Upgrading Kato Gunderson Maxi I and IV Well Car Walkways and Handrails

[ryan_wilkerson]

Found the thread from 2013 with the TrainCat #1400204 (Maxi-I) and #1400205 (Maxi-IV) artwork and examples:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=28528.0

[GaryHinshaw]

I can't believe that thread was 6+ years ago!

[James Costello]

I can't believe that thread was 6+ years ago!

I know - means I've those wells stripped for that long too! 

@GaryHinshaw the holes aren't etched all the way through but they are etched on each side, so like Bob said on the other post, they've under etched and haven't penetrated the steel completely. I can post another photo if you'd like. Not sure how noticeable once they're installed and weathered, especially since my eyes still go straight to the grabs now.

[ryan_wilkerson]

Did Bob do his own etching work? Maybe if enough of us were interested in the sets, a run could be ordered by him with a 3rd party etcher (to minimize the effort it would take him). Just typing out loud

[EspeeGoldenState]

Did Bob do his own etching work? Maybe if enough of us were interested in the sets, a run could be ordered by him with a 3rd party etcher (to minimize the effort it would take him). Just typing out loud

I'd be interested in 2-3 of both versions. I can't answer your question over whether he did them himself or not though.

Chris

[peteski]

Did Bob do his own etching work? Maybe if enough of us were interested in the sets, a run could be ordered by him with a 3rd party etcher (to minimize the effort it would take him). Just typing out loud

Regardless of whether Bob from Traincat2 etched the parts himself or not (he is a computer engineer, so I doubt that he did any etching, especially in quantities he needed for his business), he will not provide you the artwork.  You would have to design your own artwork and have the parts etched.

[James Costello]

he will not provide you the artwork.

Did you ask?

[peteski]

Did you ask?

I recall reading on some post here on TRW that once he was no longer able to run the business he had some offers to buy his business, which were not acceptable to him.  As I understand it, he would rather destroy the artwork than sell it at a price which is not acceptable to him.  So no, I don't think he'll give out his artwork for free.

[James Costello]

I recall reading on some post here on TRW that once he was no longer able to run the business he had some offers to buy his business, which were not acceptable to him.  As I understand it, he would rather destroy the artwork than sell it at a price which is not acceptable to him.  So no, I don't think he'll give out his artwork for free.

So you're just speculating? Right.

Not that anyone said anything about it being free or Bob not being compensated suitably.

[peteski]

So you're just speculating? Right.

Not that anyone said anything about it being free or Bob not being compensated suitably.

LOL!  Go ahead and ask then.  TRW username TrainCat2.  If what you call "compensated suitably" is in line what Bob wants, then you'll likely have a deal.  Then all you have to do is to sent the artwork to the etching company.  You could even make changes to improve the artwork (since someone mentioned there was a problem).

[James Costello]

LOL!  Go ahead and ask then.  TRW username TrainCat2.  If what you call "compensated suitably" is in line what Bob wants, then you'll likely have a deal.  Then all you have to do is to sent the artwork to the etching company.  You could even make changes to improve the artwork (since someone mentioned there was a problem).

Geez, do you think? 

How about if you don't actually know, don't say anything.

If you want to speculate or think out loud, then tell us that you are.

I don't think anyone is in the position to say what Bob may or may not do at this point in time, especially how challenging it has been to communicate with him in recent years.

[peteski]

Geez, do you think? 
How about if you don't actually know, don't say anything.

How about can't someone give an opinion? 
My statements were based on what I read here.

[ryan_wilkerson]

I guess I should check back in here more often. I mentioned "a run could be ordered by him with a 3rd party etcher". [him=Bob]  He's already done all the design work and obviously had some made. We've had some good luck with other one-man shops with no longer available parts and getting enough interest on a group buy to make it feasible for a run. I think it's better to explore that route than have someone re-do the design work and put out a similar product.

[ryan_wilkerson]

To upgrade my fleet, I'd need 10 Maxi-IV and 7 Max-I sets.

[prbharris]

A better bet would be to ask N Scale Kits for their Gunderson Maxi III walkway parts.  Their not as finely detailed (fewer, larger holes) but they will work with much less modification. I suspect you could get Peter to sell you just the walkway parts if you emailed him.

I would be happy to help - we also have other etches now for other cars, that are finer. The Gunderson ones are an old drawing! I donot have the dimensions of the cars you want to upgrade, so I would need some hlep to find outr what is the best fit.

Peter

Peter Harris
N Scale Kits
www.nscalekits.com