In the past I have purchased several Tomar searchlight signals. Some came with 3 leads per light, red, green, common, and some came with 4 leads, red, green, yellow, common. In the interI’m, I think Tomar has undergone ownership. My question is, if I order some product now, should I expext 3 leads, 4 leads, or who knows? Thnx all.
I have some of the old Tomar signals with wire leads as you describe. If it has 4 leads on a searchlight, that would tell you it has a tri-color LED in it; hence the 4 leads. I have resistors on the color leads only. I didn’t find a website for the new owners, as it looks like they own a hobby shop in Paco, WA. Here’s the link with some explanation…
https://www.tomarindustries.com/
I’ve been ordering signals from a company called Custom Signal systems in Utah. I have some 3 color dwarf signals and had them make me some “D” type signal bridges for my layout.
http://www.customsignalsystems.com/
Disclaimer: I’m a satisfied customer - no financial interest in them.
Neal
[See below. It turns out that e-mail requests redirect, but there is an updated address that rich has now given.]
I don’t know if Alexander Scale Models or Stewart parts are rare, but I did see with interest that the ex-Tomar couple planned on renewed manufacturing of some lines – I suspect that you could e-mail or call them as given to find exactly what.
Actually, Tom is correct. The new owners of Tomar Indutries can be reached at that address.
Here is the scoop from someone who is currently dealing with them concerning the repair of some crossing signals. That would be me.
Emails sent to Tomar Industries at the address that Tom reported will be redirected to the following address.
That is the email address for Teresa Prantle, one of the new owners. A wonderful lady, Natalie, is the customer support contact at Tomar.
There is no need to call them on the phone, but you can if you want to.
Rich
I repent in sackcloth and ashes – but how simple would it be to put that e-mail directly on the 2019 contact page, for inquiries,as well as via the orders page, rather than just leaving people like me to conclude that what was posted was true.
Glad that the situation turns out to be this direct and simple, though.
LOL. Repent and be saved.
You raise a good question though. I have dealt with Tomar Industries for years. Duane and Marie were great people, and I love their product line. I own more searchlight signals, dwarf signals and crossing signals than I care to count. They always provided an excellent repair service of which I availed myself several times due to my carelessness.
That said, their website was a bit weird, and the new owners apparently have chosen to follow suit. But, don’t let that be a putoff when it comes to buying quality trackside signals.
Rich
Tomar Industries is part of the FP&S Hobby Shop in Washington State.
I visited there on my trip out West last year. The owner was very firendly and showed me around. I met the guy making the signals.
This is a very cool place, I hope they survive.
-Kevin
Tell us more about the FP&S Hobby Shop. Is it well stocked?
Rich
It was amazingly well stocked. It is housed in two repurposed box cars and a building all set over an excavated foundation with a wooden floor. I don’t know if there is a “dive bar” equivilent for a hobby shop, but this is it.
There is SO MUCH stuff on the shelves. Honestly more than any hobby shop I have ever been in, and it is in the middle of nowhere. I sent my wife pictures of the inside to her phone, I will see if she still has them and can send them to me so I can post.
The owner could not have been more friendly, and he had stories for lots of the stuff on the shelves.
I found some Floquil Marine paints that were only made for a few years. He had Sylvan stocked in depth. Detail parts galore, and so on, and so on.
I was in there more than an hour, and if my wife had not been waiting, I would have spent all day.
I wish I would have been able to get a better picture of the outside, but there were lots of trees and stuff making photography difficult.
Too bad it is 3,000 miles away.
-Kevin
Thnx all. I just emailed them directly to the sales.tomar@gmail.com
Oooh, I wondered if that might be the case. Hope your wife has some photos.
Rich
I spoke with them today on a repair issue and while I was on the phone, I verified that email address.
Rich
Thnx Rich. Hopefully they will reply tomorrow or Wednesday
Just received a reply from Teresa at Tomar. That was a very quick response, which I appreciate. BTW, they are utilizing 4 lead LED’s (red,green,yellow,common)in their searchlight signals.
Excellent. Glad to hear that. [Y]
Rich
Glad to hear the PS&F is still open! Was there a few years back and was totally amazed on the type and amount of product that they have. I have even called wanting this or that and they have shipped it out to me. Great folks!
For those of you that don’t know, PS&F is North Pasco, WA ( Tri-Cities ) on 395; going toward Richland, WA. Here is a map if you are interested: