New Bluford production samples

[Philip H]

I have to confess to not looking at anyone's 86 ft autoparts box when they first came out.  Then I found this (taken in April 2009):



So I've added them to the interesting to model car list that I keep (!).

There will be one eventually . . .

[wm3798]

Tight radius isn't that much of an issue (15" min), as much as practical train length.  My sidings can handle a 15-20 car train with a couple of engines and a caboose.  That translates to about 8 - 12 high cubes.  Since I don't have an on-line auto plant or parts factory, they would strictly be run-through cars, which would take away train length and car variety from my run-through traffic.  I have a decent fleet of 60' parts cars (and yes, a handful of the older Atlas and Rapido high cubes that live in a drawer) so I use those to represent any parts traffic without sacrificing as much train length.  Ipso facto, other than a vague re-awakening of interest in working on the N scale layout at the club, which is large and has an auto plant, I really don't have a use for them.

That said, they're great models, and I'm glad they're out there.  But what else have you got?

Lee

[lock4244]

Keep'em coming. For years this was a completely ignored prototype, outside of Con-Cor's car from pre-historic N scale days. For those that have been hoping for a nice, accurate 86' AP box, these are gold.

This car is also paying for the development of their next products (89' flatcar one would hope), so I wouldn't discourage them. We don't all have little door layouts... some of us don't even have that  :-[

[wm3798]

Okay... Trailer flats, yes.  I'll bite!  Sell all the hi-cubes you want!  Build up that kitty!

Lee

[John]

True, but some of us aren't lining up to pay $25 for a car that's too big for our layouts... 

Well .. you need to get rid of some kids and expand the layout then

[wm3798]

I'll send the two that are left to your house!
Lee

[Mark5]

Since I don't have an on-line auto plant or parts factory, they would strictly be run-through cars,

This is exactly the case on the Pokey, but I can't recreate my memories of watching them roll through without 'em!

While my layout is much much much smaller than yours, I'm stocking up for the next (empty nest?) layout.

Mark

[oakcreekco]

True, but some of us aren't lining up to pay $25 for a car that's too big for our layouts...  Could it be that Bluford is creating a "collector" market to rival Micro Trains???

Or will we be seeing endless strings of auto parts cars at the next N trak set up?

Lee

The cars aren't "too big", the layouts are just "too small"

[wm3798]

Touche'!

[asarge]

But what else have you got?

Patience, patience, patience my good man!  I have a feeling we'll see one or two pig flats announced this fall or winter, but I'd be a little surprised if it was our friends at Bluford.

[bbussey]

True, but some of us aren't lining up to pay $25 for a car that's too big for our layouts...  Could it be that Bluford is creating a "collector" market to rival Micro Trains???

I don't think that's the case at all.  This car is no bigger than the MTL auto racks and TOFC/COFC flats that have been around for years ... and are in the $30+ price bracket.  And aren't the articulated auto racks from Athearn and Atlas big and long, albeit not over $30?  And what is the MSRP on the lengthy Kato spine cars?  Why aren't all manufacturers being held to the same standard, especially since the MTL tooling is long ago paid for yet the MSRPs are well over $25 on all of their big/long cars?

[Dave V]

True, but some of us aren't lining up to pay $25 for a car that's too big for our layouts...  Could it be that Bluford is creating a "collector" market to rival Micro Trains???

Or will we be seeing endless strings of auto parts cars at the next N trak set up?

Lee

The cars aren't "too big", the layouts are just "too small"

Exactly why I admire these cars from a distance.  My layout is too small.

Now, I run 85' passenger cars, and I've pre-ordered the 89' TTX flats from MTL, but the combination of length PLUS excess height makes these cars look like HO beasts on an N scale layout.  Accurate?  You bet!  But sometimes accuracy can cause trouble.

I may pick one or two up for some future layout, but for now I'll keep drooling at the ads with my wallet holstered.

[Ian MacMillan]

My layout is too big! Keep bringin on the cars!

[oakcreekco]

Cars like the Blufords, MTL/RC auto racks, and TTX flats are exactly why I ended up building my 4' x 7' "operating diorama". Pretty much "run through" and a scale speed continuous run of modern railroading.

I wanted model railfanning, and "N" scale allows that on my layout. 21" elevated curves, a few bridges on one side, and a ME tall steel trestle on the other. Two "secret" railfanning spots to enjoy.

I could care less about industries, switching, or towns. Why?? I have that on my 9' long "shelf" HO switching layout.

All the "big" modern stuff, and passenger equipment, looks right and is a blast to kick back and enjoy..............without leaving my trainroom.

[sundowner]

Okay,

- No CSX on the schedule at the present time. I'm sure we'll get to them at some point.

- Never had plans to do dimi data's but I'm working on getting undec's into the schedule sooner rather than later.

- Two new body styles are in the engineering phase now with three more well into research phase. Not quite ready to announce yet but we're a lot closer...

Craig
www.bluford-shops.com

Please put CSX on the schedule, they would look nice with the CR/NYC cars you guys did resently.