ESM — ASF Ride Control Trucks and Low Profile Metal Wheels

[peteski]

Looking nice, but know me - I need to comment. 

Couple of things:

Trucks: It would have been nice not to have the roller bearing end caps not lined up (I believe that MTL trucks have them molded that way). Yes, I know that sometimes those are lined up like that on 1:1 trucks too. 

Wheels: The are obviously an attempt to make them look very realistic (with the back relief machined on them). Then why make the front rim unrealistically wide? I believe that the rim on 1:1 wheel faces is much thinner (FVM wheels have such narrower rim).  I know, these are likely sourced from a 3rd party manufacturer, not your designs. Still it would be nice for someone to tell the manufacturer to machine narrower rims. All they likely have to do is is to make slight change to the CNC code for the machine that makes the wheels.

EDIT: after further evaluation (see this post and few that follow) I am retracting the above statement. These wheels seem to depict a brand new wheel with no tread wear (thus, the rim is at its thickest).

[bbussey]

I actually started with the caps askew because no N scale RB truck had been rendered that way (they all are aligned), but the trucks looked better with them straight for whatever reason.

Nope, they are our wheels from our specs.  A thinner rim also would have been nice, which we attempted to do.  We may revisit this in the future, but the wheels look good in the trucks and function as designed, and I didn't want to risk missing my production window after having to miss it last year due to the Affa dissolution.  We sent a bunch of test samples earlier this year out to about a dozen layout-operating modelers across the continent to get their feedback, which was positive.

[wcfn100]

I actually started with the caps askew because no N scale RB truck had been rendered that way (they all are aligned)...

I think BLMA 100ton trucks are.

Jason

[peteski]

I actually started with the caps askew because no N scale RB truck had been rendered that way (they all are aligned), but the trucks looked better with them straight for whatever reason.

Interesting.  I guess some modelers find symmetry pleasing to the eye.  To me it it looks odd. But then again. from 3 feet, you can't tell their orientation anyway (only in extreme closeup photos). 

But there are quite a few examples with asymmetrically molded axle ends. Just got to http://www.spookshow.net/trucks/trucks.php and check out the roller bearing section.

Nope, they are our wheels from our specs.  A thinner rim also would have been nice, which we attempted to do.  We may revisit this in the future, but the wheels look good in the trucks and function as designed, and I didn't want to risk missing my production window after having to miss it last year due to the Affa dissolution.  We sent a bunch of test samples earlier this year out to about a dozen layout-operating modelers across the continent to get their feedback, which was positive.

As for the samples being accepted, I suspect that most modelers aren't as anal as I am, plus they were probably concentrating on their running characteristics, not the appearance under extreme closeup. Still, if the manufacturing cost would be the same as wheels with thicker rims, why not do it? I wouldn't have thought that a thinner rim would be problematic. I wonder what the problem is (especially that there are wheels on the market with thinner rims).

[Point353]

I guess some modelers find symmetry pleasing to the eye.  To me it it looks odd. But then again. from 3 feet, you can't tell their orientation anyway (only in extreme closeup photos).
As for the samples being accepted, I suspect that most modelers aren't as anal as I am, plus they were probably concentrating on their running characteristics, not the appearance under extreme closeup.

Translation: Somebody feels slighted for not being included in the beta test group. 

[peteski]

Translation: Somebody feels slighted for not being included in the beta test group. 

No, not at all.  Just curious.

[Santa Fe Guy]

Even though I have moved out of N Scale I congratulate you for taking the step to take control of your own product.
Hobbyists in all scales have been hit hard by countless closures in China and I see this a great move on your part, pity others cannot see a way to take a similar step.
Rod.

[Missaberoad]

Nice, always happy to see more trucks avaliable in N scale. (something we are still lacking IMO)

Are there any plans for other styles of sideframes in the future?

[CodyO]

@bbussey great work.

Cant wait to pick some up.

I see nothing wrong with them, and I'm glad your adding them to ESM's great lineup.

[peteski]

I see nothing wrong with them, and I'm glad your adding them to ESM's great lineup.

Absolutely! There is nothing inherently wrong with those trucks, but I also don't think there is anything wrong in striving for perfection, and asking questions.  That's all. Isn't that what online forums are for?

[ednadolski]

Nice! Any chance of a 100T version?

Also -- do they lower the ride height a la BLMA trucks?

Ed

[wcfn100]

It would be nice is the bolster height was listed on the packaging.

Jason

[wazzou]

Absolutely! There is nothing inherently wrong with those trucks, but I also don't think there is anything wrong in striving for perfection, and asking questions.  That's all. Isn't that what online forums are for?

I can agree that a thinner rim at the wheel would look best if that accounts for anything.   

[peteski]

I can agree that a thinner rim at the wheel would look best if that accounts for anything.   

It sure does - thanks!  At least that shows that I'm not the only opinionated a-hole around here. 

But in all seriousness, it was just an observation. Not like I would throw that truck out of my bed. It is pretty hot! 

[Lemosteam]

Bryan's wheel flange thickness does not look that much different that this @peteski -vaunted ( ) Kato wheelset: