ESM's X58 in the new RMC

[nkalanaga]

The new RMC, the first issue under new management, has a very complimentary review of ESM's X58 boxcar, including noting that the CB&Q car is not an exact copy, but was requested by the Q's fans, and that ESM "listened to the modelers and produced a great model".

The reviewer also seemed impressed by the attention to labeling, with each box giving both the service and photo dates, so one can know if THAT CAR fits their layout. 

The magazine also looks very nice.

[tom mann]

Nice job Bryan and new RMC owners!

[nkalanaga]

I forgot to mention one of the oddest parts of the review.  The reviewer was impressed that the ACI labels were correct for the individual car numbers.  Now THAT'S "rivet counting"!  I've never heard of anyone trying to read an N scale ACI label...

[learmoia]

I forgot to mention one of the oddest parts of the review.  The reviewer was impressed that the ACI labels were correct for the individual car numbers.  Now THAT'S "rivet counting"!  I've never heard of anyone trying to read an N scale ACI label...

Sounds like a 1980's MR review.. that's refreshing..

[bbussey]

I forgot to mention one of the oddest parts of the review.  The reviewer was impressed that the ACI labels were correct for the individual car numbers.  Now THAT'S "rivet counting"!  I've never heard of anyone trying to read an N scale ACI label...

For any ESM model that has an ACI label, the barcode is accurate for the reporting marks.  We've noted that in our advertising, so it's nice to get a shout-out on it in a product review.

[tom mann]

For any ESM model that has an ACI label, the barcode is accurate for the reporting marks.  We've noted that in our advertising, so it's nice to get a shout-out on it in a product review.

I forgot to mention one of the oddest parts of the review.  The reviewer was impressed that the ACI labels were correct for the individual car numbers.  Now THAT'S "rivet counting"!  I've never heard of anyone trying to read an N scale ACI label...

Impressive for both ESM and RMC.

[wcfn100]

No RMC at the local BN.  I'll have to check the super market...

Jason

[nkalanaga]

Bryan:  I had wondered if the labels were accurate, but hadn't seen that mentioned in your ads, and didn't go to the trouble of trying to read them.  I'm still a little amazed that N scale lettering has progressed to the point the labels CAN be read, much less be accurate. 40 years ago it wasn't unusual for the weight data to be unreadable...

[peteski]

Impressive for both ESM and RMC.

+1

[bbussey]

Bryan:  I had wondered if the labels were accurate, but hadn't seen that mentioned in your ads, and didn't go to the trouble of trying to read them.  I'm still a little amazed that N scale lettering has progressed to the point the labels CAN be read, much less be accurate. 40 years ago it wasn't unusual for the weight data to be unreadable...

David, they are spot-on.  Here are two screen shots from the first X58 video.

[Kisatchie]

For any ESM model that has an ACI label, the barcode is accurate for the reporting marks.

Hmm... if that ain't the
bee's knees...

[nkalanaga]

Dee:  I agree.  Given the quality of Bryan's photo it's clear that he got it right, and I didn't doubt the reviewer.  But it's still amazing.

Remember when the larger scales used to say that N would never be more than a "runner's scale"?  I wonder if anyone has ever done the ACI labels correctly on a commercial HO or O model?

[peteski]

David, they are spot-on.  Here are two screen shots from the first X58 video.

In New England accent:  Wick'd impressive!

I'm curious as to how are these printed (since they require several colors). Are they Tampo printed or is a flatbed organic solvent ink ink-jet printer used (similar to what MT uses)?

[bbussey]

Tamped.  The first cars used a light gray to represent the reflective white, but the upside was overshadowed by the extra cost.  Currently, Stencil White is used for the reflective white bars which saves two print pad hits (as the white is printed with the general white of the main artwork).  So generally the ACI plate requires four additional pad hits since Stencil Black and Stencil White already are utilized for at least the COTS stencil (which always is present if there is an ACI label present).

[nkalanaga]

"COTS stencil (which always is present if there is an ACI label present)."

Not always, as the ACI labels appeared as early as 1969 on some cars, while the COTS stencil wasn't used until the early 70s, and apparently wasn't mandatory until 1974.  GN 6824 was photographed with an ACI label in July 1969.

Your CB&Q 23480 is one such car, ACI but no COTS.  It does have black on the herald, but as that's on a separate plate, I don't know if it was printed with the rest of the car, or printed first then attached.