Best Of ACL MEC low side gondola , interest ? ESM please read .

[bbussey]

Still holding out for ESM and MTL to fill this gap .

You may want us to fill the gap, but you've got to meet us halfway.  ESM can't do it cost effectively as an injection-molded model.  MTL can't do it cost effectively at all.  ESM can do it as a resin and etched metal kit.  As I said, the ACL K7 looks promising.  But I would need engineering drawings of the ACL car and its MEC counterpart.  Or one of the Ertl MEC gondola models, item# 4983, mentioned in the Jim Six article.  I might be able to offer a model of this prototype, but you guys will have to do the research legwork.

And, if it does make it into the MIA Series, it will have to be with trucks, couplers, grab irons and decals included, along with other OEM parts.  It's the only way it will be a marketable product.

[Chris333]

I just dug up a car I started on in the basement. Can't even remember what I based it on. I have no problem kitbashing one (maybe)

[wcfn100]

  As I said, the ACL K7 looks promising.  But I would need engineering drawings of the ACL car and its MEC counterpart.  Or one of the Ertl MEC gondola models, item# 4983, mentioned in the Jim Six article.  I might be able to offer a model of this prototype, but you guys will have to do the research legwork.

The second issue of the SCL modeler has the drawing for the K-7 from the 1931 Car Builders and also the drawing for the updates to the K-7 cars that were done in the 50's.

And someone has done ACL lowside gondola decals already.  I don't know if they are for this series, but I'm sure it's all the same lettering and a new sheet could be made.

Jason

[up1950s]

ACL k-7 model shots http://railsunlimited.ribbonrail.com/Models/gons.html

[up1950s]

You may want us to fill the gap, but you've got to meet us halfway.  ESM can't do it cost effectively as an injection-molded model.  MTL can't do it cost effectively at all.  ESM can do it as a resin and etched metal kit.  As I said, the ACL K7 looks promising.  But I would need engineering drawings of the ACL car and its MEC counterpart.  Or one of the Ertl MEC gondola models, item# 4983, mentioned in the Jim Six article.  I might be able to offer a model of this prototype, but you guys will have to do the research legwork.

And, if it does make it into the MIA Series, it will have to be with trucks, couplers, grab irons and decals included, along with other OEM parts.  It's the only way it will be a marketable product.

Bought the ERTL Maine Central , once it comes I will let you borrow it for measurements . Looks like my dresser HO display just got more interesting .



https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QDIh-6TOzhg/UQmKfYGxjoI/AAAAAAAAOgU/DaUpqwIKPXo/s1024/%24%28KGrHqR%2C%21j%21FC9QjmMYIBQ54GFBgY%21~~60_57.jpg

[wcfn100]

I also have the Train Shed Cyclopedia No.46 which has the same K7 gondola drawing from the 1931 Car Builders that I can scan to a larger size.

Jason

[Chris333]

I have the HO Ertl car (don't ask  )

I guess it is based on the MEC car.

[bbussey]

I have the SCL Modeler issue in question, I'll look tonight.  That coupled with borrowing Richie's Ertl model should be enough to create a reasonable facsimile of a hybrid ACL/MEC body.  The floor top would be etched - simulated wood for the MEC and riveted steel for the ACL.  The body sides with a faux floor would be resin cast from an RP master.  The floor itself would be a brass plate as it is with the G32C.  The brake appliances would be integrated into the body part.  Decals would need to be drawn and contracted to Microscale, so any lettering artwork that can be forwarded would speed up the process.  Everything else would be OEM and etched parts.  Sounds doable.  Might be possible sometime summer/fall.

The N&W car has an extra panel, so it wouldn't be included in this batch.  If there is another road that had a similar body configuration besides ACL/SCL/MEC, it can be included on the decal sheet.

[bbussey]

I have the HO Ertl car (don't ask  )
I guess it is based on the MEC car.

Richie is just across the river from me.  No need to send one from Ohio at this time.

[CrazyLynx]

I would definitely go for a kit for a Southern gon, and would buy a couple.  What usually stops me from buying kits is the lack of available Southern Railway decals (subtle hint).

Of course 2 kits isn't going to tip the scale either way..

[wazzou]

Bought the ERTL Maine Central , once it comes I will let you borrow it for measurements . Looks like my dresser HO display just got more interesting .

Looks like a perfect candidate for a Hydroshrink Resin Master.  Cast them until your heart's content.  Rasputen who posts on here has a lot of experience shrinking vehicles.

[bbussey]

We aren't shrink-casting anything.  There has to be adequate weight in the car, and it has to be fitted with N scale bolsters and coupler pockets.  Adjustments will have to be made regarding surface detail so it can be seen at the smaller size.  It's not as simple as reducing the size of the HO model, not to mention copyright infringements.

[Wardie]

I will check specific roster details/rebuilds, but a lot of the MEC low sided gondolas ended up being rebuilt into V deck bulkhead pulpwood flats.

[Wardie]

I will check specific roster details/rebuilds, but a lot of the MEC low sided gondolas ended up being rebuilt into V deck bulkhead pulpwood flats.

According to my MEC freight car class book, Gondolas 17000-17149 were built new in 1939 by Bethlehem Steel Co. 41'6"inside length, 45'4.5" to coupler pulling faces. 31' 10.5" truck centers, bolsters 5'6"from the striking plates. 10'2" overwall width. 9'4 and 7/8ths inside width. looks like 6' 1 and 9/16ths inch from top of rail to top of gon. 17000-17097 had a 2 and 3/4" pine floor adn 17098-17149 had oak floors.

Notes indicate original use is lime rock service. looks like only 2 were converted to pulpwood in 1964. 50 more in 68 and 69. 15 at an unknown date were retrucked and rebuilt to 55 ton capacity for pulpwood.

Will see what else I can find.

[Wardie]

Found a note about 115 of more of MEC 17000's being converted to pulpwood racks in 61.