Fleet chassis from Showcase Miniatures

[JoeW]

Hi Gang
Showcase Miniatures recently introduced in N scale the Builders pack  (I type) cab and chassis.  http://www.showcaseminiatures.net/vehicles.html
The concept
It is designed so that you can custom build and outfit it according to the particular utility of your choice.  What you get is two chassis and two cabs and a cut to length drive shaft for both models.  The cab and chassis is much like you would buy from a fleet sales department where you would outfit it on your own to your desired utility.
 
Important feature to note about the models

• The rear end differential is to be applied separately and can slide up or down the chassis to your desired wheel base. 
• The excess length of the chassis can simply be removed from the back end after the desired wheel base is set.
• next cut the drive shaft to match your wheel base and locate it in the front and rear connecting points. 

Now you are ready to build or fit the bed body according to your choice.

Of course for those of you who decide to give it a shot thank you but also please consider letting us know what kinds of configurations you come up with and like.  We are hoping to interact with you and expand the concept further into the future.
Thanks JoeW

[cfritschle]

Joe,

I could use a photo for the N Scale Vehicle Association's webpage.

Carter

[GimpLizard]

Very cool idea. Unfortunately... wrong era. At this point in time, anyway. (Was that some sort of pun?)

[sirenwerks]

Very cool idea. Unfortunately... wrong era. At this point in time, anyway. (Was that some sort of pun?)

Me too.     If you do a version with the older I cab, I'm in.

[bman]

     This is a great idea.  This makes it easy to model a couple of the straight trucks that the companies I have worked with used for sure.   And I'll bet between scratch building, kitbashing, and folks working with shapeways,   lots of options can and most likely will be designed to fit on these.  Be great to see what folks do with these.

[Catt]

Joe W most of the companies around here that use this particular truck only have a single rear axle.Williams Form the company I retired from has a I type with a 20' flatbed with only a single rear axle,and I just happen to model that place on my N scale layout.

[cfritschle]

Joe W most of the companies around here that use this particular truck only have a single rear axle.Williams Form the company I retired from has a I type with a 20' flatbed with only a single rear axle,and I just happen to model that place on my N scale layout.

Johnathan,

I have not ordered the Fleet Builder's pack yet, but based on the rear axle casting included with the MOW truck,  it should be really easy to convert the tandem rear axle casting into two single rear axle castings.

Carter

[sirenwerks]

JoeW,

Any chance this idea will be produced with the 1968 vintage I type too?  It would save Showcase considerable whining from the peanut gallery about when you're going to produce certain body styles.  At least from those modelers with the gumption to build it themselves.  Personally, I like the price point too.  Buying multiple flatbeds of the '68 version only to toss the body is wasteful - of white metal and financially.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Ah... I have to get a new order in for this and the Fords when I get back from vacation.

I hope sales have been good!

[mirage]

Great to see some modern era trucks in n-scale 

[cfritschle]

A photo of the parts along with a photo of the finished models can be viewed on the N Scale Vehicle Association's New Product page.  http://nscalevehicles.org/new_products/2013_q3.php

Carter

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Joe, any chance of seeing a box truck , modern oil tanker or flatbed body with these? You could even make fleet chassis for the Loadstar and day cab Ford COE that would fit the same beds.

[JoeW]

Joe, any chance of seeing a box truck , modern oil tanker or flatbed body with these? You could even make fleet chassis for the Loadstar and day cab Ford COE that would fit the same beds.

Nothing in the immediate future on a modern oil tanker, flatbed or box body.  We will consider it as food for thought and especially if we can get others to chime in on it. 
In regard to I LS and the day cab well that is another story, you may see something happen fairly soon.
JoeW