Single Window Coach and other new cars coming from MTL

[JoeD]

There are other styles to consder... What I am trying to do is offer a selection of significant "kinds" of cars so the modeler can do a train that looks prototypical and then double back for the others.  Some of the heavyweights are unique to one or a few owners and don't really lend them selves to mass production.  I remember when we did the 12-1 there was a lot of heated discussion that I didn't do the version with the different size women's bathroom window or something like that.  I have to stay out of the weeds with some of these choices, but there are still plenty of "kinds" of cars to do.  We are working on the Single Window Coach, something Puddington worked with me to pick out a selection of proto's to consider.  I also would like do a passenger baggage combine, possibly an enclosed observation car and some modernized versions of cars we have done but thats something for the future.

Joe

Let me say first that what follows is just armchair market analysis, heavily influenced by what I want.  Micro-trains has done a great job with the cars they have produced so far, and I am grateful they took on passenger cars- they filled a need that existed in N scale for decades.  Like a lot of folks, I just want MORE styles of these high quality/ good value cars to be made available.

It does strike me as odd that the AZL line of Z scale passenger cars, which substantially parallels MT offerings, includes both an 8-1-2 and a 6-3, and has for several years, but these remain unavailable in N scale.  You would think that with the popularity of both the current MT heavyweight line, and the success that Kato has had with 1950s era streamline cars, that the 8-1-2 and 6-3, which were still in use on prominent trains (at least ones I model) well into the 1950s, would prove popular with modelers.  Frankly, I was surprised that they brought out a 12-1 before bringing out one of those 2 cars, but then, I wanted those cars more than a 12-1, so that preference no doubt "informed" my opinion.

I keep hoping that Roberto will find some time to make up the 6-1-2 Tribe sides, so the 12-1s I have could be used for their intended purpose )ie- cores for those cars).

That said, I think there could well be a market for many Pullman variations, especially the various cars rebuilt in the 40s and 50s ("Tower" 6-4-4 comes to mind), that may be too small a demand to justify injection molding, but would justify etched sides or resin kits, or RP parts.  Hopefully, we will see more cars available in the future.

Tom D

[thomasjmdavis]

There are other styles to consder... What I am trying to do is offer a selection of significant "kinds" of cars so the modeler can do a train that looks prototypical and then double back for the others.  Some of the heavyweights are unique to one or a few owners and don't really lend them selves to mass production.

Joe,

You and MT really have done a great job to date, I was just expressing a personal preference for cars in common use in the 50s, NOT intended to be a criticism.  I have somewhere between 25 and 30 MT heavyweights, at least one in all the body styles so far other than business cars  I am rebuilding some cars with new sides, but have used many right out of the box or with a new paint job to represent cars that are reasonably similar, but unavailable.  On the marketing end, you all have been in business for longer than I have been in N scale, so your marketing decisions must be pretty good.  Frankly, I don't know how you choose one specific coach (or baggage, or diner, etc) to model, there being literally hundreds to choose from, given that there was so little standardization.  The NYC car is a good choice, certainly similar to those of several other roads (as was also true with the paired window coach).

Thanks for not pointing out the several errors in my earlier post- specifically, the Tribe cars were 6-1-4 (not -2, typo) and the 6-4-4 cars were Fir series, not Tower (8-1-3).

Anyway, the MT heavyweights are among the best values out there. Keep up the good work.  Looking forward to the new coach, when it arrives.

[jmlaboda]

I also would like do a passenger baggage combine, possibly an enclosed observation car and some modernized versions of cars we have done but thats something for the future.

Sounds like I need to start gathering info on solarium observation cars... would be good if all the information can be presented...

[nkalanaga]

The ATSF and GN domes are very similar, except for the sides, so it would make sense for them to offer both. 

The same goes for the Budd dome coaches, which they already have in stainless steel.  New sides would give the GN/NP smoothside versions of those.

[JoeD]

I didn't take it as criticism, sorry for the confusion or the way I responded.   Sometimes choice comes down to what we have the best info or access on.  Beyond the basic sleepers, most of the Heavyweights were custom ordered with different modules to suit the railroads making choosing even harder. 

Joe

Joe,

You and MT really have done a great job to date, I was just expressing a personal preference for cars in common use in the 50s, NOT intended to be a criticism.  I have somewhere between 25 and 30 MT heavyweights, at least one in all the body styles so far other than business cars  I am rebuilding some cars with new sides, but have used many right out of the box or with a new paint job to represent cars that are reasonably similar, but unavailable.  On the marketing end, you all have been in business for longer than I have been in N scale, so your marketing decisions must be pretty good.  Frankly, I don't know how you choose one specific coach (or baggage, or diner, etc) to model, there being literally hundreds to choose from, given that there was so little standardization.  The NYC car is a good choice, certainly similar to those of several other roads (as was also true with the paired window coach).

Thanks for not pointing out the several errors in my earlier post- specifically, the Tribe cars were 6-1-4 (not -2, typo) and the 6-4-4 cars were Fir series, not Tower (8-1-3).

Anyway, the MT heavyweights are among the best values out there. Keep up the good work.  Looking forward to the new coach, when it arrives.

[central.vermont]

@Shipsure Any chance we might see some of this at the Springfield show?

Thanks, Jon

[chessie system fan]

Well, I know for me there's such a lack of every kind of heavyweight that I could probably use any model you decide to make. If it's not something I can use directly it's one more kitbashing opportunity.  A baggage combine and a solarium lounge (preferably Pullman plan 3975C, a 3 compartment- 1 drawing- lounge/sun room that B&O and others used  , as found in the Oct.' '88 Mainline Modeler) are high on my wish list.  An 8-5 would be nice as it will be difficult to kitbash a model with doors only on one side.

Any word on the PS1?

[OldEastRR]

I didn't take it as criticism, sorry for the confusion or the way I responded.   Sometimes choice comes down to what we have the best info or access on.  Beyond the basic sleepers, most of the Heavyweights were custom ordered with different modules to suit the railroads making choosing even harder. 

Joe

Modules and frames sounds like a great idea, at least for heavyweight Pullmans,  tho I doubt it would work commercially. What you have is a combination of kits with different components used to make one complete RTR car. Starts with two basic sets: one of only the frame( with underside equipment), separate end vestiblues, diaphragms, roof, and trucks/couplers. The second set would be the frame with vestibule, lavatory and six sections (cast as one piece) end of a 12-1 and empty frame the rest of the car, plus the trucks, etc. Then other sets would be modular Pullman segments like drawing rooms, compartments, coach/sections, lounges, and the like. A modeler buys a basic set, then whichever specific body segments he needs to make a specific type sleeper. These would have interior detail, floors, walls, etc, whatever was part of the sleeping area  -- basically a car section without a roof. With tabs to fit into a slot in the frame so they'd align perfectly, and evrything engineered to go together like gluing together a kit, with minimum seams.  The half body with the 6 sections could be used to make 8-1-2s, 10-1s, 14 sections, and any other sleeper that had at least 6 sections, by getting the kit set that had the segments needed to make that specific car. Add a sprue of roof vents, fans, etc to every body parts pack to copy the roof arrangements for each car. Complete car sets would have the basic set plus all the segments needed to make a complete car. For additional details there are some other railroad-specific detail parts available from Shapeways.
The manufacturer could also assemble the parts into specific cars painted, RTR, and sell those. And craftsmen can buy the kits, assemble and paint them and sell online or at shows.
Yes, a fascinating little fantasy but it was fun to think it up. Also definitely not suggesting MTL do anything like this.

[nkalanaga]

That sounds very easy to do in 3D printing, where it would all be digital files.  Once the files were assembled, print the sides.  The floor, ends, and roof could be injection molded, as they would be standard, and AC ducts could be done either way, as 3D to match the body, or injection molded in strips and end pieces.

[unittrain]

Would also like to see improved 60' hy cubes that aren't compressed.

[bbussey]

If the answer isn't forthcoming before Springfield, I will get a definitive answer on the boxcar in 10 days and advise.  I will be with them at a social function on Friday night.

It's a reworking of the current 50' models.

[chessie system fan]

Well that's too bad. 

This mercifully short little music number accurately describes my thoughts on this whole thing. 

 

Glad I stocked up on undec MDC shells and I guess I'll look over the modified models with a critical eye once they're out and go from there.

Thanks for the update, Bryan.

[coosvalley]

It's a reworking of the current 50' models.

Well, on the plus side, my wallet will like this!