U50s Verandas/Turbines - ConCor & newer versions thereof ?

[Colorado_Bob]

Google still remembers the page, but it looks like Con-Cor finally removed it - http://www.con-cor.com/033021.html

The announcement was made in May 2013, with delivery scheduled for "hopefully" late 2013.

-Mark

I tried the link that Mark has here and got a 404.  I did a little googling myself and ended up back on WigWag's page where I made the reservation.  They have an update note that suggests it was from 2011.  Time flies I guess.  No wonder I couldn't remember when exactly I ordered these.

[scaro]

Even if another manufacturer does produce a model of the U50, there is no guarantee that the trucks will be similar to the old-stye internal-bearings Kato trucks.

I'm probably dim, but why do you call them 'internal bearings', Pete? Are you referring to what I call 'sleeved axle stubs'? Is this technically a 'bearing.'

Did anyone else in N use that set up apart from Kato ? As it's obviously good for regauging.

Ben S.

[peteski]

I'm probably dim, but why do you call them 'internal bearings', Pete? Are you referring to what I call 'sleeved axle stubs'? Is this technically a 'bearing.'

Did anyone else in N use that set up apart from Kato ? As it's obviously good for regauging.

Ben S.

I call any model truck where the "bearings" supporting the axles are inboard of the wheels and which uses wheel wipers for electric pickup an inside-bearing design.  That was the prevalent design in early N scale models. Then we have the now-popular Kato-style low-friction outside needle-point axle bearings.

There are still many contemporaty models (especially from European manufacturers) which use the inside-bearing design.  Not quite like Kato's, but the typical older design where the insulated wheels and a spur gear are all placed on a single-piece steel axle.    For example Arnold/Hornby's recent US-prototype locos, and even the Scale Trains Big Blow use the inside-bearing design for their trucks.

[scaro]

Ah okay, I did see an Arnold version of the ancient Rivarossi SW yesterday which probably had this design.  Didn't pick it up though.

Ben S

[Nato]

                  Con Cor if I recall correctly was going to offer sound for both the turbine and the U 50, the sound woud have been in the tender requiring running a U 50 with a tender. While good for their day  the rear end detail on the Turbines especially the hand rail was very poor. Last  versions did reproduce the Scotchlite reflector red striping effect nicely. I think I do have either one or two Turbine's on order somewhere, maybe BLW.  Yes Con Cor was the "Cats Meow" in its day but has been greatly  surpassed.  It is a wonder that they still survive.  Nate Goodman (Nato).   

[scaro]

If anyone does have one he wants to sell (at least the powered chassis), by all means message me. Paint scheme irrelevant (you can keep the shell if you think it'll be of use to you.)  I'm in the UK tho.

Ben S.

[JMaurer1]

Athearn bought up Model Die Casting...they have some GREAT old time passenger and box cars that they could be running (I know, they have said that they are going to run the shorty passenger cars some day soon and the old time box cars are due next month) but while they come out with lots of NEW HO engines and freight, as well as rerunning older models, they MIGHT do 1-2 reruns of N scale cars a month (no new announcements since June). Lets look at June:

HO GP 50
HO SD70M/SD75I
HO PC&F 50' Smooth Side 14' Plug Door Box Car
HO Single Sheath 50' Box Car
HO Bay Window Caboose
HO Jindo 53' Container

N FMC 50' 5347 Single Door Box Car

Two different engines, two freight cars and a container in HO and a boxcar in N.

In May, 2 engines, 4 freight cars and a diesel truck in HO and a TOFC flat in N.

I know, this is off track so I'll stop. I just wish Athearn would do more with the N scale they have. I know, somebody is going to say that HO sells more, but 6 times more? If they didn't want the N scale, then maybe they will do what Walthers did and eventually sell it so it can see the light of day again. MDC/Roundhouse, while not cutting edge still filled a need (especially the overland passenger cars IMHO).

Back to topic, I still would like to get a nice Veranda again some day that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.