Hopper Roofwalks

[amato1969]

Speaking of cabooses, I would love to see an etched endrail/ladder set for the LifeLike NE caboose.  Aside from the softball-sized rivets, the end rails and ladders are the "chunkiest" parts on the thing.

  Frank

[bbussey]

OK, I added the supports with the proper curvature. It was then I noticed that the end supports would also be removed, so I added the supports that can be bent 90 degrees to replace them.

Bob, I'm curious as to why are the walkways offset on the longer roofwalk artwork.  Not questioning it, just unfamiliar with the configuration.  I will be looking at roofwalk options to convert the BLMA model into the trough hatch version, to model the LV cars.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

E-mail sent

[Mark5]

Speaking of cabooses, I would love to see an etched endrail/ladder set for the LifeLike NE caboose.  Aside from the softball-sized rivets, the end rails and ladders are the "chunkiest" parts on the thing.

  Frank

Yeah, I agree. A little lowering and the above and presto!

[TrainCat2]

Bob, I'm curious as to why are the walkways offset on the longer roofwalk artwork.  Not questioning it, just unfamiliar with the configuration.  I will be looking at roofwalk options to convert the BLMA model into the trough hatch version, to model the LV cars.

Hi Bryan,

Unlike the ACF, the Thrall's walkways are just around the openings and do not extend to the side of the hopper. So the end walks must extend to the sides for ladder access.

The walkways on the ACF are 85% of the width (and slightly below the top of the dome) so walkway is right at the ladder.

I'll see if I can find a LL NE to play with.

[TrainCat2]

OK, here is the Thrall 4750 upgrade you guys asked for.


I am also looking for a forum member who would like a few Atlas ACF 3560 Covered Hopper upgrades and do a how to that can be posted in my tutorial section. PM me if interested.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Looks good. Any progress on the Walthers PD hopper?

[GaryHinshaw]

Looks great Bob.   It seems like this would fit the Red Caboose 4700 cuft hopper as well.

I'd be happy to test out and write up a 3560 kit for you.  PM me if you're still looking for someone.

Cheers,
Gary

[wazzou]

Is anyone other than myself interested in retrofitting the Walthers PS 4427 covered hoppers with new stainless roofwalks?

I have asked Bob and he'd be willing if he had more firm interest than just the 6 I would need.
I would say that we would cumulatively need to come up with probably 50-70 firm orders where Bob could make 100 or so pieces to make it cost effective.

I am just speaking from the hip here without input from Bob but maybe if he sees this, he can let me know how close to the truth I speak.

[Denver Road Doug]

I might be interested in the 4427 roofwalks, but I wonder if we won't be seeing an upgraded 4427 from ExactRail soon?  They did them in HO so I'm thinking we might see them at some point.   I like the Walthers models and have a handful but I've stopped buying them off eBay and at shows by virtue of the ExactRail factor.  That and the stinkin' Cargill version gets insane bids on eBay anyway.

I'd say, wait to see what comes from Exactrail at the big "Announce" shows like the NMRA National and N-Scale Collector.  Then I would be in for 5 or so, assuming they are priced in the same range as the Plano and GMM kits.