Micro-Trains for August 2023

[thomasjmdavis]

https://www.micro-trains.com/publicfiles/monthly/MN2308.pdf

The ATSF gondola has arrived! Only in the original A.T.S.F. version, in one number. But I'm definitely in for one. Comes with a banded load.

Also ATSF PS-2 hoppers (2 pack). They are correctly decorated and numbered as Ga-105 (the 1957 of the PS-2 on Santa Fe). Unfortunately, for me, I need the earlier prototype with channel end ribs. But I'm sure they will be popular with 1957-1970s and 80s modelers.

Lots of other interesting stuff. The passenger sets this month are lettered for Medford, Talent & Lakeside.

[martin station]

I think that I may be in for the NW ex-NKP gondola.
Ralph

[sp org div]

Whats with the shiny metal wheels?

[peteski]

Whats with the shiny metal wheels?

That is the latest iteration of MTL metal wheels.  They are now machined (not cast from white metal), but for some reason they have incorrect flat (not concave) profile like all their previous wheels. I don't get it. Is it more expensive to machine more prototypical contour?  And yes, the blackening (or more accurately "browning") is rather on the pale side.

[bbussey]

... Is it more expensive to machine more prototypical contour?

I don't have a problem.

[Mark5]

The NW (exNKP) gons (Pullman Standard) were converted to coil service in 1965-1967 (class CS2)
https://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/detail.php?ID=24460

Here is a sister gon 269075 in 2009:
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3280000

Looks like MTL did their homework on the paint (except they used the wrong version of the "hamburger" logo).

Mark

[SP-Wolf]

Mr wallet is going to be feeling it -- ATSF gon and hoppers- SP supply cars ---

Best regards,
Wolf

[haasmarc]

From the picture, that mill gon seems to ride kind of high...  Have to wait and see one in person.

[JMaurer1]

I was thinking that I was going to be safe this month...and then the SP supply cars. Thanks MT...(to be read with sarcasm from the viewpoint of my wallet and then read with true appreciation from the heart)

[bbussey]

From the picture, that mill gon seems to ride kind of high...  Have to wait and see one in person.

I think it’s the angle of the photo and the bright wheels. I’m going to get one to support the cause, plus they released a scheme correct for the prototype first which always is a big positive for me.

[JoeD]

From the picture, that mill gon seems to ride kind of high...  Have to wait and see one in person.

Its the angle it was photographed.   

Joe

[Ngineer]

Do you have any idea why they offer/produce so many Big Sky Blue boxcars?

I'd like to see more, and I mean lots of them, brown/iron oxide box cars from the mid sixties.

In my opinion these are overlooked. We either get really old cars or fancy new ones. Even those that could be used have that Kartrak marking or even a wheel inspection dot.

But alas, I'll take both PRR hoppers. THEY are mid sixities.

Cheers

Javier

[bbussey]

Do you have any idea why they offer/produce so many Big Sky Blue boxcars?

They sell well.  Very popular.

[Ngineer]

They sell well.  Very popular.

But if you look at pictures from that period in the past you only see one or two in a long string of brown boxcars. That puzzles me.

Cheers

Javier

[djconway]

Flashy colors sell