Received my Intermountain Super Domes

[Missaberoad]

I wonder if the MILW did that for more clearance in the electrified regions?  The GN also ran their domes under wires, but only for about a year.

I doubt it... The Milwaukee catenary had no shortage of clearance. There was no issues running trilevel auto racks without any modification to the wires...

[basementcalling]

Lets take a moment and recognize what an accomplishment that dome really is. Wow.

The car interiors look outstanding, and the paint schemes reflect IM's typical quality decorating, but what exactly is the "accomplishment" you refer to? Not being a passenger car guy, maybe I am missing something, but the offering doesn't seem to be more detailed or outstanding than a Rapido or Wheels of Time passenger car.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

The car interiors look outstanding, and the paint schemes reflect IM's typical quality decorating, but what exactly is the "accomplishment" you refer to? Not being a passenger car guy, maybe I am missing something, but the offering doesn't seem to be more detailed or outstanding than a Rapido or Wheels of Time passenger car.

Look at the thickness and detailing of the dome frame. I'm assuming that's all etched metal.

[peteski]

Look at the thickness and detailing of the dome frame. I'm assuming that's all etched metal.

I doubt it it is etched.  What it looks to me is that the entire dome (or roof) is molded in clear styrene, then the windows are masked and the "metal" parts are simply painted.  Like modelers of military aircraft do for their aircraft canopies framing.

Kato Milwaukee dome car OTOH has "real" framing, and flush windows.  A real masterpiece of engineering design and molding (not that any of that matters, as long as the mode looks good).

Also, to me the unpainted metal grab irons look odd on a non-silver colored car.  I know, here I go again being blunt and honest. 

But on a positive note, the interior does look great (especially the thin railings). 

[Missaberoad]

I have a Hiawatha so I'm very familiar with the Kato model and this car blows it out of the water... Good job IMRC! 😎

[nickelplate759]

...

Also, to me the unpainted metal grab irons look odd on a non-silver colored car.  I know, here I go again being blunt and honest. 
...

The IC, at least, had unpainted stainless grabs on their painted passenger cars.

[Bart1701]

A few more photos. Disassembly is pretty easy. The Dome is held in by tabs at each end that snap into a slot at the end of the body. The dome interior has 2 small tabs near the end of each side that fit into the dome glass/frame. Very easy to get it apart.

I added some photos showing it with the Kato Superdome and a Kato Santa Fe sleeper.

Finally, a shot with the interior lights on. The lights shine through the dome floor to add some light in the dome. If you paint the carpet and seats in the dome, this may impact how much light gets through.

Bart

[peteski]

The IC, at least, had unpainted stainless grabs on their painted passenger cars.

I recall seeing unpainted brass grabs, but not stainless steel. Good to know - thanks George.

[mu26aeh]

A friend asked about a Chessie System product number, so I looked up the release information, it's marked as a CSX Safety train car.  Didn't know it was part of the run, I might have to grab one myself now.

[nkalanaga]

Bart:  Interesting that it's so much taller than the Kato dome, but matches the (Kato?) stainless steel car in the next picture.

[peteski]

Bart:  Interesting that it's so much taller than the Kato dome, but matches the (Kato?) stainless steel car in the next picture.

It is odd.  ON the Kato and IM domes the diaphragms seem to be at the same height (or actually the IM one is a bit lower). The edge of the roof also seems to match.  It seems that the IM roof is more convex than the Kato one, and the dome part is also taller.  As a side note, there is also quite a bit of coupler height mismatch.

Kato stainless steel car seems to have roof curvature which matches the IM car.

[peteski]

I added some photos showing it with the Kato Superdome and a Kato Santa Fe sleeper.

Finally, a shot with the interior lights on. The lights shine through the dome floor to add some light in the dome. If you paint the carpet and seats in the dome, this may impact how much light gets through.

Bart

That is an unusual effect.

[peteski]

A few more photos. Disassembly is pretty easy. The Dome is held in by tabs at each end that snap into a slot at the end of the body. The dome interior has 2 small tabs near the end of each side that fit into the dome glass/frame. Very easy to get it apart.

Bart

Bart,
would it be possible to take a picture of the dome "glass" with it turned upside down?  I'm curious whether I was correct that it is a solid clear piece with the framing done in paint, or is the framing a separate piece.

[spookshow]

Does anyone know the official name/designation for those trucks? The best I can find via google is "GSC 11' six-wheel", which is rather generic.

Thanks,
-Mark

[hegstad1]

Prototype photo for reference.