MT just posted this on Facebook regarding MT1500

[peteski]

Based on some of the pre-owned stuff that I've seen, there are plenty of knuckleheads out there that wouldn't hesitate to buy a SW1500 shell and put it on a Life-Like drive without giving a second thought about the appropriate trucks.   In fairness, the rule that a broken clock is right at least twice per day would be applicable to any SW1500's that did have AAR-A trucks with plain bearings.

If we go with your idea, MTL could sell the pre-decorated shells along with the appropriate truck frames (just like they offer on undecorated ones now).  Or are you saying that there are lots of goombas fellas out there who would be more than happy to buy a decorated SW1500 shell (for let's say $50), then find and buy a pre-owned Life Like SW1200 and swap the shells without worrying about correct trucks?  I don't know if there enough of those people out there to make this a profitable venture for MTL.  We are both speculating here of course.

[coosvalley]

The truck sideframes come with the shell already (in undec, that is), they were in stock recently at MBK(not now). Plus MT sells the sideframes separately too..

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Micro-Trains-N-00302510-SW1500-Flexi-Coil-Trucks-p/mtl-00302510.htm

[Ken Ford]

Yes Ken, it will

Joe

Thanks, Joe - I took a chance and ordered a few of the shell kits before I knew for sure.

[jagged ben]

I might be interested in swapping on a decorated shell or two on an MTL mech without obtaining an LL one.  I have a couple instances of shells that don't overlap eras, so I wouldn't run them together. 

[cjm413]

You just reminded me that I wanted to do a Minnesota Transfer unit. 

Jason

I was hoping for the version with the hood-mounted handrails for an IHB unit, but at this point, I'll take what I could get.

[cjm413]

If we go with your idea, MTL could sell the pre-decorated shells along with the appropriate truck frames (just like they offer on undecorated ones now).  Or are you saying that there are lots of goombas out there who would be more than happy to buy a decorated SW1500 shell (for let's say $50), then find and buy a pre-owned Life Like SW1200 and swap the shells without worrying about correct trucks?  I don't know if there enough of those people out there to make this a profitable venture for MTL.  We are both speculating here of course.

My idea is to promote the idea of selling separate shells a viable product that remains in production vs being discontinued due to the issue with the drives.

The idea for decorated shells was in anticipation of the proverbial "undecorated models don't sell"...which is correct if none are available to purchase...

[Angus Shops]

"Knuckleheads" and "goombas" might be a little unfair to those who are less demanding than others...

Geoff

[peteski]

"Knuckleheads" and "goombas" might be a little unfair to those who are less demanding than others...

Geoff

For those with absolutely no sense of humor I sincerely apologize for using those very derogatory words in jest.

Signed: one dumb Pollack 

[tehachapifan]

Would I really screw up the conversation if I mentioned that I put on old LL SW1200 shell on a new SW1500 drive?

[peteski]

Would I really screw up the conversation if I mentioned that I put on old LL SW1200 shell on a new SW1500 drive?

I say "do whatever floats your shell"! 

[cjm413]

Would I really screw up the conversation if I mentioned that I put on old LL SW1200 shell on a new SW1500 drive?

Not unless anyone misses the pizza cutters that came with the early LL drives

[BobRunty]

Would I really screw up the conversation if I mentioned that I put on old LL SW1200 shell on a new SW1500 drive?

Me too, twice. Bought a couple SW1500's from MBK a while back when they were having a clearance sale on them to use for an SW8 and SW1200 project. The much improved wheelsets alone were worth it to me.

Bob

[JoeD]

For those with absolutely no sense of humor I sincerely apologize for using those very derogatory words in jest.

Signed: one dumb Pollack 

As a Goomba I'm ok with it.  LOL 

[Kisatchie]

As a Goomba I'm ok with it.  LOL

Hmm... heck, Kiz is half
wop, half frog...

[R L Smith]

As a Goomba I'm ok with it.  LOL

As a Knucklehead, I'm OK with it too. Wife # 3 calls me that a lot. 

Wife # 2 had much more derogatory names for me.      

Occasionally well-deserved...