PE Steeplecab Freight Motor Project

[ZeNstudent]

 I finally decided to join RailWire. Some of you may remember the ZenMaster articles in N-scale magazine. These were my articles explaining how to do steam locomotive conversions from existing models available.

Over these past years, I have done many scratch built and kit-bashed models that I think would be of interest to readers. You may know know that I own GHQ Micro Armor. Along with our military lines for collecting and wargaming, we produce Roadmasters N and HO scale vehicles for Model railroaders.

Recently,  designed a an N-scale model of the Pacific Electric Steeplecab freight motor, including the correct trolley pole. The pole is a working pole in scale. As I do with all my models, I put all parts in molds so I can do more than one for myself and my friends. These molds are basically preproduction molds, not molds for mass production, but it occurred to me that a limited run of this steeple cab should be of interest to a wide circle of N-scalers. It is a highly detailed model of the last series of Pacific Electric steeplecabs, but it was very common on other roads across the country. It mounts on a Bandai #5 or #3 mechanism very easily.

This is not some knockoff of the 3D printed steeplecab. It is far more correct and detailed including correct trolly pole and truck sideframes. I  am seriously thinking about doing a kickstarter to assess interest. It would probably price at $140 for the kit. You buy the mechanism and decals. You see the pictures and let me know your thoughts on this.

If this works out, I feel that there are other PE models that could be made to GHQ standards and kickstarted. Is there enough interest?

[SP-Wolf]

Outstanding!!

Put me down for one --


Wolf

[Jim Starbuck]

Beautiful work!
I did a similar motor for The Milwaukee Electric using a modified Shapeways shell.
The Bandai powered chassis run very nicely. Excellent choice!

Jim

[johnb]

I so want one....which drive works better with it, Bandi ot Tomix?

[Cajonpassfan]

Outstanding!
And welcome to the Railwire. This kind of modeling is what makes the Railwire Railwire.
Put me down for one as well, although I don't plan to power it, it will be just (expensive) scenery
Otto K.

[tehachapifan]

Wowzers!

[C855B]

Outstanding!
... I don't plan to power it, it will be just (expensive) scenery...

An incredible model, for sure. I could incorporate it as scenery as well, but that would be the start of an intense (i.e., impossible) modeling effort in setting the scene for the Orange Empire Railroad Museum since my target era is ~1970. Can you say "1624"?

[johnb]

I keep coming back and staring at this...I really want four or five, but it will be a fight with the wife for one....

[Chris333]

I could get down with that. There was one that ran local to me:
http://donsdepot.donrossgroup.net/ys100.jpg

[johnb]

I just shared this in the Facebook traction modelers group

[cgw]

I will spring for two of them.    bring them on.      I wish you would also bring out some of the pennsy electrics you showed several years ago at one of the nmra conventiontions,

[Philip H]

I’m not a PE guy per se but I do appreciate a good box cab. I’d be happy with the poles as a start and could probably be  persuaded to do the whole kit at some point. But good quality trolly poles in n scale are something of a unicorn.

[johnb]

I’m not a PE guy per se but I do appreciate a good box cab. I’d be happy with the poles as a start and could probably be  persuaded to do the whole kit at some point. But good quality trolly poles in n scale are something of a unicorn.

miniatures by Eric  makes poles in brass

[mmagliaro]

It's a simply beautiful model! And although I don't have use for this, it gives me hope that you will show other projects here and release other kits or parts!

And by the way...
WELCOME to this forum. It's about damn time!
 

[peteski]

I finally decided to join RailWire. Some of you may remember the ZenMaster articles in N-scale magazine. These were my articles explaining how to do steam locomotive conversions from existing models available.

Over these past years, I have done many scratch built and kit-bashed models that I think would be of interest to readers. You may know know that I own GHQ Micro Armor. Along with our military lines for collecting and wargaming, we produce Roadmasters N and HO scale vehicles for Model railroaders.

Welcome aboard Zen-Master!  It's an honor to have you participating in the Ralwire!

The quality of all the GHQ pewter kits is the tops!  While I don't really have a need for this model, I might pick one up because it is such a unique and well executed kits.  I go for the unique stuff.  You mention that decals are not included. Are there N scale decals for this type of locomotive readily available?  If not, you might consider including decals with the kit.