Do we need a new 50' PS-1 boxcar

[unittrain]

I was just wondering since we have an excellent Atlas 40' PS-1 how about the 50' version with both sliding and plug doors? I figured I'd ask on here because there are so many freight car experts on here. Do we need a 50' version or is the older MDC and MTL tooling accurate enough? After all it is one of the most important pieces of rolling stock for 50's through into the 80's and the schemes are endless.

[wazzou]

I have a couple of the MDC/Athearn ones and though I haven't directly compared them to the MT cars, they are pretty nice.

[wcfn100]

Yes

But I can list 40 freight cars I'd say that to.


Jason

[bbussey]

No.  While the MTL models suffer the same afflictions as their 40' variants, the MDC/Athearn cars fill the bill (although they ride a tad high).

[amato1969]

The Athearn model with short ladders would be right in my 1970s era.

  Frank

[wcfn100]

No.  While the MTL models suffer the same afflictions as their 40' variants, the MDC/Athearn cars fill the bill (although they ride a tad high).

Fit your bill maybe.   

So who makes the Pullman Standard door, or the replacement PS door? How about a 10' plug/flush door?  Where are the over hanging roofs or ladders in place of grabs?  There's also extended draft gear and does Athearn make a non-running board version (which should have lower brake wheel as well)?

A 8' flush door over hanging roof with side and end ladders with extended/cushioned draft gear looks to be a pretty common variation.  It's basically what all the shiny plug door paint schemes Athearn and MTL did should have been.

I know the modeler can do this, but that's not the question.  And I'm not saying these have to be done before some other car (I've got 20 cars I'd like to see first), but just because Athearn makes three styles, doesn't mean it's just time to wash our hands and be done with it.  Besides, there's no way you think the under frame detail on the Athearn car is acceptable for today's standards.

And if anyone is listening, I'll take this car:



I'm not sure if you can call it a PS-1 or not (I assume it was built by the Santa Fe)  but it has the roof and ends.

I'm hoping Atlas will take it on at some point after the 40'ers.  Plus they make this car in O so many of the paint schemes can be translated over.

Jason

[bbussey]

The question was:

... Do we need a 50' version or is the older MDC and MTL tooling accurate enough? ...

The answer to that question is:  no, because the MDC tooling is accurate enough.  The question wasn't: "do we need all of the assorted variations of the 50' PS-1 to be available in N scale."  And Athearn does currently offer sliding door, plug door, and double door variants.  If you want another variant, then start kitbashing!  Starting with a base model that is 90% of what you want is better than having to scratchbuild it outright.  With the MDC/Athearn model still viable (and the MTL versions still popular albeit incorrect) and many more other prototypes still available to do, it makes little sense to reinvent that particular wheel at this time.

Also (and ironically, I know), underbody detail (or lack thereof) isn't an issue for me personally.  I don't roll my cars upside-down.   And it's easy enough to add extended draft gear — a feature that currently is RTR only on two caboose models (Athearn and InterMountain) and two boxcar models (ESM and WOT).

Remember, I'm a New Haven modeler, where the overwhelming bulk of the motive power, rolling stock and infrastructure has to be kitbashed or scratchbuilt.  So having to do minor mods to existing models garners no sympathy from me.

[wcfn100]

Yeah, I guess my answer was more to whether or not there is room for another manufacture to make a 50' PS-1 which obviously I think there is.

As for modeling, I'll never be short of projects, so I'm open to anyone manufacturer that wants to help me out.

edit:  for those that don't know what I'm talking about -



It's missing the over hanging roof which you can see here:

http://freight.railfan.ca/ptlx/tldx14.jpg

Someone tell me I couldn't sell a ***** ton of those. 

Jason

[Dave Schneider]

I agree with Jason that more variations on the 50 foot theme would be appreciated and probably sell. Of course it is possible to kitbash and otherwise create new cars out of the pieces that are out there. I have been trying to years to be create 40 and 50 ft plug door cars, and haven't come up with anything that really has worked for me. The plug door is really a major pain to splice in (in my experience). This is likely due to my skill level.  A milling machine might help, but I haven't pulled the trigger on that yet (if ever). Just my 2 cents, and I love the TLDX car.

Best wishes, Dave

[Kisatchie]

Is it my eyes, or is the coupler on the car "reversed"?


Hmm... let me get my
binoculars...

[bbussey]

Someone tell me I couldn't sell a ***** ton of those. 

It would take only 25 Gs to find out! 

[unittrain]

The question was:

The answer to that question is:  no, because the MDC tooling is accurate enough.  The question wasn't: "do we need all of the assorted variations of the 50' PS-1 to be available in N scale."  And Athearn does currently offer sliding door, plug door, and double door variants.  If you want another variant, then start kitbashing!  Starting with a base model that is 90% of what you want is better than having to scratchbuild it outright.  With the MDC/Athearn model still viable (and the MTL versions still popular albeit incorrect) and many more other prototypes still available to do, it makes little sense to reinvent that particular wheel at this time.

Also (and ironically, I know), underbody detail (or lack thereof) isn't an issue for me personally.  I don't roll my cars upside-down.   And it's easy enough to add extended draft gear — a feature that currently is RTR only on two caboose models (Athearn and InterMountain) and two boxcar models (ESM and WOT).

Remember, I'm a New Haven modeler, where the overwhelming bulk of the motive power, rolling stock and infrastructure has to be kitbashed or scratchbuilt.  So having to do minor mods to existing models garners no sympathy from me.

Thanks for the insight I always thought these were decent models, but just wanted to verify before I buy a dozen undecorated shells! as I'm ready to start adding quite a few of these boxcars to my fleet.

[nkalanaga]

Kiz:  Looks like it to me.

[Greyryder]

Is it my eyes, or is the coupler on the car "reversed"?


Hmm... let me get my
binoculars...

Maybe put it together. Something about "right-hand-side-oriented-society."

[Puddington]

It would take only 25 Gs to find out! 

Oh come on Bryan.... Tooling money grows on trees.... Everyone knows that...

Bang on pal.... That first car is mighty expensive !