89-ft Channel Side flat

[sirenwerks]

I've been looking at the N Scale Models (nee Alan Curtis) 89-foot channel side flats, as I've always liked the look of the channel side cars.  But I'm waffling on ordering some because they present in the photos as somewhat thick, especially the handle mechanism molded onto the side of the car.  So I'm not sure I'm ready to commit $22/each for a car I've never seen in person and will likely end up having to rework some, and working on cast metal's a bit more tedious than plastic.

So I am weighing options.  Option 1, the favored, is one of the golden boy manufacturers releases this model before I'm dead.  Any scuttlebutt on this possibility?  ESM?  Trainworx?  BLMA?  Anyone?  Bueller?

Option 2 is pick up some Micro Trains 89-footers cheap and replace the sides and ends.  Anyone tried this and want to show pictures or narrative on their success?

Option 3 is that this seems to be a simple enough project to finally try my hand at CAD and Shapeways to create a model that would incorporate the MTL frame.

[unittrain]

Hopefully option 1 will come to be.

[Bendtracker1]

If you wind up going with option 2 PM me, I have a batch of undec MTL 89'ers that need a home.

[ljudice]

Would it fit in the FUD dimensions?   127x178x152mm  (6.77 inches)


Just barely:  89*12/160 =  6.67" 

[James Costello]

An F89F (TTX Class) of 89' flat should be on every intermodal-era N Scaler's wish list - such an iconic car and surely needed.

Athearn has released this car in HO, so we could lobby them..... 

It's a similar car-style to the Trainworx F85B, so maybe that is a better option.

I've asked Joe for MTL to consider it....so far, no deal.

There is an article in Model Railroading for bashing one from a MTL flat (available on Trainlife).

[bbussey]

... There is an article in Model Railroading for bashing one from a MTL flat (available on Trainlife).

If that's the case, it also can be bashed from the state-of-the-art Atlas version, which finally is shipping next month and arriving in May.

[jagged ben]

There is an article in Model Railroading for bashing one from a MTL flat (available on Trainlife).

Can't find it.  Gotta link?  or a title?

[sirenwerks]

It's a similar car-style to the Trainworx F85B, so maybe that is a better option.

If you're talking as a kitbash start, wouldn't the fact that the F85B is 4+ inches short would be a consideration?

Oh, and I emailed Pat @ Trainworx to see if there's a possibility there.

[James Costello]

If you're talking as a kitbash start, wouldn't the fact that the F85B is 4+ inches short would be a consideration?

Oh, and I emailed Pat @ Trainworx to see if there's a possibility there.

No, not a kitbash - as in a manufacturer that has done a similar car seeing this as another opportunity.

[James Costello]

Can't find it.  Gotta link?  or a title?

MRing July 1996 - Page 22
http://www.trainlife.com/magazines/pages/419/30736/july-1996-page-22

[jagged ben]

MRing July 1996 - Page 22
http://www.trainlife.com/magazines/pages/419/30736/july-1996-page-22

Awesome!  Bookmarked!