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New Models Needed

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Posted by E-L man tom on Friday, December 9, 2016 9:39 AM

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. This could be in kit form, as there were probably as many as 6 different versions of this car, so the kit could include the necessary parts needed for the desired version. I'm not sure, but I think these cabooses lasted into the Conrail years as well. They were also called Dunmore style cabooses. I know that years ago MR Magazine had a version of this car advertised (can't remember the manufacturer), but it was without trucks or couplers. I believe the retail price was $49.95 as I recall. So, for less than half the price I scratchbuilt a crude version of one. I will probably build another, but this time I have many good prototype photos to work off of, which I didn't have when I built the first one.  

Tom Modeling the free-lanced Toledo Erie Central switching layout.
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Posted by CentralGulf on Thursday, December 8, 2016 2:54 PM

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.

 

 
Plus lots of traffic safety training material.
 
"Now students in the next video we will see close up the terrified expression of drivers who tried to beat a train across a grade crossing and failed. Reminder, there are buckets directly under all seats. Use as needed."
 
Surprise Stick out tongue
 
CG
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Posted by Steven Otte on Thursday, December 8, 2016 2:13 PM

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.

--
Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editor
sotte@kalmbach.com

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Posted by ACY Tom on Thursday, December 8, 2016 12:14 PM

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

 

No question about that.  NYC sure had a lot of K-3's and they ran all over the system. They even got into West Virginia!

Tom

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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 11:31 PM

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

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Posted by tstage on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 10:25 PM

John & Tom -

H-10...L-2...H-5....I would happily take any and all of those. Big Smile

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by ACY Tom on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 9:58 PM

JOHN C TARANTO

tstage, I totally agree with you.  I would love to see BLI come out with an NYC H-10a / H-10b.  Also, an L-2a Mohawk would ROCK.  These models have only been produced in brass.  The L-2a is very rare.  Of course, if you're willing to shell out $1,500 you can get a new H-10 from Division Point.  

Sure, these locomotives are railroad specific, but I believe there is a demand for them.  Look at the success BLI has had with their Pennsy locos and others.  The H-10 and L-2 are locomotives of a similar design.  It could be feasible to produce them.  These models would sell like Hot Cakes!  Are you listening, Broadway Limited? 

 

I'm sure there would be a market for the NYC H-10 or L-2 4-8-2.  If the engineering is done carefully, it would be possible to do the 4-8-2 so that it represents an L-2a, b, c, or d.  NYC had a total of 300 L-2's in those four subclasses, so the market ought to be there.

If an NYC Mike is your preference, I suggest that an H-5 Mikado should be considered. NYC had over 600 of them in various subclasses, and NKP also owned copies. They were heavy mainline power on NYC and subsidiaries when built, and later were used systemwide very much like GP9's in local, branch, transfer, work train, helper, switching, or any service where a bigger mainline engine wasn't needed. Some were sold on the secondhand market to High Point Thomasville & Denton and Atlanta Birmingham & Coast, and perhaps others. The AB&C engines eventually found their way onto the ACL roster. An H-5 model could be designed so that several different trailing trucks, valve gear, and piping options could be offered. This would expand the potential market with minimal additional design & development costs.

Tom 

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Posted by JOHN C TARANTO on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 8:53 PM

tstage, I totally agree with you.  I would love to see BLI come out with an NYC H-10a / H-10b.  Also, an L-2a Mohawk would ROCK.  These models have only been produced in brass.  The L-2a is very rare.  Of course, if you're willing to shell out $1,500 you can get a new H-10 from Division Point.  

Sure, these locomotives are railroad specific, but I believe there is a demand for them.  Look at the success BLI has had with their Pennsy locos and others.  The H-10 and L-2 are locomotives of a similar design.  It could be feasible to produce them.  These models would sell like Hot Cakes!  Are you listening, Broadway Limited? 

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Posted by ATSFGuy on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 7:22 PM

How about a Santa Fe SF30C in plastic and DC/DCC ready?

DrW
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Posted by DrW on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 5:20 PM

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

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Posted by Bob Schuknecht on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 4:14 PM

I had an idea today. A semi trailer with the rear doors open.

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Posted by ATSFGuy on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 9:43 AM

Is there a market for Pacific Electric Red Cars in HO Scale?

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Posted by fieryturbo on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 2:58 PM

RTR version of Metra E8s

Julian

Modeling Pre-WP merger UP (1974-81)

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Posted by Kyle on Monday, December 5, 2016 10:06 PM

NorthWest

I have a couple more:

An HO plastic Amtrak Cascades Talgo set with "fins". Trying to hack a model of a European set is about as close as we can get now, and those are expensive!

Also, a suitably detailed F40PH Cabbage.

 

Rapido is making HO F40PH Cabbages with their standrd crazy details.  Beautiful locomotives though expensive.  Granted not much more than an Athearn Genesis.  The cabbages are powered since the difference between a powered locomotive and a dummy is $5 to make.

Personally, I would just like more undecorated locomotives for shortlines and freelancing. I am mainly taking about GP40s and SD40-2s.  Athearn made some, but they were quickly bought up.

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Posted by caboose63 on Monday, December 5, 2016 4:45 PM

How about RTR EMC SC or SW locomotive, ALCO MRS-1, RSD-1, and Illinois Central SW14, walthers reissuing of their RTR greenville woodchip hopper cars, Central Vermont wood caboose, and more data only freight car kits by Accurail, like modern wood chip cars, flatcars, and modern 4 bay coal hopper cars.

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Posted by Enzoamps on Sunday, December 4, 2016 12:20 AM

I liked the idea of the poseable figures that could be hardened.  Instead of air setting, I might suggest some sort of plastic or epoxy that hardens under UV light, just like the stuff my dentist uses.  There are TV ads these days for some sort of glue that cures with their UV light.  Such figures would come as basic flexible people, you bend them into pose, and light them with UV.   Another option would be heat, like cookie dough.  You shape them then put them in a slow oven.  Probably some microwaveable stuff would work too.

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Posted by ATSFGuy on Friday, December 2, 2016 11:28 PM

This is the Cabcar I was talking about;

 

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Posted by ACY Tom on Friday, December 2, 2016 8:31 PM

tstage

I haven't perused through the entire thread to see all the recommendations.  However - just in case Tom (ACY) hasn't suggested it yet - a FM H20-44 switcher in plastic would really make a nice addition to the diesel market:

I'd gladly purchase one in the above lightning stripe scheme...or even ACY yellow.

Tom

 

Hi Tom ---

Thanks for giving a boost to one of my favorites. If you'll go back through this thread, I think you'll find my suggestions concerning the H20-44. This was the first 2000 h.p. road switcher. It looked like an overgrown yard engine because it had no short hood and was a bit short in length. It had the same 2000 h.p. prime mover and four traction motors as the more famous Erie Built cab units.

There were two different demo paint schemes, and some of the first ones were used by UP as helpers in Southern California, and later as heavy switchers/transfer engines in a variety of UP locations. IHB used them in transfer service around Chicago, and those units eventually joined several NYC units in service on branches and locals in lots of NYC locations. PRR had the largest group, and used them as branch and local freight engines on the Pittsburgh Division as well as several lines in Ohio and Indiana. AC&Y and P&WV used them as their primary road power. It wasn't unusual to see them in multiple-unit lashups with other H20's or other FM units. N&W inherited some from P&WV, and used them at Lamberts Point. Southwest Portland Cement bought three from UP for heavy switching around Victorville. The three SWPC units are all preserved, one each in California, Illinois, and Texas. 

Big Dawg Originals is considering the possibility of releasing an H20-44 body shell to fit Hobbytown's upgrade of their well respected diesel drive.  Check Big Dawg's Facebook page and tell them if this is an item you want. They will not proceed with the project unless they receive a sufficient number of committed responses.

Thanks again for supporting the H20-44.

Tom (the other one) 

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Posted by DAVID FORTNEY on Friday, December 2, 2016 7:59 PM

How about 72' passengers cars with interiors And lights. 

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Posted by angelob6660 on Friday, December 2, 2016 7:55 PM

I'm hoping that Atlas would make some early GP38 (7660-7939) and GP40/-2s in Conrail blue, in N.

Is there a way to suggest models to Atlas? 

Modeling the G.N.O. Railway, The Diamond Route.

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, December 2, 2016 5:36 PM

Mheetu
Plastic BOX CAR ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES.... 

Hi, Mheetu

I presume you are asking for Box CAB electrics? Typos happen...

Broadway Limited has got you covered (although die-cast and not plastic)

They are also making the GG1 available again although with the Bachmann offering, the MTH and previous BLI's, plus the European 1970s models I'm not sure what the market will bear, there?

Speaking of wants in the electric category, I'd sure like to see some PRR E44s as well.

Rapido has the New Haven EP-5 JET coming!

http://rapidotrains.com/nh-ep-5-jet/

Have you looked at Shapeways for PRR catenary supports? I bought some a while back and I'm very pleased with what I recieved. This is the seller that I bought from:

https://www.shapeways.com/shops/designdyne?li=pb

Regards, Ed

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Posted by tstage on Friday, December 2, 2016 4:24 PM

I haven't perused through the entire thread to see all the recommendations.  However - just in case Tom (ACY) hasn't suggested it yet - a FM H20-44 switcher in plastic would really make a nice addition to the diesel market:

I'd gladly purchase one in the above lightning stripe scheme...or even ACY yellow.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by Mheetu on Friday, December 2, 2016 1:39 PM

would like to see some 4-4-2 Atlantics lots of railroads had these from PRR E4's to southern pacific etc.  

Plastic BOX CAR ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES.... 

Northeast corridor Catenary 

A reissue of circus trains cars and sets would be nice to see.

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Posted by Lone Wolf and Santa Fe on Friday, December 2, 2016 11:57 AM

I found a link to suggest products somewhere on Athearn's website a while ago and suggested they reissue first generation Metrolink coaches which are long OOP and sell for a premium on the auction site. Seems like they listened because they are going to re-issue them in the spring and their price is going to be the price they have been selling for, around $50 per car. Smile

Modeling a fictional version of California set in the 1990s Lone Wolf and Santa Fe Railroad
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Posted by ATSFGuy on Friday, December 2, 2016 2:10 AM

I realize this is a old thread, but maybe it's time to revive it and keep all the good suggestions going about what gaps need to be filled in Model Roading.

I'm still waiting to see Walthers release an Amfleet Cab car that Amtrak used on the San Diegan from 1987-2002. Even after the Surfliner was introduced in 2000, I still remember seeing a few San Diegans running behind a F59PHI until 03.

So how about it Walthers?

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Posted by ATSFGuy on Friday, December 2, 2016 1:03 AM

Send Walthers an email explaining what you want. Or tell their new product center online. 

I'm sure they can help you

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Posted by ACY Tom on Sunday, November 3, 2013 11:57 AM

CJCRESCENT's right and Kevin's not wrong.  The Locomotive Company reportedly had some pretty serious quality control issues.  But that doesn't mean the original idea was bad.  I'm told Arbour had the same issues, but I've never tried to build kits from either company.  Arbour's patterns were acquired by Bowser, but Bowser has stopped producing this type of  loco.  Over in England, people aren't so afraid of "advanced" kits, and the manufacturers offer quite a broad selection.  The British firm DJH offered US locomotives several years ago, but they didn't sell well.  They had a USRA light Mike, a USRA light Pacific, and an NYC 4-6-4.  I don't know whether their problems were due to limited availability, poor marketing, or something else entirely. 

I wonder whether that Pere Marquette heavy 2-8-0 could be built using a Bowser/Penn Line H9s and start by shaving off the Belpaire bulges.  Or the old Varney Heavy 2-8-0, possibly using that same Bowser mechanism.  The old Bachmann RDG 2-8-0 might work if you did serious surgery on the cab & firebox.  I'm not familiar enough with the prototype to be sure.  If the drivers need to be smaller (55 = 57"), then replacements can be found.   This wouldn't be an easy conversion in any case, so the first idea (Get a manufacturer to do it) would still be best.

Lee Town used to make white metal conversion kits.  Maybe that idea could be resurrected, using white metal, resin, and brass or nickel silver etchings or castings.  

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Posted by cjcrescent on Sunday, November 3, 2013 10:26 AM

Atlantic and Hibernia

...

4.  Since no manufacturer is ever going to be able to satisfy every modeler for every steam locomotive, would it be practical to sell custom frames, drivers, valve gears, and motors?  Suppose I want to a 2-4-0 and my buddy wants an 0-4-4T.  We could each order the appropriate frame, wheels, and motor combination and then build the bodies ourselves.  How many people would need to take advantage of this service for the price to drop below that of the average brass locomotive?

...

Kevin

Kevin, hate to disappoint, but its been done, and was a failure. You bought a boiler kit, short or long, a mechanism kit that was a 4-6-0 or 2-8-0, and a separate tender kit that allowed for coal or oil. All this was done by "The Locomotive Company" and they had many problems after their initial runs. These locos all would build into late 19th to early 20th century locos. They came with everything needed, molded in Zamac. The mechanisms were all powered by Sagami can motors and idler gearboxes, connected directly to the motor.

These were supposed to be fairly easy to build, but after building 3 locos from the kits, I can say they were anything but. Most of the boiler pieces were warped, and impossible to straigthen up, there were out of round wheels, the rods were made out of some metal that was so brittle that in trying to clean out the holes for the crankpins, the rods would literally shatter. The gearbox was so bad that the gears would not line up properly. To top it off, it was almost impossible to produce a square level frame.

It took me a year to build them, and it wasn't a pleasant experience. Even with my skill set, I would be very reluctant to buy another kit set up like this. I would prefer a single kit like Bowser's old kits.

Carey

Keep it between the Rails

Alabama Central Homepage

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Posted by NorthWest on Sunday, November 3, 2013 10:26 AM

I have a couple more:

An HO plastic Amtrak Cascades Talgo set with "fins". Trying to hack a model of a European set is about as close as we can get now, and those are expensive!

Also, a suitably detailed F40PH Cabbage.

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Posted by fmilhaupt on Sunday, November 3, 2013 7:53 AM

ACY

Fmilhaupt, do you have a specific ALCO 2-8-0 in mind?  Brooks engines had a distinctive look that was different from  the look of other Alcos.  Many non-USRA locos had a "look" that was dictated more by the purchaser than the builder.  (For example, PRR 2-8-0's with Belpaire boilers were built by Alco and even [gasp!] Lima!).  Are you thinking of a big mainline 2-8-0 or a small branch/shortline 2-8-0.  If the latter, I'd recommend a light Brooks engine like the Buffalo & Susquehanna engines. 

Yes: a Brooks 2-8-0. You've articulated it much more precisely than I did.

For my own selfish purposes, I'm looking for the beefy ones that the Pere Marquette used, but that are somewhat similar in size and proportions to some owned by the NYC, GM&O, Monon, and possibly the EJ&E.

-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.
http://www.pmhistsoc.org

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