MT NOV Announcements

[towl1996]

The coffee mug looks interesting, but I think the color is too dark and the handle is way out of scale. Although the spoon is a nice load choice.

[bbussey]

Dear Guy that Decides What Loads to Include with Micro Trains cars:
Depressed center cars were employed to move large heavy objects that required the extra weight distribution of the 6 axle trucks, and the clearances of the lower-to-the-rails carbody.  Not stupid stuff that could be thrown on a regular flatcar.

I hope you didn't put a lot of money into the laser cut plywood spacer you provide with the stupid inaccurate loads you've supplied.  This is right up there with the solid concrete beams you deployed in a boxcar a few years ago.  You remember, the one that the car would have to be cut away with a torch to unload?  Yeah, that one.

I don't complain about prototype fidelity of the cars themselves, because frankly, I just don't know enough.  But I know enough about physics to know that you've struck out a couple of times in providing realistic loads for these cars.

I love the text: "Typical loads include transformers, heavy construction equipment, generators and marine engines."
Which explains why they put pipes on it.

If someone can supply me with plans with full dimensional specs to a transformer that is period-appropriate for the MTL model, or any other period-appropriate load, I'll create the solid model and donate it to Joe for rendering on future MTL releases.

[christoph]

You guys just reminded me that I could use a second PRR depressed center flat car 
So I ordered one just now.

I use to get the loads when they are sold separately, just to use them on my older models.  I also bought several of the MTL roof air conditioner units to use them on buildings.  So the "undercover pipe" loads will probably be transferred to another car.

Concerning box car loads I would prefer lighter loads that just block the door openings.  Could this be made by thin vacuum formed plastic?  Just an idea.

[wcfn100]

Really.  If they didn't want to spend the money on a proper PAINT SCHEME, then sell us the car naked.  I'd rather have to figure out something on my own than have my intelligence insulted.

Fixed it. 


Here, pick one.

"Any modeler should be able to fix that."

"They need to do that to help with the cost of tooling."

"The market will decide if it's good enough."

"You can't tell from three feet away."

"It's not noticable in a moving train."

That last one seems eerily familiar. 


Jason

[DKS]

Or the Kayto Bash?  ...

That's Kaaahh-tow.

[Puddington]

Here's the CPR Prototype.....not really too close but I'm not upset !



The dual platform kinda gives it away !

Maybe MT stretched it to add value to the modeling public.......................

[Robbman]

Though I am eagerly awaiting the PD3000.

You want the ACF 4650 painted up as one?

[JoeD]

Gee Lee, it must really p--- you off that boxcars carried grain even though they were not designed to haul loose freight. But wait...according to you since they were not designed that way in the first place, that can't happen...even though it did.  There are no absolutes in railroading...and this is MODEL railroading.  Again, if you are all twisted about the load, I will be happy to replace it with something that fits your needs.

Joe

Dear Guy that Decides What Loads to Include with Micro Trains cars:
Depressed center cars were employed to move large heavy objects that required the extra weight distribution of the 6 axle trucks, and the clearances of the lower-to-the-rails carbody.  Not stupid stuff that could be thrown on a regular flatcar.

I hope you didn't put a lot of money into the laser cut plywood spacer you provide with the stupid inaccurate loads you've supplied.  This is right up there with the solid concrete beams you deployed in a boxcar a few years ago.  You remember, the one that the car would have to be cut away with a torch to unload?  Yeah, that one.

I don't complain about prototype fidelity of the cars themselves, because frankly, I just don't know enough.  But I know enough about physics to know that you've struck out a couple of times in providing realistic loads for these cars.

Thanks for your consideration,
Lee

[Dave V]

No photo's but when I worked at Disney Animal Kingdom we recieved  loads of concrete tubes on a pair of center depressed flat cars.  If anyone is loosing sleep over the load, contact me and I'll find a generator for you

Joe
MTL

Meh...  That's been done...   

[Denver Road Doug]

Well, a little off topic but...anybody notice the MKT SD40-2's in Z?   Man, I really love those locos (the John Deere Katy units, and especially the SD40-2) and while I'm entrenched in N and have never really had plans to switch scales or model multiple scales, these *would* be one model that might tempt me.  Problem is, no supporting cast.  No appropriate (or close) coal gons which was a big part of these diesels' service.   (I will give you that scratchbuilding some Thrall FPPX gons doesn't seem impossible)  Limited availability of grain hoppers.  No ortners or readily available triple or rock hoppers.  What else?  I guess there's decent intermodal from NSK which I guess MKT did some of, but not really in the area I would model other than mixed into manifest freights.  Manifest might be the best of all options, but they often relied on old decrepit four-axle units.  Anyway, I sure am considering my first Z purchase....which leads me to say.....whoever this Dash-2 Project craziness turns out to be linked to....PLEASE do the MKT units in N.   

Sorry to ramble, I'm just excited about this release, and I'd like to give MTL credit for supporting us MKT modelers, even if it is in the wrong scale.  I modeled MKT back when I was in HO, and I have some MKT stuff in N even though my era is well past the Katy's last surviving locomotive paint. (in service, anyway)

OK, back to bashing the covered pipe load...which I'm mildly suprised hasn't generated some juvenille, perverse dirtly jokes, in-and-of-itself.      I'll refrain...   

[Sokramiketes]

Gee Lee, it must really p--- you off that boxcars carried grain even though they were not designed to haul loose freight.
Joe

Joe, sorry, but boxcars were around long before the advent of the covered hopper.  Boxcars were designed to carry almost everything until other specialty cars were invented.  Another example would be automobiles.  It's amazing to see photos of 4 autos jammed into a 40' boxcar on spindly loading racks.  Today's autoracks make a lot more sense now they're around, but they weren't invented the day someone wanted to ship an auto via rail. 

[DKS]

Just for fun, check out the Z Scale section of the full November MT flyer... in particular, look for the letters, N, Z and T...

http://www.model160.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/MN_1111.pdf

[eric220]

Just for fun, check out the Z Scale section of the full November MT flyer... in particular, look for the letters, N, Z and T...

http://www.model160.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/MN_1111.pdf

Very nice, DKS!  I tried to talk up your efforts at my LHS yesterday, but the owner was pretty busy.

[alhoop]

:facepalm
..................
  This is right up there with the solid concrete beams you deployed in a boxcar a few years ago.  You remember, the one that the car would have to be cut away with a torch to unload?  Yeah, that one. ...............

Thanks for your consideration,
Lee

End doors?

Al

[Bob Bufkin]

Don't know about end doors but there used to be boxcars that had so called lumber doors on the ends near the top middle.  Must have been labor intensive to load these but I always wondered how the hell they unloaded them.