railroad over summer breaks, spent time at our grandparents track, all while having fun with the hobby.

Over the years, we have shared stories with hundreds of friends, collaborated with suppliers, legends, and pioneers in the hobby, and helped shape the future of the hobby. All this time in the hobby has given us an in depth look into what other want out of the hobby and how our skills and products can better fit those needs. The past year has been strenuous, but we greatly appreciate the positive remarks from customers about our products and we look forward to offering more ideas and solutions to the hobby in the future.