Thanks guys, we really do have to struggle sometimes just to get the basics right. I got into the hobby in the 70s, when N scale was already surprisingly popular despite the abysmal quality of most commercial models, and HO modellers had many of the "basic" problems we now face. Hopefully enough N scalers appreciate that current manufacturing technology can produce much closer to scale models in terms of detail and functionality and will keep up the pressure to evolve... in the meantime, I can show you this LBF Aeroflo which I just finished. The car has been lowered by about one scale foot, has BLMA 100T trucks/36" wheels, I have had to remove the snap on end platforms which are more for show and don't provide a secure pad for couplers, add mounting platforms for 2004 type underslung MT couplers. The LBF cars have the correct wheelbase with the outer wheels protruding slightly beyond the car ends. With the lowering, there wasn't enough clearance for mounting screws for the couplers as these would hit the outer axles, so I used plastic dowels glued in and cut flush with the bottom of the coupler box. Barely enough clearance even that way. Hopefully this will hold up. I abraded the Delrin of the MT couplers before installation with baking soda blasting to improve epoxy adhesion and it seems very strong.
The stock LBF car has 33" plastic MT wheels which artificially lowers it by 3" , it's really a high rider, looks like it would topple over with 36" wheels added to the standard setup!
I took these photos in the late afternoon a couple of days ago, I think the reddish daylight overly accentuates the rust of the wheel faces and the reddishness of the CN logo, which are much less conspicuous indoors.
I finally got around to finishing the SD40-2 (I think the real CN 5383 has now been retired), it has sound and is my next to last sound project (one FVM GEVO to go almost done). After that, no more onboard sound! I have about 25 LBF and Deluxe aluminum coal gons, and I don't think I can live with the "stock" factory look, they will have to be modified. The Kato Bethgons (there's two 8 car CN sets, plus 3 singles) are much better in that regard, I don't care for their couplers, but only one or two can be redone with MT couplers and thes rest will couple to each other. The wheels and stirrups look OK, and of course they roll extremely well. Would be nice if Deluxe reworked their Bethgons for the new release they've been promising (and according to Dave Ferrari, definitely will be done).
