New Prototype "General" Photos

[Anonymous]

Hey Everyone!

SMR Trains is proud to announce that we have just posted PHOTOS of our 1862 GENERAL prototype on our website www.smrtrains.com!

Just received from our builder, the prototype illustrates both the extreme detail of our exact 1:48 scale model and the superbly executed, complex paint scheme.

While like all prototypes, there will be some adjustments, most notably the "Russia Iron" shade, I want to call your attention to the incredibly complex scrollwork around the headlight and the smokebox decoration. Also, check out the outside frame, the linkages and valve gear! You can't get this by die casting!

We urge those of you who have been waiting to see the photos to get your preorders in now! The preorder pricing is in effect, saving $150 only until March, 31, 2005.

We expect delivery of the finished models in the Spring. I will personally be travelling to Korea to do a 100% quality control check before we even bring them to the US!

Thanks all,

Dave

www.smrtrains.com

[Buckeye Riveter]

Although I am not in the market for a General, I must say they sure are nice.

[Anonymous]

Dave,
Just a beautiful engine in every way. The two rail scale version you indicate will be made to prototypical track width of 5 feet. Would this mean that if we were to consider operating the engine that we would likely have to widen slightly the standard O scale track that we are currently using, or consider hand laying some track for it to operate? I don't know if there is enough play in the track to accommodate the extra 3 1/2 inches in prototype dimensions. I don't think I would be opposed to doing a stretch of 5 ft. width track so that the loco and cars would be operable.

[lionelsoni]

Walt, do you do proto48? That would require special track. However, if your gauge is the usual American tinplate gauge of 1 1/4" or 32 millimeters, the General should fit.

[Anonymous]

Bob,
Thanks, haven't reached the point of Proto48 models yet. Just the run of the mill O scale. While my modeling has been mostly of the transition period between steam and early diesel I've always wanted to have an early prototype model that was accurate. Not having to fabricate special trackage will help in my decision to purchase one of the two rail versions.

[lionelsoni]

I'll bet the flanges are smaller on the two-rail version, which could be a problem if your rails are tinplate-style. If so, you might get them to put three-rail wheels onto an otherwise two-rail model. Of course, this would only work if the insulation is in the axles, not in the wheels themselves.

[AlanRail]

EDC? not proto-2 or TMCC!

I'm not interested unless it has MTH Proto-2 or TMCC; I just dont need another command system running around the layout

thanks but no thanks

Engine looks real good though.


Alan

[Anonymous]

In reply to some of your questions and comments:

1. Most people don't realize that the actual gauge of "regular" 0 track is 5' (1 1/4"). Therefore, if you do 0-scale but are not Proto-48, our General will work just fine.

2. The flanges on our 3-rail model are the typical size and will fit 3-rail track and run on AC power. The General can easily handle 0-31 curves. The flanges of the 2-rail version are standard 2-rail depth and the engine runs on DC power.

3. The design of our "Sound & Control" boxcar and our engine was intended to allow the buyer to use whatever system they desire, be it TMCC, DCS, DCC or just adding sound. I am not certain what your reference is to "EDC".... we certainly do not intend to introduce any new type of system, there are enough out there already!

[spankybird]

Could "EDC" be "Electronic Directional Control" [?]

[Anonymous]

If it is, that is simply a fancy way to say that the 3-rail engine has an electronic "e-unit".

[Anonymous]

Dave, I think most folks know the track gauge we use scales to 5 feet. What I think most folks are unaware of is that the prototyupe General was actually built with 5-foot gauge wheels--making your model, essentially, a "Proto-48" model that operates on a track gauge that is the accurate to the prototype!