100-Ton Rotary Gondolas from NARC

[BCR 570]

Dan from PWRS/NARC stopped by yesterday with the first painted pre-production samples of their forthcoming N Scale 100-Ton rotary gondolas.  We took a few of them for a test run:




These samples were riding on BLMA trucks and weigh in at 34 grams, so they rolled and tracked very well.  Here are some other particulars:
- injection-moulded body and brake equipment
- weight concealed in floor (very clever)
- separately applied etched and wire details
- complete brake equipment at 'B' end/under car
- body mount Micro-Trains couplers
- production run will have new Canadian Barber roller bearing trucks
- low profile metal wheels
- numerous body variations specific to prototype

With permission, here are a few close-ups of some of the schemes:



BCNE with BCOL




BCOL with CN




CN (one of two variants)




SULX (one of two variants)




UNPX Wordmark


There are stil a minor issues to be fixed, as is always the case with pre-production models.  Future releases will include variations on the above as well as some of the second-hand U.S. owners.  These will be a very nice addition to the N Scale market.


Tim

[Hyperion]

I have absolutely no need for them, but they're so well done that I'd buy at least a couple once they get made into some schemes that made it down south in second-hand form.

[Philip H]

I have absolutely no need for them, but they're so well done that I'd buy at least a couple once they get made into some schemes that made it down south in second-hand form.

I'll buy a couple to get them in pet coke rotation with my laurel valley cars.  Nicely done.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I wish these were in junk service around 1998 so I could get a few

[lock4244]

Glad I've no use for them in souther Ontario in 1988... they look great and it could get really expensive.

Lucky for me no one does the barrel ore cars seen on CN and ONT here in Onterrible (hint, hint if anyone is listening).

[bbussey]

Nice.  Lots of detail.  What is the projected MSRP on these?

[BCR 570]

Bryan:

I asked about the MSRP but it has not yet been determined.  The cylindrical hoppers are selling for $26.95 and I believe that Dan is hoping for the same with these, but as you are aware, there is a lot of upward pressure on pricing at present.

Tim

[Robbman]

The brake cylinder looks weird on these... anybody have a proto photo or two?

[lock4244]

Yup.

http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=45316

[BCR 570]

The model photos I posted show the left side of the car so I believe you are actually looking at the triple valve.  The brake reservoir is on the right side of the car as seen in lock's prototype photo.  The brake cylinder is usually right under the car close to the centreline.  The arrangement of the brake equipment actually differs on the four versions to be offered - this photograph might offer a better view:




Tim

[jnevis]

Saw the write up in NSR, so glad these are for coal service (right?) and I don't have a use for them....

now if they're also for scrap ....

[BCR 570]

In Canada, they were used for coal (BCNE, CN, UNPX) and sulphur (SULX, UNPX).  BC Rail also used them for gravel service in later years.

I believe that most cars now operating for second hand owners in the U.S. are in trash or scrap service.


Tim

[jnevis]

Gee THANKS    I guess that means at least two.

[C855B]

I believe that most cars now operating for second hand owners in the U.S. are in trash or scrap service.

Yup. Saw a couple of empties yesterday, heading to STL on NS for (I would guess) scrap loading, since there is no RR trash haulage around here.

[Robbman]

The model photos I posted show the left side of the car so I believe you are actually looking at the triple valve.
Tim

Nope... I'm looking at the brake cylinder, not the ABD valve.