Survey — ESM Pennsy class G38/G39 ore jennies mass-produced

[ai5629]

The G38's and G39's we used almost exclusively in unit train service.  That being said, I have seen photos of these cars empty in mixed consists.  Not a common practice, but it did happen.  Loads were 100-120 cars while empties could add up to almost 200 cars. I was watching Conrail Action, Part 7 the other day.  The photographer was at the Brickyard in Altoona, and here comes a westbound ore drag of G38 and G39 cars starting up the east slope (most likely a ZWW: unit ore for Wheeling Steel or Weirton Steel).  Four SD40-2's on the head end and four SD40's shoving on the rear.  Based on what I saw, I would say it was 1989 or 1990.  What a glorious train and site to behold.  I could only imagine how good that must have sounded with those eight 16 cylinder 657's screaming in notch eight moving at 10-15 mph.  Seeing that train is why I model Conrail.  If these see the light of day, I am in.  Thanks.

Jeff

[victor miranda]

ok.

the kit is a good one.
the parts fit.
assembly is straight forward

one day I will learn to paint.

hmmmm...
... a unit train you say...

a 10 pack is looking quite reasonable.

[muktown128]

Bryan,

I just completed your survey. 
How have the responses been so far?

Regards,
Scott

[bbussey]

So far, 90-some-odd people have responded. The survey is running through the end of June, and then the numbers will have to be extrapolated based on the latest estimated ratio of internet-active N-scalers to total N-scalers to see if this has potential.

[haasmarc]

I was definitely one of the odd ones  .  I think I would like to change my answer on ten packs to yes.

[victor miranda]

after looking at my project/kits recently.
I have to paint and decal now that I have the bowser crown trucks.

I thought I'd ask how the survey is going?

victor

[bbussey]

It runs through the end of June, so we will assess the data then and decide if and where to insert the jenny into the tooling schedule.  My hunch is that it will be third in line if the numbers warrant bringing it to market.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

After the X65 and....?

Spend the beans on a PD5000!

[bbussey]

X65, and ...   

(Not a PD5000 though.)

[Dave V]

X65, and ...   

(Not a PD5000 though.)

Littering and...?  Littering and...?

[Missaberoad]

So far, 90-some-odd people have responded. The survey is running through the end of June, and then the numbers will have to be extrapolated based on the latest estimated ratio of internet-active N-scalers to total N-scalers to see if this has potential.

What is the latest estimated quantity of N scalers? Is this published anywhere? I know MR used to do reader surveys at one point, would be interested to see where we stand...

[victor miranda]

ah I get to be part of a zombie thread....

maybe I should consider starting a new topic.

and june has flown past  I think I got to work during june.... but I sure do not remember it.

so we are well into July

during the FREE SHIPPING event on Shapeways I ordered an ore jenny
it has yet to arrive....

should I plan on a 10 pack or am I to hunt a black spray bomb?

victor

[bbussey]

Still to be determined.  It isn't a slam-dunk decision in either direction (yea or nay).  There will be a decision by the end of the year.  Other production/contractor/finance issues also factor in.  I will say that, if the project proceeds, the cars will be sold in three-packs (three jennies in an 8" box) and there will be three assortments per road/scheme.  So that would be nine unique numbers per road/scheme.  Number of roads/schemes per release also will be determined later.  Could be as low as two, or as many as four.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

That works out fine. Honestly, when it comes to unit trains like this, I don't worry nearly as much about unique numbers, but more that it doesn't look like a pattern.