New MT heavyweight

[Ike the BN Freak]

So while snooping out on Lowell Smith's site, noticed he's doing a new heavyweight business car.  Car was commissioned from MT, using a new body style.  Car look like they should be out next month.

Hoping to see MT release some of these...thinking I can probably a BN business car with this one.

http://lowellsmith.net/executive.html

[Cajonpassfan]

Hmmm, the site refers to a new body, but the photos show two different bodies...or at least a different window pattern. One can commission  MT to do new paint schemes on existing cars, but new bodies?
Hoping to be pleasantly surprised....
Otto

[sirenwerks]

Probably lazy copy writing/cut-and-pasting.  But I would certainly be interested in repros of either.

[mmagliaro]

I'm a fan of Lowell Smith's work.  These cars aren't cheap, but they are fair for a custom job.
That, and the SP&S heavyweight, which would go really well behind my
"aging by the middle of the 20th century" steam locomotives,

so okay... I'll bite 

(I also ordered the baggage car he has done to match).

Who knows... maybe he'll gradually put out a whole set of heavyweights.

[JoeD]

Commissioned new bodystyle, not lazy copy writing or cut and past.  Sorry to dissapoint.

Joe
MTL

[draskouasshat]

joe, will these bodies be available beyond lowells offering straight from MT for those not wanting the custom paint?

[CBQ Fan]

I would think they would have to be in order for either party to make money!  I also seem to remember discussion early on about two different styles of observation cars.

[jmlaboda - RIP]

WOW!!!

[Ike the BN Freak]

joe, will these bodies be available beyond lowells offering straight from MT for those not wanting the custom paint?

X2, Looks like it could be a good starting point for other RR business cars

[sirenwerks]

Commissioned new bodystyle, not lazy copy writing or cut and past.  Sorry to dissapoint.

Joe
MTL

I won't be disappointed, Joe, if that's the case and I am glad my judgement call is incorrect.  That being said, can you enlighten us as to whether these are two different models that match each of the two prototypes featured or something else?  It's unclear; considering the site's copy reads "...this business car body style was specially designed to replicate many business cars that ran the rails."  Business cars were fairly unique from one to the next, so the statement presents as curious or suspect since it bends the literal definition of replicate; especially considering one of the prototypes is a single window design, and the other a double window design.

MRR manufacturers are not above (mis)guiding consumer beliefs, and ad and website copy is often misleading, intentionally or not.  For instance, MTL's copy for the currently available Burlington combo door 40-footer reads "Fitted with an 8’ plug door and a 6’ sliding door..." while the model features a 6' plug and 6' sliding door.  The whole copy's context switches back and forth between being about the product and about the prototype, confusing/leading the consumer to believe what they wish.  Smart copy or poor writing/editing?  But manipulative in its outcome in terms of marketing disclosure theories.

[wcfn100]

  For instance, MTL's copy for the currently available Burlington combo door 40-footer reads "Fitted with an 8’ plug door and a 6’ sliding door..." while the model features a 6' plug and 6' sliding door.

MTL copy is usually the proto information.  Like being built in 1959.


Jason

[JoeD]

This was a body style that Lowell commissioned us to do.  He directed the number and position of the windows to fit the program he is developing.  I do not believe it matches a specifc prototype, but pretty close to a number of units.  We also have some optional parts that will make things easier for us and Lowell to update to a more prototype look for the cars.   

And I was just kiddin' about disapointing...

Cheers

Joe
MTL

[u18b]

Joe,,,,,
Please tell us that you will be making the FULL roof that is in the photo.

Oh man, a modern roof for heavyweights.... my heart is a-flutter waiting for your answer.
Ron Bearden

[sirenwerks]

MTL copy is usually the proto information.  Like being built in 1959.


Jason

Jason,

Yes and no.  The copy starts with a description of the model (italicized) and then leads into a description of the prototype:

"This 40’ standard box car with plug and sliding doors is painted red with black, red and white logo and white lettering. It was built in December 1959 and runs on Bettendorf trucks. This series 41000-41899 was classified XM-2s. Fitted with an 8’ plug door and a 6’ sliding door, they were all painted in the Chinese Red paint scheme.... "

The underlined statement is a poor transition, that switches from info about the prototype (build date) and, seemingly, switches to being about the model (the XM-2s didn't run on the trucks pictured on the model according to the proto photos I've seen); so is it really the model that rides on Bettendorfs?  Or the prototype (survey says...)?

Yes, I'm being persnickety.  But if it's about the prototype, then the paragraph is a bit schizo, or partially wrong. 

[JoeD]

It's done!

I am checking if we can offer them seperate like the other roof's we produce.

Joe

Joe,,,,,
Please tell us that you will be making the FULL roof that is in the photo.

Oh man, a modern roof for heavyweights.... my heart is a-flutter waiting for your answer.
Ron Bearden