Pre-announcement announcement: N scale school bus kit

[peteski]

Could they be made in clear resin? I usually shy away from vehicles where the windows need to be painted (as it is hard to do it where the effect is convincing), but I may need to make an exception with this one.

+100!!  I hope that it is cast from clear resin (or at least the windows are left open).

[C855B]

Transition to amber warning lights began (generally) in the 60s. Personally, I did not start seeing the swing-out stop signs until the 90s. YMMV.

Amber + red (known as "8-way" flashers) is state-specific. In Wisconsin, for example, only the 4-way all-red is legal. California didn't adopt 8-ways until the mid-'90s.

[TiVoPrince]

Clear  
could have voids cast within the body and painted green/black from underneath for instant seats...

[dnhouston]

Great work David!  But like a few others, I would love a 50's version 

[robert3985]

Great work David!  But like a few others, I would love a 50's version 

Include me in that request.  Pre-1957 please, clear...

I would like to say that this is a product that is really needed in N-scale.  Thank you DKS for your efforts!

[bbussey]

Outstanding.

[BCR 570]

On the Dawson Creek Subdivision, the Sunset Prairie Road grade crossing is just down the hill from a local school, so a 1970s era school bus would be a good fit on my layout.

A better arrangement for a vehicle with so many windows would be to cast a chassis with interior and a hollow body to fit over top.  The mirrors are a prominent feature and an etching would be worthwhile including.  We have a bus approximately this size (36 psgr with the last 12 seats removed) at our school if you require any measurements.


Tim

[BCR 570]

P.S. - My comments above notwithstanding, very nice looking casting I would probably like to have one.

Tim

[Wardie]

My school district had 8 ways in the early 80's, the swing out stop arms didn't become madatory until the early/mid 90's.  Rooftop beacons are still optional and vary between one clear, and front and back red.

[DKS]

Many thanks for the great feedback, everyone!

I'm happy to say clear works, although it is a bit harder to demold. As you can see, the windows are slightly frosty, so they look white-ish, although they will pass light. I will see if this can be improved...



Other observations: I may offer the mirrors as a separate add-on detail, just to keep the list price as low as possible for those folks who can live without them to save money. As for making the model hollow, this also adds to the cost, so it's not something I'll be considering at the moment.

[tehachapifan]

Looks great in clear! I'm thinking that painting a dark (black or dark grey) base coat under the final color would render a pretty good look without worrying about the lack of interior details.

[GaryHinshaw]

What happens if you hit those windows with a coat of Future?  (The miracle gloss coat we've been discussing elsewhere.)
-gfh

[pfs]

Nice and +2 for the clear.

[Scottl]

The window trim will work well with a decal- not too much relief and a basically flat surface.  Finishing this should be quite straightforward.

[Chris333]

I think the clear will look good with the body painted and possibly paint the bottom black so the only light is coming from windows on the other side.