Scale Trains announces....

[peteski]

Are the pockets cast into the pilots? That's been their philosophy so far. I've had an exchange with them twice about the TSC and how integrated "compatible" pockets make a swap to the newer design a big project. I still haven't converted my turbines yet because of the complexity, the amount of carving involved on these fragile models, and having to do six on each set.

Mike, I didn't care for the "McHenry lookalike" couplers in that model so I converted my Big Blow set to MTL couplers and it was a drop-in conversion. Took the screw out, removed the bottom pocket plate, installed MTL coupler, and closed up the coupler box.  Easy-peasy. I don't recall which MTL coupler I used - It probably was a 1015.  Not sure what you mean by "carving".

[C855B]

Oh, the stock ScaleTrains couplers are awful. They don't couple for cr@p, either - slam city on both the turbines and carbon cars I have. I'm talking about what it takes to upgrade to the MTL True Scale Coupler. The TSC requires different box internals, and the way it works makes it unlikely/difficult to design into the 1015 box or ScaleTrains' compatible box. Maybe Joe & Co. will surprise us with their usual creative engineering, but IIRC they considered that and ruled in favor of better operation rather than full compatibility.

[peteski]

I'm talking about what it takes to upgrade to the MTL True Scale Coupler.

Ah, I get it now.

[bbussey]

Are the pockets cast into the pilots? That's been their philosophy so far.

Pretty sure it is. Easy to swap in 1015s. Not so much the new True Scale couplers.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I guess you could revise the drawings to make a C32-8...

Yes do it!

[Mark W]

If you're willing to make a few small non-destructive modifications to the Scale Trains coupler box (the original couples can still be swapped back in), then TrueScale installation is quite easy.
I've done this mod on several 1015 boxes too, but using the original Scale Trains box looks much better.


https://i.imgur.com/nFUIgmc.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/28apH0f.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/B2YRZu3.jpg

[Ed Kapuscinski]

The only problem these have is that they don't shoot fireballs.

Otherwise, I'm excited.

[C855B]

If you're willing to make a few small non-destructive modifications to the Scale Trains coupler box (the original couples can still be swapped back in), then TrueScale installation is quite easy.
I've done this mod on several 1015 boxes too, but using the original Scale Trains box looks much better.
...

Thanks for confirming this. I was rifling through my various coupler scraps last night, thinking to myself it might work by adding a pivot pin towards the front of the pocket, as it turns out just like you did.

I'll try this later this week - I'm on a track-laying tear right now and dare not interrupt the flow. 

[lock4244]

The only problem these have is that they don't shoot fireballs.

Otherwise, I'm excited.

I too was disappointed in the lack of prototype fidelity to this common GE feature.

[C855B]

If you're willing to make a few small non-destructive modifications to the Scale Trains coupler box (the original couples can still be swapped back in), then TrueScale installation is quite easy.
I've done this mod on several 1015 boxes too, but using the original Scale Trains box looks much better. ...

I received the "official" e-mail on the new hoppers today with a link to the preview video. Yeah, it appears ST did the molded-in coupler box again. I will try your mod on one of my carbon cars and see how it works; it's a good test case because if I blow it or it otherwise doesn't go well, it would still be possible to cut the whole box off and neatly replace with a TSC without destroying the car (already did one full replacement).

I should also have a chance to talk with Michael and Shane in two weeks when they visit the St. Louis RPM meet.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I have two units and one of the new hoppers on order. I would have purchased a few more hoppers, but IM has the same model coming in more variations so I have to pick up a few of those as well.

Now I just need a few C32-8s.

[learmoia]

I have two units and one of the new hoppers on order. I would have purchased a few more hoppers, but IM has the same model coming in more variations so I have to pick up a few of those as well.

Now I just need a few C32-8s.

I'm going to assume that the IM model is a dead in the water.

But they are doing a Tier 4 so who knows.
~Ian

[flight2000]

I'm going to assume that the IM model is a dead in the water.

But they are doing a Tier 4 so who knows.
~Ian

Looking at IMRC's page for reservations/coming soon, I have to agree with Ian's assessment.  All of the 4785's are showing red - "needs reservations" which is code for we don't have enough orders and will cancel the program shortly. 

https://www.intermountain-railway.com/newsncomingsoon.html

Brian

[ljudice]

Now I just need a few C32-8s.

Was thinking that but realized what is needed more is a C30-7A and C36-7

[jagged ben]

Hmmm...

http://www.railpictures.net/photo/684258/

Digging up this thread because I saw the photo and said to myself, "Maybe this Tehachapi modeler should buy a C39 after all."   Then I noticed the number and did some research and realized that's a C32-8, which I didn't know existed.  But are there any external differences between the two?   Should I wait for a second run from ST with C32-8 numbers?