Input wanted for new MTL products

[dowish]

I'd like to see a Boeing plane train.  Maybe a fuselage/wing set for both a 737 and 767.  I've seen pictures of people who have scratch built them but I don't have the patience or modeling ability.

[JoeD]

I'm really interested in doing outside braced boxcars..my SP consists would love the company ;D

Thanks for the input so far, lots of good stuff here to chew on.  Understanding that there are few proto's that fit our normal business plan, I am open to more modern, somewhat limited roadname type of cars.  Management seems open to the idea.

New gons are needed for sure, I'm just as frustrated as the rest of you are.  We only have limited resources so we have to go after things that are going to give us the best return on investment.  Couplers are leading the pack of projects I am working on.  I personally use the 905's on all my stuff and have been very happy with the results.  I don't pull long trains normally, but have tested them at shows and have been surprised at the number of cars I can pull.  Integrating them into production will be difficult especially introducing a new coupler "size"  I see it more as an improved "Proto" product that can be retro fitted by modelers.  I doubt we could get away with making the change across the board especially if they don't latch up with other couplers out there.  Getting rid of the slink is easier said than done due to the mechanics of the coupler.  It's not impossible though and we have had success with mock ups.  Next step is to tool up some samples as we have done on other versions and give them a go.  

Lowering cars is another issue, but one I doubt we can do much about in the near future...at least on-mass.  I've been looking at each month's releases and taking note on the tool and what we can do to get the ride hight down some.  A few are straight forward...just make the pin longer in the mold..others a bit more complex. As with anythig, it only takes money and time and neither is in abundance these days.

Anyway, thanks again for all the input, positive and negative...I take it all seriously.

Cheers

Joe

MTL

[victor miranda]

you are most kind to share your thinking, Shipsure.

I have been buying outside braced cars recently....
they look old.

so if truss-rods are not possible, then
I'll buy smaller outside braced cars.

v

[James Costello]

Thanks for the input so far, lots of good stuff here to chew on.  Understanding that there are few proto's that fit our normal business plan, I am open to more modern, somewhat limited roadname type of cars.  Management seems open to the idea.
Joe
MTL

Modern and a single roadname, but we'll buy every road number you ever produce:
http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=32342
It's different from the BLMA car, but get that ride height right....

Rebar and steel flats - TTX "TTJX" marks with a variety of flats (and loads):
http://RailcarPhotos.com/Search.php?SearchReportingMark=TTJX&Search=Search

Modern bulkhead flats:
http://RailcarPhotos.com/Search.php?SearchReportingMark=TTPX&Search=Search

And it would be remiss of me not to ask for these, the last new boxcars purchased by the SP:
http://www.railgoat.railfan.net/spcars/byclass/box/b100-50.htm


Another SP use for your 89' flat:
http://www.railgoat.railfan.net/spcars/byclass/flat/f070-68.htm

Body mount couplers with extended pockets to represent cushioned couplers would also be appreciated...or at least a new pocket that could be used with existing coupler parts.
 

[Day One]

put me down for the Boeing train too. And modern bulkhead flats.

Mostly though, I'd like to see these 30,036 gallon CONX tanks so I can model an accurate MRL gas train.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1207515

I'd be in for 30 at least!

[Puddington]

Truss rod cars woud be outstanding..... and I'l second the solarium idea; I had to make mine and nearly had to go to Betty Ford thereafter...................

[rdg5308]

We have fully open and fully closed autoracks, so an open top autorack would be nice.

[JoeD]

Victor,

We have truss rod box cars in our inventory...and I believe we have them in undec.  I will check when I get in this morning.  If not will see about getting something in the que.  Surprisingly, a lot of our steam era cars seem pretty popular. 

Joe 

you are most kind to share your thinking, Shipsure.

I have been buying outside braced cars recently....
they look old.

so if truss-rods are not possible, then
I'll buy smaller outside braced cars.

v

[Dave V]

We have fully open and fully closed autoracks, so an open top autorack would be nice.

What he said.

And Joe, once again, awesome job on the heavyweights!!!

[Bendtracker1]

We have fully open and fully closed autoracks, so an open top autorack would be nice.

I'll add my vote for these as well! ;D

Allen..

[bbussey]

Still waiting to see the Swift red 36' reefer on the 58500-series body.

[Puddington]

I'd be in for some undecs truss rod types............CPR MOW fodder........woo hoo............. ;D

[JoeD]

Funny you would suggest that!  ;D

Joe
MTl

Still waiting to see the Swift red 36' reefer on the 58500-series body.

[techrepjapan]

Alex,

Working on research now to offer a few of our cars without roofwalks and lower ladders.  Trying to see if we can change out roofs and sides without dipping too deep in the savings account.  I'll be posting on trainboard later tonight.   We have three cars in the works now and just added another one with two different sides.  We also have banked artwork for a few more cars we can get in the que.  Right now we are busy just tring to get our new vendor up to speed.   Hang tight.

Joe
MTl

Thank you, Joe! I left a reply on Trainboard before reading your posting here.

[Mark5]

Lowering cars is another issue, but one I doubt we can do much about in the near future...at least on-mass.  I've been looking at each month's releases and taking note on the tool and what we can do to get the ride hight down some.  A few are straight forward...just make the pin longer in the mold..others a bit more complex. As with anythig, it only takes money and time and neither is in abundance these days.
Cheers

Joe

MTL

I know this has been suggested before, but it seems a low effort option for certain of your bodystyles might give a good return - like offering (separately) revised underframes for your 40' and 50' boxcars (revised to give lower ride height).

Mark