quote:

Why is this Natty Boh stuff so popular?

Maybe because Mr Boh is a unique design that has lasted for years. Maybe because it reminds of us a better time, the 50's and 60's when life was more simpler and relaxed. There are probably many reasons, but mainly it just is!

quote:

Originally posted by Larry3:
Why is this Natty Boh stuff so popular?

I would suspect that it is primarily nostalgia. That is what it is for me - it brings back memories of a lot of great trips to Ocean City, MD.

Also, the "Mr. Boh" logo is quite unique, eye-catching and memorable.

Andy

P.S. I have a short video on YouTube with my Natty Boh reefers running in the middle of the consist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWcJGICXX0k

Nice video Andy!

quote:

Originally posted by Larry3:
Why is this Natty Boh stuff so popular?

It's a D.C., Maryland and Virginia nostalgia trip. Makes you think of Rockfish, blue crabs, oysters, Earl Weaver's Orioles and Johnny Unitas's Colts.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry3:
Why is this Natty Boh stuff so popular?

BECAUSE!

My reefer arrived yesterday, and it is exquisite. Thanks Paul.
.....
Dennis

quote:

Originally posted by Larry3:
Why is this Natty Boh stuff so popular?

There are probably dozens of reasons why the Natty Boh stuff is so popular. A number of folks have come up with some of the reasons but I'd like to add another reason for it's popularity.

WB Doner, the Ad agency that handled the National Brewing Company's account, did a masterful job of creating the MR.Boh image and brand. They later followed up in the late 60's and early 70's with the characters from the Chesapeake. Meanwhile they kept the MR. Boh character alive to consistently identify him with the beer.

The National Brewing Company for their part continued to promote the Mr. Boh and Chesapeake characters in their radio and TV commercials, including the Orioles, Colts and the Preakness here in Baltimore. They also serviced their customers, especially draft beer customers with all sorts of "freebies" such as glasses, drain trays, coasters, clocks and sundry other merchandising efforts to keep the brands identity.

Now think of how many people grew up in the Maryland, DC, Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina and possibly other geographic areas where they were exposed to this wonderful marketing job and you have an idea of why the Mr. Boh character emotes so much nostalgia.

It can be pointed out that the National Brewing Company maintained a larger share of their market than other regional beers at a time when the national brands like Budweiser, Miller, Pabst, Schlitz and Coors were growing exponentially. During the 70' the country was becoming more mobile. People were going off to colleges out of state and relocating on a more frequent basis.

Here in the Baltimore area during the late 60' and early 70's the young 21 year old kids were rebelling against their parents when it came time to choose a favorite beer. If their dads grew up on National Beer, the new generation wanted Pabst, just to be different. This trend was common throughout the country as the local or regional beers were drastically losing market share to the larger brewers.

As with any generational change there are many reasons why things happen. The Natty Boh nostalgia is no different than the nostalgia for Lionel trains.

Steve Tapper

Also, let's not forget that, when it comes right down to it, Natty Boh is pretty good for a mass-produced beer. The only other mass-produced non-craft beer I will order is Yuengling.

Andy

quote:

Originally posted by Andy Hummell:
Also, let's not forget that, when it comes right down to it, Natty Boh is pretty good for a mass-produced beer. The only other mass-produced non-craft beer I will order is Yuengling.

Andy

Have you ever heard of National Premium Beer Andy? National Premium was considered one of the worlds best beers! It won acclaim all over the world going up against the best beers from available.

It was brewed with premium hops to a very specific recipe and boy was it good! I remember a grand opening we had at one of premium hotels that opened in the inner harbor of Baltimore. They had National Premium on draft in the bar. It was a hot, steamy and humid day where the temps were in the 90's. I came in and the bartender gave me a frosted mug of ice cold National Premium. It was the smoothest beer I ever tasted!

Steve Tapper

I remember my fist Premium, too, Steve. Natty Boh cans was all I'd known, then the first draft, cold, and long, was Premium. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh . . . . .

quote:

Originally posted by steve tapper:
Have you ever heard of National Premium Beer Andy? National Premium was considered one of the worlds best beers! It won acclaim all over the world going up against the best beers from available.

Can't say that it rings a bell. My exposure to National products has been limited to vacations, since the brand either has not made it this far West, or is not available at the distributors I frequent (and the ones I go to carry beers from some far and distant places). Is it still being produced?

Andy

quote:

Originally posted by Andy Hummell:

quote:

Originally posted by steve tapper:
Have you ever heard of National Premium Beer Andy? National Premium was considered one of the worlds best beers! It won acclaim all over the world going up against the best beers from available.

Can't say that it rings a bell. My exposure to National products has been limited to vacations, since the brand either has not made it this far West, or is not available at the distributors I frequent (and the ones I go to carry beers from some far and distant places). Is it still being produced?

Andy

I'm not sure if it is still being made Andy. I have not seen it in my local outlets but that does not necessarily mean that it isn't being brewed anymore.

When I was living in Upstate New York in the early 70's working as a Field Manager for National Beer I had one distributor in Gloversville, NY who would buy a pallet of National Premium along with his Colt 45 order to place in his favorite watering holes.

Since Pabst is now brewing the National Beer products I don't know if they also purchased the rights to National Premium or just decided not to brew it as it was a very expensive beer to brew because of it's costly ingredients.

Steve Tapper

Paul S. said

quote:

Maybe because Mr Boh is a unique design that has lasted for years

....well, maybe for some. For me it's because some guy named VaGolfer1950 made a post to this forum a year or so back asking about possible interest in a Natty Bo reefer from Atlas. A number of people indicated they were interested so this guy, on his own, proceeded to invest a staggering amount of personal time and effort to make the car a reality.

Prior to his effor I had never heard of the beer. Consequently, the oldest memories I have of Natty Bo are barely a year old but they will stay with me for the rest of my life....one of these days I'm just going to have to take the time after York, and drive down to the Baltimore area and get a six pack of the brew to take home to sip as I watch VaGolfer1950's reefer roll by.

Being a relatively young-un' (30), Natty Boh is a brand I remember mainly from my early childhood living around the Baltimore area. To be honest, I may have had it only once or twice in my entire life, but I'm a huge fan of the Mr Boh logo, primarily for Baltimore pride reasons. The brewery is located about a mile from my house (I live downtown near Patterson Park) and I see Mr Boh winking whenever I'm out driving around, especially when headed to the Safeway in Canton and Canton Square itself.

When I saw Paul's thread, I immediately knew I had to have one of the cars. Unfortunately, I forgot about the thread (left the forum for a while) and caught back up with it way too late to get in on the order. Luckily, through a series of sheer chance encounters, I came across a fellow (who shall remain nameless--don't ask!) who was willing to part with one of his cars for not much more than he paid. I was only too willing to take him up on it and the car should be arriving to my desk within HOURS. Can't wait!!

UPDATE: And... it's here. Gorgeous. Normally I unbox at my desk to get a better look, but for fear of scuffing this one up, it's going to stay boxed until I get home tonight and it's going straight into the consist. I may even lash up every engine I have to escort it into place. It's Natty Boh time tonight!

Rafi

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rafi Guroian,

Rafi I am glad that you were able to get a reefer and I know you will like it as everyone has.

Drats!! Lucky guy! I'm still looking for one for myself!

With everything that's been going on Paul I didn't have a second to jump in to say "thank you" for a wonderful job. I've unpacked one of my two reefers and have stopped to stare often over the past week. Eventually it will make it's way onto the tracks with it's sibling. The good folks at Atlas should also get a pat on the pack for following through on your excellent instructions and executing a very nice car.

And then this Steve Tapper guy is making me pretty darn thirsty!

"It was a hot, steamy and humid day where the temps were in the 90's. I came in and the bartender gave me a frosted mug of ice cold National Premium."

Steve you have a way with words that evokes pictures my friend.

Glad you like it John, all the good responses from y'all really make me feel good right now when my health has become such an issue. Once again it was Atlas that turned the artwork I sent them into such a great looking reefer and they deserve the credit.

I have to agree with you Paul that Atlas deserves a lot of credit for turning out such a beautiful reefer. They have a lot of experience building beer reefers and they had a great subject to work with.

The colorful artwork and the attention to detail from Atlas makes this car a winner.

Let's just say that this was a team effort and Paul was the team leader.

John: If I was able to paint you a mental picture of how good that National Premium was that day then I got my point across! Now wait till I tell you about my Mustang!



Steve Tapper

Paul;

If you had not taken the initiative to start this project, we would not be having these discussions now. You were the driving force, the one who jumped through all the hoops to get the licensing, the art work, convince Atlas to do this project, and all the other little things to bring this to fruition.
So face up to it. You deserve a whole bunch of "AttaBoys" and a giant pat on the back for this one.
Thank you again for all your hard work and determination to see this through.

quote:

Originally posted by TrainPop:
Paul;

If you had not taken the initiative to start this project, we would not be having these discussions now. You were the driving force, the one who jumped through all the hoops to get the licensing, the art work, convince Atlas to do this project, and all the other little things to bring this to fruition.
So face up to it. You deserve a whole bunch of "AttaBoys" and a giant pat on the back for this one.
Thank you again for all your hard work and determination to see this through.

Hi Paul,

I agree with TrainPop 100 percent.

Now we need to pray for you to get well. Hopefully, you will be able to attend the York Meet. I hope to see you there.

Happy Railroading,

Frank

Not this October Frank, with my operation being pushed back a couple of weeks after being in the hospital last week with another attack of Diverticulitis it will be April York for me

Paul,

Just take it easy, recover, and plan to spend twice as much in April to make up for missing October (think of it as a form of penance ). Hope to see you in April!

Andy

Hello Paul,

I'm sorry to hear about your surgery being delayed.

I hope to see you in April at York.

Although it's been said many times, the Natty Boh reefers are best looking cars PERIOD. It may just be me, but there's something magical about these cars. By this I mean these cars are the center of attention no matter where they are displayed.

Thanks again Paul for these great looking cars. My friends are really very happy with the cars I gave them. Now looking forward to receiving the Mr. Boh signs by Miller Engineering which I believe are the residual of your outstanding achievement with the Natty Boh reefers.

You are in my prayers. Get Well.

Happy Railroading,

Frank

Paul;

I think just about everything has been said that can be said about the reeefers. But you must realize, by now, what an impact your quest has had on a bunch of us.
Like Frank and so many others have already said - know that you are in our prayers. And, in case you haven't figured it out, you have a very large extended family here on the forum. So, if you or your family need anything, all you need to to do is ask. There's a bunch of us that are close enough to lend a hand.
So, relax and, as Frank said, plan on spending more in April at York. You may need to put a cap on that truck to hold everything.

I'll second Chuck's comments. And Paul, thanks for helping me get one of the reefers. I still have it on the dining room table so I can see it often. (one day it will make to the train room...but not yet). My wife likes it too....which is why it can remain in the dining room. I will be getting one of the Miller Engineering Natty Boh signs, and with the sign on top of a warehouse, and the reefer being loaded up on the siding, what can be better? Thanks Paul.

Paul, Chuck said it perfectly. For better or worse you've inherited us as your extended family. There's enough of us close by to help in whatever you and your family need. We all love you like a brother.

like I said before, more than you could have ever dreamed has come out of this endevor! "and you will receive ten fold"

Well I couldn't have asked for finer folks to add to my "family" then those of you guys on this thread! Those of you that I have met and those of you that I have corresponded with and to continue to email back and forth, are all good folks and it has been a pleasure getting to know all of you.

Is there anyone that hasn't received their reefer yet? Thought I'd ask instead of checking over a hundred tracking numbers.

I would imagine that if anyone had ordered one (or more) and had not received it by now, they would be in a state of panic and shouting their concern from the rooftops, and certainly on this forum.

Andy

You are probably right Andy.

Look for the Natty Boh Reefers

YouTube

Nice video Charlie, and a well done job on the scenery!

I knew that this was going to happen as the person had emailed me that he was giving his reefer to Ben to list on their eBay Store as things had gotten difficult with the economy. For those that didn't get one and want one here is the link to the auction site.

quote:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...em&item=120467406302

Paul
Glad you know the situation there. He lost his job and has been selling off alot of stuff just to pay his rent. He was torn selling most of his stuff and this wasn't something that was planned

Ben

I know Ben, he had emailed me prior that he was going to do this, which shows what a classy person he is. I wanted to post not only so people know that it is available, but also to shut off any speculation before it got started. Take care friend!

quote:

after being in the hospital last week with another attack of Diverticulitis

Fiber, fiber, fiber - can't be emphasized enough! Metamucil (or the like) every night. Try a high fiber diet before surgery, unless you absolutely have to have surgery, Paul.

Right now and up to the surgery I am on clear liquid diet. Surgery is a must there is something else that needs to be addressed there.

Hopefully, you've gotten a second, and even a third opinion. Email me if you'd like to discuss further, and I'll give you my cell.

Paul,

I was just thinking that, if you already haven't done so, that it might be a good idea to email all of the people that were on the waiting list about the auction (in case they have given up following this thread, or are not paying enough attention). That way they will all at least get a shot at this one.

Andy

My My My, those pictures look awefully familiar... and they don't even look like they were taken in Jersey... All Kidding aside This is not only an opportunity to those who want one, but to also help ou a fellow model railroader.

P.S. I would have put B&O in the title for more interest ... after all, the car is marked & assigned to the B&O RR!

So, when will the tank car be available?

I don't think anyone mentioned it on Friday, but better late than never, I suppose...

Friday marked the one year anniversary from when Paul posted the following:

quote:

I am looking into having Atlas make a special run of a National Bohemian reefers for the LHS I work at. If I can get it done, would you be interested in buying one and how many. I need to get a handle on how may we can sell right off if we get them made. To me with their logo they would look great even if you aren't from the area and know Mr. Natty Boh.

What a year...


Rafi

quote:

Originally posted by VaGolfer1950:

quote:

Why is this Natty Boh stuff so popular?

Maybe because Mr Boh is a unique design that has lasted for years. Maybe because it reminds of us a better time, the 50's and 60's when life was more simpler and relaxed. There are probably many reasons, but mainly it just is!

I hope this hasn't been posted before, it should bring back some memories for those (including myself) who lived in Baltimore "back in the day".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...2E6EBCD7A8&index=149

Wonder if these guys ordered a car

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...cODk&feature=related

Thanks for sharing that Utube Channel 45 documentary on Natty Boh.

That guy really is a Natty Boh fanatic! I never thought of the golf cart. I had a golf cart when we used to have a campsite on the Chester River. I wished I had thought to put on the Natty Boh Label as that would have been the hit of the campground!

It was also nice seeing Jerry DePaulo again. I met him years ago when I worked at the brewery. He is one of the few old timers still around.

Steve Tapper

quote:

Originally posted by Mark V. Spadaro:

quote:

after being in the hospital last week with another attack of Diverticulitis

Fiber, fiber, fiber - can't be emphasized enough! Metamucil (or the like) every night. Try a high fiber diet before surgery, unless you absolutely have to have surgery, Paul.

My dad had diverticulitis also, and drank a lot of Metamucil. My mother used to call it his "furry medicine". But he never suffered much from it. He couldn't eat peanuts or popcorn, his favorite snacks. He passed away from complications of alzheimer's disease, not diverticuliis. Your case seems unusual, but I'm into trains, not medicine. It's a wonderful thing you have done with this reefer. You should go down to some sort of ogauge trains hall of fame.

Looking at a Natty Boh refer, enjoying a glass of Natty Boh and watching a Ravens victory. All is right in the land of pleasant living.

quote:

Originally posted by ChessieMan:
Looking at a Natty Boh refer, enjoying a glass of Natty Boh and watching a Ravens victory. All is right in the land of pleasant living.

Me too!!!!

Steve Tapper