When did MTL update their ACF hoppers?

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I bought a runner pack of ACF 3 bay hoppers for a weathering project and noticed they changed the tooling slightly. The round hatches are now plugs instead of working hatches like their older models. The roof was also modified so that the hinge does not hold the hatch in place.

When was this done?

[pmpexpress]

I bought a runner pack of ACF 3 bay hoppers for a weathering project and noticed they changed the tooling slightly. The round hatches are now plugs instead of working hatches like their older models. The roof was also modified so that the hinge does not hold the hatch in place.

When was this done?

In 2016.

[peteski]

The "Cadillac of N scale" has become a Cheyy Impala.  The removed the working hatches feature.  Too bad, as working features features is something that makes MTL stand out from other manufacturers.  But I'm sure it was a pain to hand-assemble thousands of those hatches in each run of that car. 

[thomasjmdavis]

The "Cadillac of N scale" has become a Cheyy Impala.  The removed the working hatches feature.  Too bad, as working features features is something that makes MTL stand out from other manufacturers.  But I'm sure it was a pain to hand-assemble thousands of those hatches in each run of that car.

I would wonder, also, how many complaints may have been generated from customers who broke hinges and/or lost hatches.  One man's feature can be another man's bug. I keep a package of reefer hatches around as I need a replacement now and then, but I am sure there are those who write nasty emails about such things.

[peteski]

I would wonder, also, how many complaints may have been generated from customers who broke hinges and/or lost hatches.  One man's feature can be another man's bug.

Probably as many as complain about damaging all those fine add-on details, and separate grab irons and ladders on all the new "rivet-counter" locomotives.   

[bbussey]

The original design hatches and hinges are still available as detail parts, even though the bodies are not.

[tom mann]

The opening hatches were cool, but what I would appreciate more at this point are mismatched hatches.

[JoeD]

The "Cadillac of N scale" has become a Cheyy Impala.  The removed the working hatches feature.  Too bad, as working features features is something that makes MTL stand out from other manufacturers.  But I'm sure it was a pain to hand-assemble thousands of those hatches in each run of that car.

https://classiccars.com/listings/find/1969/chevrolet/impala     Not seeing a problem here  LOL

[peteski]

https://classiccars.com/listings/find/1969/chevrolet/impala     Not seeing a problem here  LOL

Very cute Joe. 

Well, since you picked a specific year, let me do the same.  I'll raise you a Cadillac.   

https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1367839/1958-cadillac-brougham-for-sale-in-boca-raton-florida-33487

[nkalanaga]

"The opening hatches were cool, but what I would appreciate more at this point are mismatched hatches."

A continuous trough hatch version would be nice as well.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'll tell ya, I'm 100% ok with the end of opening hatches and doors if it means they don't flop around or have gaps anymore.

[Mark5]

While at it please make em body mounted. These are nice models and they deserve this.

[peteski]

I'll tell ya, I'm 100% ok with the end of opening hatches and doors if it means they don't flop around or have gaps anymore.

Gaps?!  We don't have any stinkin' gaps there.  I don't recall any MTL hatches (reefer or covered hoppers) that would have gaps.  The Cadillac of N scale made sure that all the hatches fit their openings perfectly. Unless you can show me otherwise Ed. 

[JoeD]

While at it please make em body mounted. These are nice models and they deserve this.

They are on our list to upgrade as time allows given the current status of things...

Joe

[JoeD]

Very cute Joe. 

Well, since you picked a specific year, let me do the same.  I'll raise you a Cadillac.   

https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1367839/1958-cadillac-brougham-for-sale-in-boca-raton-florida-33487

uncle