New ESM video - testing of the X58 design

[bbussey]

New video showing the initial testing of the ESM Pennsy X58's tracking and coupler design with two resin rapid prototype models.

Larger format on the ESM YouTube channel page and on the ESM website.

[tom mann]

Nice, that coupler draft box could be sold separately too!

[Bob Bufkin]

Really nice.  Have you made a decision on what your first paint schemes will be?

[James Costello]

Nice, that coupler draft box could be sold separately too!

*Should*

Please?

[bbussey]

Really nice.  Have you made a decision on what your first paint schemes will be?

Sure have.  The first eight releases (with eight models in each release) are on the schedule and artwork already is done for the first six releases.  It's a little early to announce since the car is still 14 months out, but the first release will be of cars from the original two owners, as built.  And the first 48 schemes are based on actual photos, which is what I'm going to try to do for every issue on this model.

[bbussey]

Nice, that coupler draft box could be sold separately too!

*Should*
Please?

The X58 draft gear is part of the floor/underframe, but I suppose it's possible to design a practical stand-alone cushioned-underframe draft box that doesn't look too oversized.  We'll see what the future holds.

[Chris333]

Out of my era as you know, but that is some sweet engineering!

[Brakie]

The X58 draft gear is part of the floor/underframe, but I suppose it's possible to design a practical stand-alone cushioned-underframe draft box that doesn't look too oversized.  We'll see what the future holds.

That cushion coupler box is a must have for the 70/ early 80 era modeler.



Those cars look good as well..

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Needs more canopener. I'm curious how the other roads will sell compaired to Conrail.

[bbussey]

Needs more canopener. I'm curious how the other roads will sell compaired to Conrail.

Pennsy will sell the best, and there are a ton of PRR variations for what was basically one single scheme.  But there will be plenty of Conrail options for you to choose from.

[Philip H]

Bryan,
You've just proved that product placement is king of sales - you showed what to most modelers appear to be exceptional models on an unfinished layout - which is how many of your cars will initially run!  Great visual.

These appear to have tons of kitbashing potential!

[71jeep]

A bit out of my era but you can count me on to a few even though they will not belong with steam I am sure they will feel at home. ;D


Allen....

[bbussey]

Bryan,
You've just proved that product placement is king of sales - you showed what to most modelers appear to be exceptional models on an unfinished layout - which is how many of your cars will initially run!  Great visual.

These appear to have tons of kitbashing potential!

That's my test track layout.  I used to run down the road to Atlas to use their test track layout before realizing it would be simple enough to build my own.  There are turnouts on the far side, which allows for rearranging spur trackage to test various equipment as appropriate.

The coupler design is working well so far, both pushing and pulling.  I still have to run them through some of the S turns off the spur to see what happens.  Then I have to add a longer consist to create additional load.  Since most of the coupler pocket is metal, I suspect it won't be an issue.  I'll also have to test the cars coupled to truck-mounted equipment, which is where the potential exists for problems.  Everything in the video is body-mounted.

[Bob Bufkin]

Bryan

You ever plan on doing any passenger cars in the future?  I know you did the NH sides years ago and was just wondering.

[lock4244]

Needs more canopener. I'm curious how the other roads will sell compaired to Conrail.

Agreed. Look good so far... damn, more money out!