Trainworx Flat bed trailers in at MBK

[cfritschle]

I remember that height was more of an issue than weight when hauling hay back in the days of a single 40-ft trailer and 80,000 pound gross combined weight limits.  (That was in the 1970s  )  Idaho recently upped the gross combined weight limit for tractors and trailers from 105,000 pounds to 129,000 pounds, so we see a lot of multiple trailer configurations.  The double 40-ft trailer combo I that noticed last summer was being loaded in a field near my place.  It was also shortly after the new weight limits went into effect.  I will keep watching for them, and hopefully will be able to get a picture.  I don't do well trying to model from memory.   

Carter

[AlbertSpor]

Ryan

Thanks for the links, I will check them out.

Albert Spor

[bnsfdash8]

Here's a double 48 footer on IN 80/90 (taken from my parents farm). There's a company that pulls double 48' flatbeds hauling coil steel, those are pretty impressive to see.

[nkalanaga]

A little late, but I have Chuck hold my orders until he has a full box, to save shipping.

I'll be buying more of these, especially if they do a plain yellow version.  one of my industries can use several.

One thing I noticed, and it's only noticeable if two or more are side by side, is that the decks are obviously the same.  Very nice looking, but there are two prominent knotholes(?), and they do stand out.  In itself not a problem, but how many trailers have identical knotholes?

Since the deck detail seems to be printed, with no cast-in grain, it shouldn't be too hard to make multiple board files.  For the simplest version, just cut the board images apart, and rearrange them, along with reversing some end-for-end, and mirror imaged.  Especially on lettered trailers, with multiple numbers, printing different decks on each number shouldn't be any more expensive. 

[peteski]

Since the deck detail seems to be printed, with no cast-in grain, it shouldn't be too hard to make multiple board files.  For the simplest version, just cut the board images apart, and rearrange them, along with reversing some end-for-end, and mirror imaged.  Especially on lettered trailers, with multiple numbers, printing different decks on each number shouldn't be any more expensive.

Assuming that theses are Tampo-printed, wouldn't that increase the cost of running these through the process? Each of the unique deck images would have to be etched as a different plate and placed in different printing station.

[cfritschle]

I think it would have better not to have the knotholes, but I plan to weather the decks in hopes that will disguise the sameness.

Carter

[nkalanaga]

Peteski:  Probably, for the plain (unlettered) versions, but since they already make lettered versions with different numbers, wouldn't this be the same thing?

Carter:  Yes, removing the knotholes would be the easiest solution.  I imagine most truckers would probably like to have "cleaner" boards anyway, as large knots make weak spots.

For a well weathered trailer, they could be disguised as stains, with others added at random, so the duplication wouldn't be as obvious. 

[peteski]

Peteski:  Probably, for the plain (unlettered) versions, but since they already make lettered versions with different numbers, wouldn't this be the same thing?

If the lettering is not on the same surface as the wood-grain then each is a separate Tampo printing operation.

[bbussey]

I don't see what the big deal is regarding the wood grain.  No one is going to notice the knots in the boards, and it would be unlikely I believe that most modelers would have multiple unloaded pristine flatbed trailers in close proximity to each other.  Also, as mentioned up-thread, the boards can be separated and rearranged to change the duplicate appearance if necessary.  But weathering and dunnage would make the grain lines less obvious should two trailers be parked together.

These models are very nicely done.  I bought two early reds that I will letter for New Haven, and they will not be in close proximity to each other.  One will be at a loading dock, possibly empty, while the other will be with cargo on a flat car in Trailiner service.

[cfritschle]

I don't see what the big deal is regarding the wood grain.  No one is going to notice the knots in the boards, and it would be unlikely I believe that most modelers would have multiple unloaded pristine flatbed trailers in close proximity to each other.  Also, as mentioned up-thread, the boards can be separated and rearranged to change the duplicate appearance if necessary.  But weathering and dunnage would make the grain lines less obvious should two trailers be parked together.

These models are very nicely done.  I bought two early reds that I will letter for New Haven, and they will not be in close proximity to each other.  One will be at a loading dock, possibly empty, while the other will be with cargo on a flat car in Trailiner service.

Bryan,

I think we all agree the wood grain is a fantastic asset for these truly remarkable trailers.  It's just a couple of knotholes that will be noticeable if the trailers are parked near each other, and nothing is done to weather the decks, or disguise the knotholes.  I plan to turn several of mine into hay haulers, which means at times they will be placed in close proximity to each other.  Here is a view from above of a portion of Luis Larrea Trucking's yard that shows some hay trailers parked waiting for their next haul:

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5833902,-116.3933108,55m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en

I will be using Showcase Miniatures 24-ft flatbeds (with real wood decks) on COE straight trucks.  https://www.showcaseminiatures.net/n_scale/n_scale_vehicle_details/544.html

And, I hope Pat will be adding his International COEs as cab kits in his next Truck Parts Catalog.   

Carter

[nkalanaga]

One possible solution, not requiring Pat to do any extra work, would be for someone to offer "deck decals".  Microscale makes all kinds of detail decals for other hobbies, and a sheet for the Trainworx trucks would be easy.  The wood portion would be printed, and the 2 steel strips left clear, one piece does the entire deck, with no fussing or trimming.

For those who wanted to repaint their trailers, the same decals would work, just paint the deck the steel color, and apply the decal.  One sheet would easily do at least a half dozen trucks.  And, since the decals could be applied with either end at the front, 2 sheets would do twice as many, with no obvious duplications.

[sirenwerks]

One possible solution, not requiring Pat to do any extra work, would be for someone to offer "deck decals".

You should run this by the folks at Archer.

[sirenwerks]

I will be using Showcase Miniatures 24-ft flatbeds (with real wood decks) on COE straight trucks.  https://www.showcaseminiatures.net/n_scale/n_scale_vehicle_details/544.html

I do wish Showcase would whip up some dual short flat trailer sets, something that fits an earlier than contemporary era.


BTW, if anyone is looking for a contemporary (I think) 40' and 20' combo, there is this on Shapeways - [size=78%]https://www.shapeways.com/product/AB9A2DWJR/1-160th-40-20-foot-outside-frame-flatbed-a-train?optionId=61459469&li=user-wishlist[/size]

[jagged ben]

Here's a good load for these:
http://www.railpictures.net/photo/602001/

Anyone make an N-scale Bobcat?

[Bendtracker1]

GHQ has a kit, but I think it comes with a trailer for it.
Have you looked on Shapeways?