My ESMC/MTL EL Auto Rack is on the way...

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Just got notice of an impending Chuckpak. I haven't been this excited for a piece of rolling stock since, well, actually, since the X58s.

Anyone seen one in person yet?

[bbussey]

I haven't even seen them yet!  The ESM allocation is due later this week.

FYI — The demand far exceeded the production run and caught MTL by surprise, even though an extra 20% was added to the reservation total back at the end of the summer.  So if you want one, do not delay.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ahahaha, it'll be incredibly funny if I get mine before you get yours. It's possible too, with the Chulvis Wormhole Brand shipping.

[unittrain]

Hope more of these types of autoracks will be coming as the partially enclosed racks are very important to 1970's and early 80's modeling there are so many schemes that could be done. I would like to see a rack available with the panels as a seperate detail then we could have our intermodal flats do double duty as trailer flats and autorack flats I wonder if they could be made to fit universally with the Atlas,MTL,BLMA and Trainworx flats, just an idea it would keep tooling costs down while allowing variety when it comes to different flat cars.

[Sokramiketes]

I haven't even seen them yet!  The ESM allocation is due later this week.

FYI — The demand far exceeded the production run and caught MTL by surprise, even though an extra 20% was added to the reservation total back at the end of the summer.  So if you want one, do not delay.

But those quirky prototype guys are such a small portion of the market... 

[Dave V]

I got my Chukpak notice today too...  Just in time, BTW, for the ESM Facebook photo contest!

Better get the airbrush warmed up!

[bbussey]

But those quirky prototype guys are such a small portion of the market... 

Yeah ... and, EL wasn't a road that sold well for MTL.  Until now.

[bbussey]

...  Just in time, BTW, for the ESM Facebook photo contest! ...

Just what I love to hear!

[bbussey]

Hope more of these types of autoracks will be coming as the partially enclosed racks are very important to 1970's and early 80's modeling there are so many schemes that could be done...

Hopefully so.  Since this collaboration appears to be a success on all levels, I'm open to expanding the series if MTL wants to.  It will be among the topics of conversation during the Springfield show weekend in January, when we're all face-to-face.  I already have an idea for what the next one will be, if the series continues.  The irony is that it won't be an eastern region road.

[sdodge]

I already have an idea for what the next one will be, if the series continues.  The irony is that it won't be an eastern region road.

Excellent!   

[Ed Kapuscinski]

As usual, great stuff.

I had to attach the anti-vandal panels, but there were nice clear instructions on the attached sheet in the car.

It's such a shame they're so custom per logo cutout, because having these available for addition to other cars would be awesome.

Anyway, this thread is useless without pics, I know... so here they are.











Now I just need some first gen Chevy Astro Vans or GMC Safaris to fill it up.

[Philip H]

And you need to weather your Conrail power and transfer hack.  neither of them looks like they were ever on fire, which is VERY unprototypical.   

[bbussey]

Pretty cool.  First pics I've seen of the finished product.  The ESM allocation is not due to arrive until Tuesday after next.  I think UPS is walking it across the continent.  Grrr.

[Sokramiketes]

That is a thing of beauty, and a symbol of all that could be spectacular out of the Talent, OR shops!

Hopefully the project will help light the lamp over there, and allow some more spectacular projects.  Nice job pushing it through, Bryan.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

It really is. I think the coolest thing about it is that it's just a logical evolution of an existing product.

I'd love to have one with a can opener on it now.

And Phil, the engine is weathered, but you're right, that caboose has been avoiding it's appointment with some dullcote for way too long.