LakeErieExpress Just make this whole grinding train - maybe with real sparking action? ;)
Just make this whole grinding train - maybe with real sparking action? ;)
-Jon
Bob Schuknecht Kyle For the doors to look prototypical on a semi trailer, and open 270 degrees, they would have to be very thin and delicate. I am not interested in operating doors. I would like to see a trailer modeled with the doors in the open position. That would be possible.
Kyle For the doors to look prototypical on a semi trailer, and open 270 degrees, they would have to be very thin and delicate.
For the doors to look prototypical on a semi trailer, and open 270 degrees, they would have to be very thin and delicate.
I am not interested in operating doors. I would like to see a trailer modeled with the doors in the open position. That would be possible.
If you are going have a trailer backed up against a loading door, you could take a regular trailer modeled with the doors closed, and add doors on the side of the trailer in the open position. Having the back of a dry van open were you could see it would be hard, but all weather doors, or with the back facing the backdrop would be fine. The doors on the side in the open position wiuld create the illustion that the back of the trailer is open.
Loking at both maps for both railroads, Soo and Monon didn't go to Texas, Frisco did.
Outside of Santa Fe, I decided to give the MKT a shot. That's when I fell in love with not just the railroads that went there, but the lone star state itself.
ATSFGuy Who wants to see a 2-8-2 Mikado lettered for MKT? There's no denying the appeal of Katy steam locomotive architecture. I don't know of a single unattractive loco on the roster. But a correcty Katy Mike from any producer would be a hard order to fill, outside of brass. You might as well ask for a Soo or Monon Mike. Somebody might offer a "typical" 2-8-2, such as a USRA light MIke, in Katy livery; but the overall dimensions, as well as the cab, domes, valve gear, coal fuel, and lots of details would be wrong. Most modern manufacturers don't offer inaccurate liveries, although there are exceptions such as BLI's generic 2-8-0, which is intended to fill the kind of market niche you imply for the Katy 2-8-2. Some of the USRA's that are offered in multiple liveries are a bit of a stretch, since most USRA locos were modified during their service lives. You can wait till somebody does it, but you'll probably get that loco a lot faster by slapping some decals on an available model that's close. Some detail modifications --- especially conversion of the tender to oil --- would go a long way to make the engine believable. You could ask BLI to release their Mike in MKT livery, but you'd be standing in line behind a lot of others with similar requests for steamers of their favorite regional railroad. Your other request for Katy Alco diesels is somewhat similar, but easier to achieve if you are willing to do some painting and decaling. Alternatively, a letter or email to a manufacturer can't hurt. Tom " width="120" height="789" />
Who wants to see a 2-8-2 Mikado lettered for MKT?
There's no denying the appeal of Katy steam locomotive architecture. I don't know of a single unattractive loco on the roster. But a correcty Katy Mike from any producer would be a hard order to fill, outside of brass. You might as well ask for a Soo or Monon Mike. Somebody might offer a "typical" 2-8-2, such as a USRA light MIke, in Katy livery; but the overall dimensions, as well as the cab, domes, valve gear, coal fuel, and lots of details would be wrong. Most modern manufacturers don't offer inaccurate liveries, although there are exceptions such as BLI's generic 2-8-0, which is intended to fill the kind of market niche you imply for the Katy 2-8-2. Some of the USRA's that are offered in multiple liveries are a bit of a stretch, since most USRA locos were modified during their service lives. You can wait till somebody does it, but you'll probably get that loco a lot faster by slapping some decals on an available model that's close. Some detail modifications --- especially conversion of the tender to oil --- would go a long way to make the engine believable. You could ask BLI to release their Mike in MKT livery, but you'd be standing in line behind a lot of others with similar requests for steamers of their favorite regional railroad.
Your other request for Katy Alco diesels is somewhat similar, but easier to achieve if you are willing to do some painting and decaling.
Alternatively, a letter or email to a manufacturer can't hurt.
Tom
" width="120" height="789" />
Steven Otte Not a model, but a service: Google Rail View. Like Google Street View, only for trains. They would put cameras on the front of all locomotives. Then we could use Google Earth to get a good look at all the trackside industries we want to model.
Not a model, but a service: Google Rail View. Like Google Street View, only for trains. They would put cameras on the front of all locomotives. Then we could use Google Earth to get a good look at all the trackside industries we want to model.
Most engines have cameras already. Maybe the railroads could sell the videos and replace some of the lost coal revenue.
Or how about MKT Alco PA's in Red/Silver?
" width="100" height="790" />
steemtrayn BLI Centipedes sold well, Why shouldn't the BP-20?
BLI Centipedes sold well, Why shouldn't the BP-20?
That's a good point. UP Turbines also have been steady successes, and they were pretty limited in their prototype numbers and range. Only one road ever owned them.
Dave
Just be glad you don't have to press "2" for English.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ_ALEdDUB8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hqFS1GZL4s
http://s73.photobucket.com/user/steemtrayn/media/MovingcoalontheDCM.mp4.html?sort=3&o=27
Ed, I agree that some of the tooling from the RF16 would probably be adaptable to produce a BP20. In particular, I think the cab, pilot, rear end, and parts of the paneling, exhaust ports, doors, etc. would probably be very helpful. However, the BP20 nose is significantly longer, which means the area between the "snout" and cab would have to be newly formed. The trucks shouldn't be any problem, as they're the same as PA trucks. It's certainly possible. I just don't know how much effort (and expense) would be involved.
By the way, the Bachmann EM-1 is an interesting case. It doesn't look bad on the straightaway, but details can be improved on every version I've seen, and I don't like articulateds that hinge in the wrong place. It can get around an 18" radius, but my Key and Challenger EM-1's can get around 19"! (Of course, they ALL look horrible while they're doing it.)
A reissue of the L-4 Mohawk? I'm all for it. I missed it last time around, and it's my favorite Mohawk.
ACYYes, I would vote for the Baldwin BP-20. A manufacturer would have to consider the innate appeal of the engine, plus its connection to the always popular PRR.
Hi, Tom
Just a few observations about Broadway Limited and "one-of-a-kind" prototypes.
BLI seems to know their PRR market and they seem to work very closely with the PRRT&HS in the production of their models.
These days it seems many of the molds are modular so different options can be made. I have been following Jason Shron at Rapido and Lee English at Bowser in describing the production of their RDC and RS-3, respectively, with regards to all of the road-specific options that have to be accounted for.
So, If BLI has the nose contour and much of the side panel/radiator already worked-up from their "Sharknose" perhaps they can economically turn out a BP20?
They have already done some one-of-a-kinds, such as the S2 turbine and they have the "streamlined" K4, 3768 and the NYC Commodore Vanderbilt 5344 coming down the pipeline.
I assume they (BLI) are sitting on the NYC L-4a Mohawk tooling—which turned out to be a fantastic model—so maybe they could use the drive to produce other classes?
Both the Mohawk and Turbine were brass hybrids. How BLI can produce these in brass, with sound AND painting and lettering and still sell as reasonably as they do is pretty amazing, in my opinion.
Rapido is producing the EP-5 Jet and BLI the PRR P5a, both fairly unique locomotives with a rather limited geographical exposure.
So, I believe there is some hope for folks that are hoping and wishing that their favorite might someday be produced in a "mass appeal" format.
Who would ever have guessed that Bachmann would have made the B&O EM-1?
Road specific, not very many paint schemes, (1) large radius track necessary but, presumably, they sold pretty well! I, for one, am glad they did!
Regards, Ed
Ed, I understand your desire for more heavy duty flatcars, but I still prefer the more common, more numerous cars. I find it amazing that Westerfield kits are the only option for somebody who wants a USRA triple hopper, as used by the thousands on the C&O and NYC. Meanwhile, we have AAR Standard twin offset hoppers by Athearn, Atlas, Accurail, and Kadee (thankfully, the Intermountain offset twin hopper is the Alternate Standard, which is a different car).
Yes, I would vote for the Baldwin BP-20. A manufacturer would have to consider the innate appeal of the engine, plus its connection to the always popular PRR. Those would be strong points in favor. On the other hand, the engine was only bought by PRR, and can only be justified in five basic paint schemes: Brunswick Green with 5 gold stripes on sides only; Same with five stripes extending to the nose; Tuscan Red with 5 dulux stripes; Freight Brunswick with single narrow Dulux stripe; and Tuscan with wide Dulux stripe and large lettering. Would a manufacturer decide this limits the market, or would he decide the market is enhanced by having that many livery options? I guess that decision could go either way.
You do make a good point, Rick. Just wishfull thinking on my part. But these locos are number one and two on my wish list for new models needed.
Years ago when BLI introduced their Heavy (USRA) Mikado, they offered it lettered for a variety of roads including NYC. They called it a class H-9d (for NYC subsidiary Pittsburg & Lake Erie). The locomotive looked nothing like an H-9d. So I got one and set about to making it my own. I removed the road pilot and replaced it with foot boards. I moved the generator from on top of the smoke box to the rear of the boiler. I removed the air pump from the fireman's side and installed two on the pilot deck behind shields. I replaced the USRA 8-wheel tender with a Rivarossi 12-wheel C&O style tender (the closest that I could find for the H-9d). I transfered the BLI electronics and sound to the new tender and added a backup lamp. Now I've got a reasonable facsimile of an H-9. To replicate an H-10 would be a lot tougher.
I guess I can save my nickels and dimes and someday buy an expensive brass piece and hope that it runs half as good as my BLI. But I'll keep thinking those happy thoughts!
"Shovel all the coal in, gotta keep 'em rolling" John.
steemtrayn...And a B unit to go with it.
Count me in on a BP20 (or two!) as well!
Somehow Walthers seemed to miscalculate the market for the '48 Century cars. Seems like the lounges and diners were all going for a dime-a-dozen but the Pullmans seemed to sell out pretty quickly and very few are available now. A Walthers "Creek" just sold on Ebay for $290!
Now—how about a vote for more depressed center flats? I have two of the four-truck GSC Walthers "Gold" ones but could use a few more. They are demanding top dollar, and the two truck variety is scarce, too.
I sometimes see the Railworks brass Queen Mary go for $750 or so!
Well, speaking of flats. A PRR F22 gun flat would be nice as well. I've attempted the F&C kits several times with awful results. Stake pockets glued everywhere except on the side sill! AMB makes a nice 16" Naval gun, which requires a minimum of 2 F22s, better with three.
Happy Modeling! Ed
...And a B unit to go with it.
You can always send them an email. There is no harm in asking, the worst thing someone could say is "no".
JOHN C TARANTO Rick, I still believe that if BLI or MTH would come out with a NYC H-10a/b or an L-2a that they would sell like crazy. They would have to do a second run.
Rick,
I still believe that if BLI or MTH would come out with a NYC H-10a/b or an L-2a that they would sell like crazy. They would have to do a second run.
I'm sorry John but past history does not support this, look at the 20th Century Limited that Walthers did, all those cars went at deeply discounted prices a year after they were first introduced because they did not sell. While the Santa Fe and Pennsy consists sold out and were not available unless for more than list price.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
NILE One of the things that I have noticed is that steam and transition engines, rolling stock, and passenger cars are widely available in the "popular railroads". Reality was there were over 100 railroads and 50 of them were class I. So I would like to see more of those other roads that are long gone.
One of the things that I have noticed is that steam and transition engines, rolling stock, and passenger cars are widely available in the "popular railroads". Reality was there were over 100 railroads and 50 of them were class I. So I would like to see more of those other roads that are long gone.
Good luck with that. Given that Walthers, BLI, Athearn, et. al. are in business to sell stuff, they're going to concentrate on items that are more likely to sell. NYC, ATSF, UP, SP, GN, etc. will sell because they're more widely known. Louisiana & Arkansas, Kansas Oklahoma & Gulf, etc., not so much.
Andre
Bob Schuknecht DrW Bob Schuknecht I had an idea today. A semi trailer with the rear doors open. Modelpower has that: https://www.hobbylinc.com/model-power-51-heavyweight-at-sf-flatcar-w:-40-trailer-w:operating-doors-ho-scale-model-railroad-98362 Unfortunately they don't show a picture with the doors open. The doors need to open all the way to the trailer sides which would be necessary to place the trailer at a loading dock door.
DrW Bob Schuknecht I had an idea today. A semi trailer with the rear doors open. Modelpower has that: https://www.hobbylinc.com/model-power-51-heavyweight-at-sf-flatcar-w:-40-trailer-w:operating-doors-ho-scale-model-railroad-98362
Bob Schuknecht I had an idea today. A semi trailer with the rear doors open.
I had an idea today. A semi trailer with the rear doors open.
Modelpower has that:
https://www.hobbylinc.com/model-power-51-heavyweight-at-sf-flatcar-w:-40-trailer-w:operating-doors-ho-scale-model-railroad-98362
Unfortunately they don't show a picture with the doors open. The doors need to open all the way to the trailer sides which would be necessary to place the trailer at a loading dock door.
For the doors to look prototypical on a semi trailer, and open 270 degrees, they would have to be very thin and delicate. Semi trailers, especially the dry vans are built very light and mostly out of thin aluminium and olywood. Opening containers would be ok since they are solidly built of steel with thick corner post. A dry van trailer would look to thick and toy like. A scratch build using some aluminum foil, or thin aluminum sheets and super thin wood would look acceptable but be very fragile(couldn't be shipped.)
If you have ever seen a photo of a dry van stuck under a bridge, you will see that it is little more than glorified aluminum foil, rolls right up like a sardine can.
gmpullman tstage H-10...L-2...H-5....I would happily take any and all of those. Oh, but wouldn't a high-stepping K-3 round out that wish list nicely? http://www.railarchive.net/nyccollection/nyc4851_wdv.htm Just look at those shapely drivers! Ed
tstage H-10...L-2...H-5....I would happily take any and all of those.
Oh, but wouldn't a high-stepping K-3 round out that wish list nicely?
http://www.railarchive.net/nyccollection/nyc4851_wdv.htm
Just look at those shapely drivers!
Ed
I am sorry guys, but the chances of those ever being made in plastic is slim and none. My experience in a hobby shop in Toledo (a NYC hotbed ) was that NYC did not sell. The owner was a NYC fan and made sure to stock all the NYC that was made, but the NYC guys were so picky that they would not even buy brass unless every rivit was in place.
Of course I am still looking for the FGE RBL with the offset 12' Door that the DT&I and others owned.
Who wants to see some correct accurate passenger cars from Wabash, Erie, Lackawanna, Nickel Plate, Norfolk & Western, Central of Georgia, or Southern? (Yes I'm saying it again!) but how many of you would like to own scale replicas of these cars instead of incorrect freelanced ones. At least a Baggage car, Diner, Lounge, or Sleeper with one of these roadnames.
I think Walthers should re-run thier E units, possibly a Black Penn Central with the white PC "Noodle" logo.
Too bad Walthers shelved The Fallen Flags Series. Some good choices in there, but since only a small amout of orders were placed, the idea went through the roof.
For all 12 of us who are interested, I'd love to see an accurate (and good running) model of any reasonably normal (Baldwin, Rogers, etc) 1880s (or even 1890s) American, Mogul, or Consolidation.
Fred W
E-L man tom I would also like to add: a plastic model of the class N3A (northeastern style, offset cupola) caboose, used by Erie, Erie Lackawanna and Delaware, Lackawanna & Western.
I would also like to add: a plastic model of the class N3A (northeastern style, offset cupola) caboose, used by Erie, Erie Lackawanna and Delaware, Lackawanna & Western.
JJL Models is releasing these again, soon I hope!
https://www.facebook.com/JJLModels/
These are teh Erie "Dunmore" cabooses that made it into teh EL and later CR, but they're different from the DL&W Kaiser VValley cabs.