Did anyone notice Searail's new shells?

[3rdrail]

This outfit has an RS3 shell to fit the MTL GP9 currently available. More interesting shells planned. Go here:

http://www.searails.com/products/engineshells.html

[scaro]

Very interesting.  I note that they make a point about the shell maintaining a 'minimum 0.04” thickness' - does this mean the unit is less 'fat' than the GP9 shell ? 

Ben

[tom mann]

<insert my usual comment about photo quality>

[ztrack]

I have one of the RS shells. Dimensions are an issue. The shell is approximately 50% too large. It is a scale 15' wide. In comparison, the MTL GP35 is a scale 12', a typical boxcar is a scale 10' wide. A Full Throttle 2-bay hopper can actually fit between the fuel tanks on the shell. I have pushed back on Searails and hope they will address the dimension issue. The shell does look good and does capture the feel of the locomotive, but there are some real design concerns that need address such as trucks, couplers, etc. Again, Searails has my comments and I hope they will make adjustments before releasing these.

Rob

[DKS]

Nice idea, but this is way out there in fantasy-land.

Would love to know exactly how they could ever hope to produce an H-10-44 shell for an existing chassis that looks even remotely like it.

[Dave Schneider]

I would love to see them (somebody) do the H10-44 shell in N to fit the perfectly proportioned Atlas VO-1000 drive.

How does the surface texture and/or technique compare to the infamous Make-My-Model models? People had real problems with surface artifacts, painting, etc.. The photos of their structures lead me to believe that they are using a similar process as MMM, and will likely have similar issues.

This is what they have on their website...you know the one where they describe their models as "Museum Quality Scale Models".



Finally, is there a price listed for their shells anywhere?

Best wishes, Dave

[RockandRail]

they did look big even in the photos.  i'll be they are at least $50 if they are a penny (probably closer $80-$100 if their other products are any indication).
dave f.

[3rdrail]

They were priced on the MR New Products webpage - $60 for the first 25 and $65 for any above that. The Mark4Design stuff is of exceptional quality, but I don't know if Searails is using the same machine.

This is the image shown on the MR web page:

http://www.trains.com/mrr/dynamic/viewimage.aspx?filename=mrr-np0609_03a.jpg

[wcfn100]

I have one maybe 60% drawn (in N) but I lost interest when I started thinking about the window glazing and having to do a sil as well.  But all things considered, the body shell wasn't all that hard to do once I figured a way to do the large louvers.  It seems to be a popular model request, I'm sure someone will step up.



Jason

[Robbman]

The Mark4Design stuff is of exceptional quality, but I don't know if Searails is using the same machine.

No...

[wcfn100]

The Mark4Design stuff is of exceptional quality, but I don't knoiw of Searails is using the same machine.

No...

I believe that should read....NO!  LOL


Jason

[Dave Schneider]

The Mark4Design stuff is of exceptional quality, but I don't know if Searails is using the same machine.

No...

Mark, I would buy 10 N scale H10-44 shells if they were in the price range of your previous work (or 5 if they were twice the price  ). I realize that this not enough to make it worth while....but I figured I would put in a plug. With these and the FVM rib side cars...okay, I have to go now!

Best wishes, Dave

[Chulvis]

I believe that should read....NO!  LOL


Jason

I believe it should read NO

[Kez]

I've given Mr. Schiff a number of chances to produce a model worth purchasing.  He has yet to deliver, or even come close.

I wouldn't expect any better than what's been revealed here.  It's par for the course with SeaRails.

[Catt]

I emailed and asked some questions ,and was informed that they are redoing the ALCO shell to slim it down I presume to at least match the width of the chubby MTL units.What wasn't mentioned on the page is that they come with etched stainless steel handrails.

I could see myself investing in the U18B and the geep 20,but only after seeing the end product.Now if Mark were to do the U18B and the Geep 20 I would be reserving them now.  ;D