On September 6, George Sellios announced that he and his company, Fine Scale Miniatures, will retire from the craftsman-kit manufacturing business. For 48 years Fine Scale Miniatures (FSM) has made wood craftsman kits for model railroaders. The last kit offered by the firm will be the HO scale Jamestown Water Stop. For more information, visit the FSM website at www.finescaleminiatures.com.
End of an era for George Sellios’ Fine Scale Miniatures
By Angela Cotey | September 6, 2013
| Last updated on November 3, 2020
George Sellios of Fine Scale Miniatures to retire from HO model railroad craftsman kit manufacturing
I received the latest edition of Model Railroader in the mail when I got home from work tonight. I turned the first page and saw the latest Fine Scale Miniature kit. I turned four more pages and read "Fine Scale Miniatures To Close." I immediately ordered the kit.
Along with my order, I sent the following hand written letter:
"George, My name is Warren Thorley. I was introduced to model railroading at about age 8 (mid-1960's) when my grandfather built a 4×8 model railroad in his garage. I was immediately fascinated. Even though I wasn't allowed to operate it during the day while he was at work, I spent hours moving the cars around by hand. I built my first model railroad when I was 12 on a 4×8 piece of one inch think plywood, As a teenager reading Model Railroader magazine I was introduced to the work of John Allen, and again I was fascinated. I couldn't believe . . . well, you know. As the years passed I became familiar with Fine Scale Miniatures, and eventually, the Franklin & South Manchester Railroad. Once again I was amazed that someone could elevate the artistry of this hobby to an even higher level. You are as much an artist as Rembrandt and Beetoven. You probably hear this sort of thing a lot. I have never taken the time to write another model railroader. I just want to personally thank you for your contribution to this hobby, which has been such a huge part of my now 60 year old life (I will retire soon). Your true legacy is not just the beautiful kits you have produced, it's not just the amazing railroad you have built, your ultimate contribution to this hobby and to our culture is the inspiration you have given to thousands of model railroader around the world. I can't imagine that the art of the hobby could ever exceed what you have done-but you have given us inspiration to keep dreaming and trying. What John Allen started, Grorge Sellios finished!? Thank You. You have enriched my life.":
At the end of my order from for the hit, I added P.S. – Fine Scale Miniatures will live forever in the hearts of model railroad craftsmen.
One might find it demoralizing to hear that Folquil, Poly Scale, FSM, etc. are leaving us. We serious model railroaders might take this as a challenge to continue to build even finer models with the resources available. Consider what John Allen did with the resources available in the 1940-1950's True
genius will always prevail.
Thankyou George. Your FSM kits were (are) magnificent! Your F&SM railroad is one of the three best of all time: Gorre &Dephited and F&SM tied for first; all the others deserving consideration tied for third. Enjoy your retirement and your railroad and God bless.
Maybe Walthers can step up to the plate and take over as they did with the purchase of Magnuson some years ago.
Just a thought.
Thank you George for your fine models and the truly inspiring F&SM railroad. Have a happy retirement!
I have collected a number of FSM kits over the years to build when I retired. Now that I have retired and will now work on the railroad, i'm both happy and sad to hear this news. Hope George can enjoy the railroad that he has created over the years and know the enjoyment and inspiration he has he has provided so many others. We will all miss looking for the release of his next structure.
I will really hate to see George stop producing his beautiful kits, but everything comes to an end sooner or later in life. I can only wish him the very best in his retirement and say "Thank You for making the Hobby more the better."
FSM built a reputation for high quality fine scale structures in HO scale. With other Mom & Pop manufactures turning out kits that can compare with FSM any modelers desiring a specific model should consider contacting any of them with ideas and suggestions.
Personally, I would like to see Con-Cor re-release the plastic kits that they purchased from Revell. Great generic HO structures that fit on any layout and don't require the skills that many retired seniors no longer posess.
Any chance someone can buy the business and keep it going?
Definately one of the great talents in model railroading today ! Thank you for the years of inspiration that I've recieved from the articles and photos of FSM products and the fantastic F & SM ! Happy retirement !
What's next? Is Athearn going to announce the end of rubber band drive steam engines? With Testors' dumping the Floquil/PollyS lines it would seem that an era in model railroading is coming to an end. There far too few "craftsman" type kits left in modeling. I guess that today's crop of model rails prefers the quick to build kit or already built. The Fine Scale kits were a unique contribution to our world. Happy retirement, George. Don't let the "honey do" list keep you from working on your own road.
I was proud to have one of George's structures on my original GT&I back in the mid 60's. It was an outstanding scene and one that I really miss on my new, smaller GT&I.
George you will be missed, but the best of luck to you in your retirement and I really hope MR continues to cover your fantastic model railroad.
Certainly one of the all time greats. While difficult to match his ability, his models and railroad have inspired and motivated model railroader s around the world. I hope the magazines will continue to monotor his progress on the F & SM. George is the John Allen of our generation. I wish him a happy and healthy retirement.
Very sad…