INTERURBAN 
GE Steeple Cab
(INJECTION MOLDED STYRENE PLASTIC )

New - "TRANSIT TERMS & GLOSSARY"

Traction update:Click on this logo to go directly  to the latest updated info
            

SPARKS click here

New link from a Steeple Cab Fan

"How to build...  Step by Step"

Thanks go to our friend
 Roger Chrysler

WESTINGHOUSE TRACTION  HIGH QUALITY REPRODUCTIONS
Custom produced re-publications to special order

CARS AND CAR EQUIPMENT Publication 1739   October 1925      $25 
Photos and floor plans of lightweight cars of BMT Rapid Transit; Coast Cities Rwy; Detroit United; Fresno Transit; Grand Rapids Rwy;  Gray"s Harbor; Honolulu Rapid Tran; Los Angeles Rwy; Philadelphia& Western; Shamokin & Mt Carmel; Tampa Electric; Trenton & Mercer Co

WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC RWY EQPT. Special Publication 1863 October 1929  $30
Photos and discussion of Modern Streetcars; Modern Streetcar Control; Street Rwy Motors; High Speed Motors; Multiple Unit Cars; Articulated Cars;  Rapid Transit; Gas Electric Buses; Trolley Coaches; Light-Weight Interurbans;  Heavy Interurbans; Freight Haulage VINTAGE COVER

TRANSPORTATION HINTS Special Publication 1711 October 1924  $30
Some Photos- General Discussion of operating issues. VINTAGE COVER

CARS CAR EQUIPMENT Special Publication 1714  October 1924  $30 Photos and floor plans of lightweight cars of  Boston Elevated; Eastern Mass Street Rwy; Monongahela West Penn; Brooklyn City RR; Cincinnati Traction; Lewistown & Reedville; Ohio Valley Elec Rwy; Wheeling Traction; C, NS&M ; Los Angeles Rwy; New Orleans P S; Indianapolis & Cincinnati; Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley; Chicago Elevated    VINTAGE COVER

APPLICATION and EQUIPMENT of the SAFETY CAR
By GM Woods  and  MERCHANDISING TRANSPORTATION by EG Buffe publ 1920 SUPER VINTAGE COLOR COVER
General Discussion with Profuse illustration with photos.    $30

Pre release prices are shown for new, unreleased items. These prices are guaranteed for advance orders placed by 800 phone and other noted methods in the ordering instructions (click in menu at left).  After release and subsequent reruns, these prices are subject to adjustment. Advance paypal or shopping cart orders for unreleased items are being discontinued.

Scroll down for photos and more information.  

INTERURBANS PAGE ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Models listed with MRN status are on the radar-that is we have enough reservations that we now either have tooling ready for conversion to scale shown or well enough along that these kits can be scheduled when enough FIRM reservations are received to proceed with initial costly production run. More Reservations Needed before we can schedule and announce them—and no, we cannot predict when those reservations will be received.Other potential LTD series kits & scales  are also listed on this webpage. They need more reservations to reach the radar. Firm reservations are those in which you have given us a firm order with credit card info to be charged by us when shipped. NOTE: Website orders are charged by paypal when ordering.

PLEASE SCROLL  DOWN FOR ILLUSTRATIONS AND MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON CURRENT and potential future  PRODUCTS.

Model as built and detailed               

With AMB parts. Kit proper

Shown in "Sparks" below.  

The G E  steeple cab by Cannonball Car Shops

Injection molded in styrene, this kit has introduced traction modeling to more than hundreds of HO model railroaders 
in the twenty first century. Kit includes both arch and square top windows.  A variety of powering options have been
used by many-the kit  as designed accepts the earlier motor mounted power trucks from Bachmann 44 Ton diesels
 (similar 70 ton trucks also fit). The second run of these kits is now available at $27.95 with the same perfect fit as
 the first run. We can supply Bowser poles for an additional $10.00 ea. The prototype ran on well known and obscure
 electric lines and in  industrial and mine switching.

Scroll down for photos from proud Cannonball kit builders. American Model Builders have developed super detail kits and Bachmann drive
 upgrade kits that are only available direct from the AMB factory.

The Baldwin-Westinghouse Steeple Cabs by Red Ball LTD

Prototype Info:

ABOUT BALDWIN FREIGHT MOTORS     Because many are asking...The Class B freight motor was used (is still  serving ) by interurbans and railroads coast to coast from about 1920. It was their best selling model-and was widely copied or cloned by railroad shops. We've posted a photo of the test model in HO (test sheet before tweeking) and artist's conception drawing. Note the "offset hood" and three window cab when contrasting it with the GE (Cannonball plastic model shown) that was its major competitor.  A later "economy model" B1  is nearly identical  in cab but does not have the sloped hood.  Two blower boxes are mounted above the trucks on the deck.  This model requires underfloor trucks.

The earlier Model A is similar in appearance to the GE steeple cab but hoods are full width making it far easier to motorize. They were NOT nearly as "standardized" as were the GE models.

The class E is similar to the class D but was ONLY purchased and run by the Chicago, South Shore and South Bend  and the Illinois Central (for Chicago use) (later bought by CSS&SB). Our class E kit accommodates both variations.

The class D was larger, much heavier (usually about 60 tons) and more powerful (most about 1000 hp) than the similar appearing class B. It was originally purchased for heavier service though it migrated in second hand markets. About 75% of the new model D were sold to: Sacramento Northern, Piedmont & Northern, British Columbia Electric, and Southern Pacific (some for SP in Oregon, Sacramento Northern and Peninsula RR but most were for Pacific Electric).  There are slight variations in the class D  motors but P&N cabs were two window instead of the otherwise common three so the Red Ball  kit cannot accurately build P&N models. Oakland, Antioch & Eastern class D motors had a peculiarly  different frame & truck arrangement and would require an accomplished modeler using our body.

Other roads that can be prototypically modeled using the Red Ball Class D are: Lake Erie & Northern; Petaluma & Santa Rosa; Waterloo, Cedar Rapids &Northern; Toledo & Eastern; International Rwy; Niagra Junction; Cornwall Street Rwy; Toledo & Western; Toledo & Indiana; Toledo Edison; Timber Butte Milling; Anaconda Copper; Northern Electric (Calif); Aroostook Valley; Central California Traction ; Red River Lumber and an Argentinian railroad. Apparently, unlike so many other models, none went to Cuba.   Freelancers:  The heavier weight of Class D precluded their use on many lines and their power was greater than was needed in much general service of the 1920-50 era though some lines had both B and D models.

The most common variations in B models are in the frame and ventilation louvers in the hood sides. These vents vary in model D also.  Some are even pictured with different louvers in the same motor at different times.  We've designed the kits for adaptability while taking the most general appearance.

DECAL SOURCE  click here

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ILLINOIS TERMINAL  by Red Ball LTD

The Class B freight motor (shown) is model 772-0072 in HO. The HO model is designed to use Bachmann 70T diesel mechanism but has space for many others.  

The Class C (very similar cab with articulated platforms each end, 4 truck) is model 772-0098 in HO

INDIANA RR-INDIANA SERVICE CORP- FT WAYNE & WABASH VALLEY

INDIANA SERVICE CORP/ IRR Combines 375-379 and Deluxe Parlor-Buffet (trailers) "Little Turtle" and "Mad Anthony" are dear to our heart. They raced through Roanoke within sight of our warehouse on the Wabash Valley Flier. When Red Ball  released a series of brass kits some two decades ago, these two cars (In O, S and HO) were among them. Leroy Rinehart built these unfinished O scale kits then. The 21^st Century  Red Ball LTD  releases will again include the spoked pilot but will be state-of-the-art double etched and include window bars and many more details.  This time we're planning the IRR RPO and CSS&SB line car conversions too.

INDIANA SERVICE CORP #817 by Red Ball LTD

This home brew freight motor ran in the streets of Fort Wayne long after the Hoosier traction empire (and the city"s streetcars) were history.  It pulled coal a few blocks to a state institution (and it"s own power plant near the famed Ft Wayne car house) and hops to the nearby Centlivre brewery that made Nickle Plate beer.  HO #772-0073 is designed for Bowser mechanism.

The BRILL 55 Motor Car by Red Ball LTD        The HO model has been designed for powering with a Bowser PCC mechanism. We will stock the PCC mechanism during production runs of the Brill 55. 

Red Ball   LTD Series are all brass body kits designed for construction using simple hand tools. Assembly can be done using modern adhesives or by soldering. We extensively utilize precision double etching. Parts and openings  are etched out. Where possible HO kits are designed to accept  power units of other manufacturers. In other scales, bolsters are provided.

Add your poles, pans and details to create a favorite prototype. LTD series are custom run in batches to fill advanced orders. Some overruns are often available in limited quantities. Scroll down for complete potential product listing.   Roofs are made of wood or resin as appropriate on many cars.

DEALERS -  Since LTD serties kits are custom produced to fill special orders, they are only found in shops that specialize in traction and order severlal like kits.

Other dealers are given a courtesy commission on special orders.

PRICE  -  We strive to offer the best value possible.  Some items are listed with EST (estimated price).  Our cost is determined by the number of firm advanced orders. Actual price on "EST" items may vary up or down by 10%.  On items with firm posted price for a given run, that price applies to orders received in time  for that run.  Reruns may be smaller and may require an adjusted price.

More Electric Trains

Model Railroad Warehouse offers a wide variety of prototype interurbans, freight motors,steeple cabs, and motor cars in most popular scales. Actual production depends on your orders-we cannot predict when or which will result.

Over 50 different prototypes may be reserved in the Red Ball LTD series. They have been designed and preliminary tooling has begun. Tooling progresses
as (email & postcard-STATING  DESIRED SCALE) reservations justifty.

  When actual  DEADLINES FOR ORDERS  are posted  the reservation level has reached our "thresh hold" level and final preparations for production are undertaken. AT THIS TIME firm orders should be placed with credit card info (charged upon shipping) or checks (cashed upon shipping), Lacking sufficient firm orders for production we will post new deadlines. Please check this page for updates, we cannot undertake individual mailing lists for over a hundred models in five scales.  Reservations will require your follow-up with firm orders. 

OUR NEXT PRODUCTION SCHEDULES WILL BE DETERMINED BY YOUR

RESERVATIONS AND ORDERS FROM THIS LISTING  We have other CSS&SB; Indiana RR (Interstate,Union,FtW&WV,THI&E etc);curved siders; and Detroit city cars not yet listed-and accept resources for additional cars you'd like. The items now closing in on "enough reservations" are noted.

MORE ELECTRIC TRAINS  posted  Dec 2005 NOTE: Most LTD brass kits listed are "steel side" prototypes as we are tooling a different product fline or wood prototype cars.

COMING CLOSE, JUST A FEW MORE RESERVATIONS NEEDED:

HO: #97, 98, 99,101, 103, 199, 304,305,352, 353,357,

N:: 100,   Insert -180- after 772 before model #

O:  101,358 , 97   73      Insert -48- after 772 before model #

S:   101, 358   73       Insert- 64- after 772 before model #

F/G (specify scale): 358  Insert -20- after 772 before model #

FREIGHT MOTORS / MOTOR CARS

772-101                  Baldwin Class B1 steeple  $79.95 HO (tooling done-firm orders needed)
772-103                  Baldwin Class E steeple CSS&SB $79.95 HO (tooling done-firm orders needed)
772-104                  Baldwin Class E steeple IC  $79.95 HO (tooling done-firm orders needed)
772-97                    C&LE / ILL TERM steel boxmotor $69.95
772-356                  Michigan boxmotor #1939  wood with open platform
772-304                  Spokane Inland Boxcab #M1-M6 later Wala Wala/ Tacoma Mun Belt/ Skag/ Bamberger
772-305                  Great Northern Boxcab #304-306  
772-300                  Central Calif #7/  Baltimore, Annapolis & Md boxmotor  
772-301                  PE "Electra" Steeple Cab  
772-302                  CNS&M "dual power" Steeple Cab  
772-303                  Great Northern Z1  
772-304                  PRR O1a  
772-305                  PRR P5a  
772-278                  C&LE Freight motor #644  
772-105                  Baldwin Class A steeple  
772-357                  Brill 55 more reservations needed in S, O & F/G  
772-72                     Illinois Terminal B more reservations needed: N $59.95;  S $149.95; O $179.95; G/F  $399.95  
772-98                     Illinoiis Terminal C more reservations needed  HO $129.95  
772-73                     ISC #817 more reservations needed  O, S, N  
772-282                   Brill gas electric  passenger/baggage/mail print A726

And GE Steeple 9810 in scales other than HO

INDIANA (see also Midwest-E)
772-90                       Cinc, Lawrenceburg & Aurora coach  
772-274                  IRR #442 rebuilt heavyweight
772-275                  IRR #430 rebuilt  
772-255            IND RR/ INTERSTATE/ Portland Elec Pwr   4000 lightweight  
772-268                  IRR RPO/ CSS&SB line car  
772-269            IRR (nee FtW&WV) combine 378 (see drawing in "Sparks"  (pre RPO) retooled  
772-270            FtW&WVparlor trailer retooled (see drawing in "Sparks")  
772-271            Ft Wayne-Lima lightweight / Oklahoma    retooled  
772-260                  Northern Indiana 351-360/ IRR 90-99 lightweight

And additional CSS&SB, Interstarte, other IRR / predecessors

OTHER MIDWEST E of MISS R  (see also Indiana, freight motor)
772-352                  CD&M Parlor #500-501  
772-250                  Michigan Kuhlman 7530 series 51ft  
772-251                  Michigan trailer for 7530  
772-252                  Eastern Michigan  #7555 Poyyawattomi lightweight  
772-253                  Detroit United #7533  
772-254                  NYC M14 Brill Gas Electric  
772-258                  NYC Trailer ex-Michigan Electric combine  
772-255                  Cin, Georgetown & Portsmouth curved sider  
772-351                  TMER&L #1100 series 1909  
772-356                  TMER&L series 1100  
772-258                  Lake Shore Elec class 170  
772-259                  Michigan Elec parlor 401  
772-260                  Northern Ohio (Cleveland Arrow deluxe coach rebuild)  
772-282                  C&LE lightweight  
772-283                  CNS&M 750 series  
772-284                  CNS&M 170-184, 700-734 series  
772-285                  CNS&M 250 series combine  
772-286                  CNS&M parlor car  
772-279                  Detroit #3009 suburban car  
772-276                  CH&D #100-106 curved side combine / D&T/ I&SE// LVT/ Speedrail  
772-277                  CH&D #107-109 curved side coach

And other curved siders.

OTHER MIDWEST W of MISS R (see also Indiana)
772-91                       Sand Springs (CL&A coach upgrade)
772-357            Waterloo, Cedar Falls & Northern combine obs #101

CANADA  
772-99            L&PS steel 61 ft passenger $79.95 HO  needs more firm orders-missed out 1^st run
772-199                  L&PS steel 70 ft passenger $79.95 HO   needs more firm orders
772-267         Montreal & S Counties combine

NORTHEAST (see also Midwest-E)
772-257                  NYC standard steel series built 1928  
772-353                  Springfield Termina;l 32ft combine #16  
772-354                  Red Arrow Brill side doors #65-76

NORTHWEST  (see also: Freight Motors, Indiana

CITY CARS
772-106                  Ft Wayne, IN / Cornwall Ont
772 -201            Detroit Peter Witt 3851-3980  
772-202            Detroit Peter Witt 3 unit articulated 99  
772-203                  Detroit Peter Witt 3600  
772-268                  CNS&M 313-315 351-360  
772-280                  Cleveland Rwy 2 unit articulated 5000

And additional Detroit Witts  

NOMINATIONS FOR OTHER RED BALL LTD KITS

We are receiving inquiries about cars not listed in our "Possible Kits" listings. We will be most interested in considering other cars that lend themselves to our manufacturing technology.  The items we have listed have already been designed here and we have all or most of the technical data needed (plans & photos) to proceed with tooling when sufficient reservations are received.  If you wish to nominate other items please advise us specifically where the technical resource material is located or supply it yourself.  We are stretched thin just developing and tooling the greatest prototype specific variety of any railcar kitmaker today-without adding the "plan chasing" you'd like us to do. We specialize in tricky designs and double etched brass or nickel silver parts. We are particularly open to:

1.Variations of kits we already do, including those using existing Red Ball molds (even parts currently out of production).

2. Interurban, motorcar, heavy electric locos  and traction kits that could expect sales of at least several dozens..

3. Baggage, RPO, headend and other road specific passenger cars. We are capable of producing those with raised lettering (as in the 1930s art-decco/ streamline name train era),and "Modernization" or "Betterment" cars.

4.Development is underway to allow reasonably priced wooden prototype passenger and interurban cars also.

5. Tender wrappers and Steam loco cabs. PLANS AND PHOTOS ARE NEEDED

6. Conversion sides for passenger cars and kits others produce (any scale).  Loan of kit may be required.

7. Cabooses. Most cabooses can be done in our injection molded styrene caboose line, but some may be more suited to the LTD brass kit concept. PLANS AND PHOTOS ARE NEEDED. 

We are NOT interested in designs that lend themselves to being mass produced by foreign molders or small volume  domestic resin copycats after we have engineered and mastered them.  We will develop kits for INITIAL exclusive release by bonafide societies and retail model train dealers as well as co-op buying groups of modelers  in "minority scales.". 

CUSTOM BUILDERS FOR RED BALL LTD KITS

We are receiving inquiries about built up cars. The builders who work with us on pilot models and our show display models are heavily scheduled with all the new kits under development.  We will post notices here from builders who wish to solicit your business. We cannot warrant or endorse their work but will post ONE example photo with each  notice if supplied by them. You must make your own arrangements and may request direct shipment of your kit to the builder you select. It is reasonable to expect a final cost in line with imported brass models depending on the detailing and decorating you request.

Sparks

A scrapbook of photos & instructions  of our models from proud owners, other traction information, sources and "scrounges".

ABOUT THE KITS

In his March 2003 Railroad Model Craftsman, review of the Cannonball GE Steeple Cab (styrene) kit, Trevor Marshall discusses the painstaking engineering that makes the steeple cab an outstanding kit.  The same designers are engineering our brass LTD and BBGT  products.  These kits are designed with similar features and for ACC glue assembly. Unless you are a diehard soldering fanatic, no soldering is required.  Most other engraving sets are simply "flat wall panels" requiring scratch building skills and techniques. LTD and BBGT traction kits do not. They are designed for reasonably quick, easy and strong assembly with seams extensively concealed. The kit builder with average experience can achieve superior results!  Kits which specify a drive are designed for adapting that drive.  On those with no designation, the model builder may choose among the premium power trucks or less expensive,  and readily available, diesel switcher or gas electric trucks on the market. These would require one to make/adapt the required mounting arrangements to a  floor of the builder's choice. If the word brass scares you, remember the premium priced imports are built by common labor in emerging nations-with the help of jigs. LTD and BBGT car bodies are designed for "jigless, solderless", construction by you.

General Electric Company was formed in 1892 by the merger of The Thomson-- Houston Electric Co. and Edison General Electric Co. Their chief rival was the Westinghouse firm in those early days as one was a proponent of AC and the other advocated DC. For long distance transmission AC was more practical and became the standard of distributed electrical energy. Electric railways began to become established during the 1890s primarily for passenger service. Early freight was typically parcels, milk, fresh bakery bread, newspapers etc. carried between cities and isolated farms and villages. 

Small freight compartments in the passenger cars were commonplace with some package cars being built. In 1897, GE began selling their type K controller which firmly established them as leaders in the interurban supply business. Early electric locomotives were built for B&O, Hoosac Tunnel and other specialty applications and by turn of the century many homebuilt locos began to appear, usually with wooden cabs but either GE or Westinghouse controls and mechanisms.

Westinghouse was always the leader in interurban engines (called "motors"), it seems, though it was always CALLED Baldwin- Westinghouse as Baldwin built most of their carbodies and much of their final assembly. Similarly, GE bodies were built by steam builder American Locomotive Co. (Alco) with GE assembly at Schenectady, NY. The arched window steeple cab kit represents Alco production. When GE moved their production to Erie, PA, they began building their own carbodies (as represented by the rectangular window cab) about World War I. The engines built for mines and industry were specially designed but so was the tradition for electric railways. Standardization was untried though many began copying the GE and Baldwin designs.

Early production by both builders was 25-30 ton units and some standardization began evolving. By about 1910 the 40 ton unit was becoming more standard in both lines and many interurbans were turning to true "freight trains" as a source of revenue. The CCS kit is a basic GE 40 ton unit which can be "customized" to represent most if the GE 40T units purchased. We are uncertain of final GE production but only about 65 of the competing 

Westinghouse 40T units were built. Westinghouse production moved on to even more 50-60 ton units as these became more desired for freight train power. Production and interurban freight revenues climbed in the early 1920s but GE began lagging in the competition with their heavier 50-60T units. By 1927 both steeple cab production and interurban freight revenues were declining steeply. GE turned its attention to the gas-electric "Doodlerbug" for steam roads. Shops of the gasping interurbans were making do with homemade electric locos converted from passenger cars which had been deserted. Early development engineering on the Cannonball kit was done by MRRW's Bill Hunt, a retired GE engineer and respected modeler. Bill did not live to see the kit and his work was translated to CAD by Al Askerberg. Merle Rice designed the kit standards & parameters and the construction pattern which were translated from CAD into steel molds for a perfect fitting styrene kit by Scott Hammel. John Hitzeman of AMB  ( www.rgspemkt.com )has developed sideframes and a refinement of the Bachmann drive for fastidious model builders. The CCS kit cvan negotiate 6" "streetcar curves "depending on the coupler installation. MRRW, (makers of Cannonball kits) are now working on a Baldwin class B steeple cab for future release.MDR  

.

We've been getting many inquiries for info. Out of print sources of general information include Suydam catalogs, and softcover Traction Guidebook For Model Railroaders and Traction Handbook for Model Railroaders.  The magazine Trolley Talk   has a current address PO Box 206, Amelia, OH 45102. Subscription, we believe, is $20 for a 6 subscription year, $39 for 2 years.  $4  overseas postage. Feb 2006.  Other sources-use the West Penn link at our links  center. Thanks for the compliment, we understand your quest for information but we can't be in that business and design and produce kits.

We are in  conversation with a new manufacturer who is working on tooling for a "Little Joe" and pantographs.  He may also be interested in other heavy electrics (such as PRR, NH, NYC, CUT, CSS&SB, MILW, GN, VGN, N&W).  Feedback and offers of technical resources will be relayed. Please do not pump us for info. There is good reason small manufacturers have PO Boxes and don't publish our phones- if you want us  busy making trains. Discussion groups seem to be critical of firms where they can't talk to the people "who know" – BOSS MERLE DOES READ AND ANSWER our email (if you give correct address)  but can't really get chatty without getting further behind.   We also hear from potential makers of line poles and overhead.  And, no, the reputable manufacturer working on underfloor power in HO still hasn't announced it Feb 2006.

Subject: Lake Erie & Northern Puts D Class BWs into  service

 Boss Merle,
          I thought you might want to see how the new  "D" class motors look.
 The prototypes were the original motors to power the "Lake Erie & Northern" bought
 from BW in 1915. I'm modeling them as they appeared around 1950.They are in the
 final stages of construction and painting, still have to apply the dullcoat,
 add window glass and headlights, and couplers. I'm powering these with Tenshodo
 SPUD trucks with the proper spoked wheels.
 Using DCC with overhead and common rail wiring.

 Over the years, I've scratch built about eight steeplecabs for myself and friends,
 so I can really appreciate the overall accuracy and effort that you've put into
 these kits. Great Job!  We'll soon have two "B" class motors in service too,
 lettered for the "Grand River Railway". They are presently in an advanced state
 of incompletion. The prototype motors originally came from the "Salt Lake and Utah"
 in 1946, bought secondhand. Wonderful to finally have an accurate starting point to
 model these important locomotives.

  I have had custom decals made for Lake Erie & Northern and Grand River Railway.
 Each set includes lettering for one passenger car and one old style motor
 (as shown in the photo) and one new style motor. The difference in styles is that
 the side window was plated over and the full railway name spelt out in the newer
 style. Number series are blocked for a variety of motors and cars. Sets are sold
 for $2.00 each, plus shipping.
 Specify "Lake Erie & Northern" or "Grand River Railway" when ordering.

Roger Chrysler     Canadian Pacific Electric Lines
 Grand River Car Shops
 73 Forest Road
 Brantford, Ontario
 Canada N3S 6W5
  E-Mail ( grandcs at sympatico.ca )    click for larger image

IOWA TRACTION FRT MOTOR DECALS posted Jan 06

I recently had shoreline decals produce some decals for the Iowa 
Traction freight motors.  If there is anyone interested in purchasing
 a set, please contact me off list.  I have 15 sets left.

Thank You,

Thomas Van