Bluford Shops Trainfest Announcement

[daniel_leavitt2000]

After looking at CR transfer caboose photos, I'm a bit disapointed. The model looks like it will be about 35' long, but the N9 were based on 40 boxcar frames. The N11 was about 36 feet if I remember corectly, but the cabin was several feet longer than what the model shows.

I purchased the Athearn and MTL CR cabooses even though they are foobies because the overall look was convincing. Lets hope that these will be the same. If not, I can always get some TrainCat N9s (they are already on my shopping list).

[central.vermont]

Maybe Craig or Steve can chime in on this.
Can you tell us what the dimensions are from center of bolster too bolster?

Thanks, keep up the great products!!

Jon

[Dave V]

After looking at CR transfer caboose photos, I'm a bit disapointed. The model looks like it will be about 35' long, but the N9 were based on 40 boxcar frames. The N11 was about 36 feet if I remember corectly, but the cabin was several feet longer than what the model shows.

I purchased the Athearn and MTL CR cabooses even though they are foobies because the overall look was convincing. Lets hope that these will be the same. If not, I can always get some TrainCat N9s (they are already on my shopping list).

I immediately thought the same (minus the disappointment); I figure at the very least the cabin portion looks way too short to be a CR/PC prototype.  And, like you, I have several very well-detailed foobs on my layout that look so good, I rather enjoy them.

My foobie list of "looks-so-darned-good-I-had-to-buy-anyway" includes, but is not limited to:

Athearn bay window CR cabin
MTL bay window cabin (lowered, of course!)
Atlas Trainman C&O caboose in Conrail
ExactRail 40' Gunderson gon in CR (I corrected their messed-up can opener logo)
MicroTrains 60' PRR RPO
Atlas 40' URA rebuilds, masquerading as PRR X26C rebuilds
PRR class HH1 2-8-8-2 (correct in every way except era; long gone before my 1956 period)
MTL Penn Central depressed-center flat (body type incorrect for road number, but this is the one I did an article about)

I would be just fine adding a very well detailed and correctly painted Conrail transfer caboose even if the carbody was not 100% correct for Conrail.  Just like the bay window cabooses, I'm OK that it's some other road's prototype.  If the paint and detail are very well done, I'm a sucker for cabin cars.

I'm aware of the Traincat cabins, and one day I may take the plunge, but brass kits are not all that fun for me right now.  Besides, before I spring for a transfer caboose from Traincat, I want some of his H30/H30A covered hoppers and N6 cabins.

[ljudice]

Dan,  my thought was also that dimensionally they are off, but if the look is captured, I'm certainly in for one. I don't see myself building a brass model and the odds that a correct one will be offered are low.

On the other hand, I'm seriously pondering the possibility that the switching at the large steel mill on the layout may be handled by a freelanced shortline or industrial line, so perhaps these will fit in anyway.


- Lou

[bbussey]

Once could always kitbash two Bluford cars into the proper CR prototype.

[sirenwerks]

Once could always kitbash two Bluford cars into the proper CR prototype.

What is this "kitbash" you speak of. I do not know of eet.

[wm3798]

Here's one I stalked out on the Winchester branch back in 19 diggity doo...

Lee

[John]

Looks like it started life as a PS-1

[milw156]

The MP/UP cabs were built as road cabs. I believe the MILW cabs were the same. MP figured they didn't need the bunks and whatnot as well.

Milwaukee's were built on retired steam loco tender frames

[Bluford Craig]

Maybe Craig or Steve can chime in on this.
Can you tell us what the dimensions are from center of bolster too bolster?

Thanks, keep up the great products!!

Jon

Hi guys, sorry for the delay. We are still in Milwaukee and just got back to the hotel. The bolster to bolster distance is 23.2'. As it says on the website, announcements on roadnames etc will come in the next few weeks. Thanks for all the supportive comments.

Steve would like Daniel L to know that if we every make anything he wants to see, Daniel should consider it a complete coincidence
Craig

[central.vermont]

No worry on the delay Craig. I figured you were on the road and would get back when you can.
Thanks for that dimension!

Jon

[asarge]

Steve would like Daniel L to know that if we every make anything he wants to see, Daniel should consider it a complete coincidence

ROTF!!

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I'm not THAT hard to please... Well maybe I am 

I'm still looking forward to the cabeese. Its a big hole in N and I'm glad its filled. Once you get this project out of the way, how about 19k gallon corn syrup tanks, 13k acid tanks, or high side gondolas?

Hi guys, sorry for the delay. We are still in Milwaukee and just got back to the hotel. The bolster to bolster distance is 23.2'. As it says on the website, announcements on roadnames etc will come in the next few weeks. Thanks for all the supportive comments.

Steve would like Daniel L to know that if we every make anything he wants to see, Daniel should consider it a complete coincidence
Craig

[ljudice]

Going to need some GP15's to go with these....

[Sokramiketes]

Steve would like Daniel L to know that if we ever make anything he wants to see, Daniel should consider it a complete coincidence
Craig

Lol, that's a pretty good translation of what Steve probably said.