What are the prototypes for the various MTL 50' gons supposed to be?

[bbussey]

That's a 52'6" IL prototype.  The MTL models are 50' IL.  Bethlehem Steel made a 50' IL straight-side gondola that the MTL 48000-series model is very similar to (although I suspect the 48000-series is simply a shortened 52' prototype or a foob modification of the 46000-series fishbelly model).  That the 48000-series model is a close representation of the B-S prototype at least allows for schemes for that prototype to be represented — although I would doubt that many if any have appeared on the MTL model as a stock release.

[cjm413]

That's a 52'6" IL prototype.  The MTL models are 50' IL.  Bethlehem Steel made a 50' IL straight-side gondola that the MTL 48000-series model is very similar to (although I suspect the 48000-series is simply a shortened 52' prototype or a foob modification of the 46000-series fishbelly model).  That the 48000-series model is a close representation of the B-S prototype at least allows for schemes for that prototype to be represented — although I would doubt that many if any have appeared on the MTL model as a stock release.

I see what you are saying, I had previously assumed that "prototypical" for the purposes of this thread wouldn't have included the usual "MTL issues" that would technically make them "stand-ins" until something better was available, e.g. MTL PS-1 vs. Atlas PS-1.

I guess that would also rule out the extent the MTL 15 panel gon with fixed ends (with or without a cover) could be called as "PS-5"...

[unittrain]

Here's a link to a P&LE Bethlehem steel gondola print this might be a good drawing to check the MTL 15 panel gondola to, http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ple/e34664.GIF

[amato1969]

The Rapido offering appears to be a much closer match to the bulk of the LV 52'6" IL gons:

http://www.rapidotrains.com/psgon_n.html

  Frank

[SandyEggoJake]

Well done, @bbussey leading the prototype charge on the MTL 50' gon!  I think the TRW crew nail it.

What's next?   

[cjm413]

The Rapido offering appears to be a much closer match to the bulk of the LV 52'6" IL gons:

http://www.rapidotrains.com/psgon_n.html

  Frank

Take a closer look at the ribs...

[cjm413]

We don't really know that they are too short (at least I don't), just that they are shorter than most of the prototype schemes that MTL uses.  There were many 50' gondola variations including at least one Pullman Standard car that the CGW used a lot on scrap service.  I know the cyclopedia have some of these cars.  I'll check it out when I get a chance.

Jason

Post-merger shot of CGW P-S gon, appears the original ends have been rebuilt/reinforced:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1311661

[wcfn100]

Post-merger shot of CGW P-S gon, appears the original ends have been rebuilt/reinforced:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1311661

Yeah, it seems a few gondolas got reworked a little bit post-merger.  I don't think I have a good shot of the car above, but the more usual result was a heavier top chord with some gussets and a dreadnaught end with banding.



The car in the previous post was probably in scrap service as it has an angle bar on the top chord so the scrap would fall either in or out of the car.

Jason

[bbussey]

I've been reworking the NSE limited run model to get it close to the prototype.  It took some finagling with new bolsters and some body work to get it low enough and still have the couplers work.  It looks much better.  The MTL brakewheels in recent years are unpainted Celcon plastic like the stirrups, molded in the body color, but lighter colors result in translucent or day-glo brakewheels.  So that will get painted along with the new stirrups.

Two quicke cellphone pics.

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[amato1969]

Take a closer look at the ribs...

Ah yes, good call! 

  Frank

[cjm413]

I've been reworking the NSE limited run model to get it close to the prototype.  It took some finagling with new bolsters and some body work to get it low enough and still have the couplers work.  It looks much better.  The MTL brakewheels in recent years are unpainted Celcon plastic like the stirrups, molded in the body color, but lighter colors result in translucent or day-glo brakewheels.  So that will get painted along with the new stirrups

Nice!

Do you have any pics of the modifications that you did to the underframe?

[bbussey]

Not currently but I will snap one later and post.