NEW BLMA Announcement - Smooth Tub NS TopGons!

[Craig Martyn]

Hi Everyone,

We're pleased to announce a new variation of our HO & N Scale Norfolk Southern TopGon Coal Cars. Coming in 24 unique numbers, this new variation features a 'smooth tub' design and will add instant variation to your coal car fleet. Order now for delivery in quarter 4, 2013.

Visit our website for additional information: http://www.blmamodels.com/blog

Thanks for looking and Happy Thanksgiving!

[OHCR 4218]

Good news, my coal train gets longer and my wallet gets lighter. next year isn't looking good for Mr. Wallet 

[Ian MacMillan]

If only BLMA made CR hoppers! 

[Robbman]

If only BLMA made CR hoppers! 

Like an H1a/H1d?  Not that I would ever, EVER pester Craig to do an N&W car that I actually need 

[Ian MacMillan]

Like an H1a/H1d?  Not that I would ever, EVER pester Craig to do an N&W car that I actually need 

Bingo

[Mark5]

Like an H1a/H1d?  Not that I would ever, EVER pester Craig to do an N&W car that I actually need 

Ah, are these the H12 (N&W) clones?

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Do these come with BLMA trucks?

[John]

I think we need some more bathtub gon variations .. and also the CSX Steel Express cars ...

[Leggy]

All Kato needs to do now is release a correct NS SD70ACe and I'd have no reason not to model NS coal country....

[Scottl]

The Trainworx etched retrofit kit for the Kato makes pretty easy work of modifying the SD70ACe unit to a SD70M-2 for NS or CN.  I just did the CN version (there are parts for both in the kit) and the hardest part was stripping the factory paint.

[Craig Martyn]

Daniel:  These cars will ride on Accumate trucks - same as the first three runs.  We thought about producing these with our trucks; however, the tooling modifications plus the additional cost of the metal wheels would push the retail price up dramatically.  Considering these run as a unit train, we want to keep the price low so everyone can build long trains.

[John]

Considering these run as a unit train, we want to keep the price low so everyone can build long trains.

+1

[Robbman]

Ah, are these the H12 (N&W) clones?

Not clones... N&W built the H1a and H1d for CR.

N&W also built them for Upper Merion and Plymouth, Island Creek Coal Company and Blue Diamond Coal Company.  I still haven't figured out the disposition of the  Blue Diamond cars... they had one trainset (75 cars, IIRC) of them, used on and off the Clinchfield/Haysi RR

[ai5629]

Hey Rob, how can any N&W/NS coal fleet be complete without an H11B?  This could be decorated in lots of road names in addition to N&W/ NS.  It's just pure coincidence that these are identical to PRR H43's and Bethlehem Steel's 100 ton three bay.  It has been done already, but it could be done again with better ride height and more scale details.  I'm just throwing it out there.  Thanks.

Jeff