what about that sp run MT Hvywt with solid roof...

[u18b]

Y'all remember that guy who commissioned MT to do that car for him?

Had the solid roof (not sure what the technical name is).  Maybe full a/c/ ducts all the way down both sides.

Has that car been released?

[Sokramiketes]

Are you thinking of Lowell Smith and his run of modernized business cars?

[u18b]

Yes.  That's it.

Thanks.

[bbussey]

There have been three Lowell Smith releases on the model: WP, SP&S and NP.  The first two are sold out.  The NP car was on display at the NSE Convention.  ATSF Shadowline is next.

http://lowellsmith.net/executive.html

The A/C shrouds are not detailed as on the other roofs.  There are no seams to simulate the welded joints.

[peteski]

Hmmm.. I wonder if the roof is resin cast or injection molded styrene?

[spookshow]

Hmmm.. I wonder if the roof is resin cast or injection molded styrene?

They're made just like a regular MT car - all styrene.

-Mark

[peteski]

Hmm.. if they went through the trouble of cutting a metal mold for injection molding, why didn't they go through the trouble of detailing it better? 

[Sokramiketes]

Speaking of which, has anyone identified an actual prototype yet?  I don't think it's matched any of the releases done to date...

[jmlaboda - RIP]

"I don't think it's matched any of the releases done to date..."

No prototype.  Just a nice looking foobie.

[Sokramiketes]

"I don't think it's matched any of the releases done to date..."

No prototype.  Just a nice looking foobie.

Really?  Seems like it would be harder to make something up than to pick one photo to work from. 

[spookshow]

Hmm.. if they went through the trouble of cutting a metal mold for injection molding, why didn't they go through the trouble of detailing it better? 

No idea, but... increased cost maybe? Or if it's not based on any specific prototype, no specific idea vis'a'vis what details to add?

-Mark

[jmlaboda - RIP]

"Hmm.. if they went through the trouble of cutting a metal mold for injection molding, why didn't they go through the trouble of detailing it better?"

It was far easier to do the smooth sides on the car with windows (a pattern from God only knows where) than to do a more detailed and accurate window pattern because of the cost involved... it would have cost more to do a more accurate model.

The roof lacks some detail but if a person could get a hold of the detail set from American Limited Models some of the details will work with the arched roof (not solid roof).  Also, louvers from Archer used in conjunction with Bare-Metal® Foil could help model grills that are conformed to the roof's profile.

I really wish that the roof was available separately since there are uses I could think of for it.  Would sure be better than some other roofs for modeling modernized cars.

[CoalPorter]

Is it called a "Harriman Roof" ?. I know some SP modelers that complain because no made cars have
correct roofs for SP. (I thought Wheels-of -Time)  started making correct SP pass cars?

[CoalPorter]

I think Lowell Smith is the lead-dog on special runs, so that is how he has the clout to get really
special things made - but I didn't know people were still buying this stuff.

How much do they cost, btw? I dropped out of special run collecting at about 25 per car.

[bbussey]

It's a non-descript roof.

The current models are available in Lowell Smith's "Executive Line" of products.  They are business cars decorated in various roads.  He's done SP&S, WP, and NP, with ATSF next.  The SP&S and WP were single car releases with the business car body and roof.  Every road since has had multiple variations utilizing any combination of the business car and observation components.  The prices vary and are posted on the site, however they are far north of $25.

MTL as of today has not released a stock item utilizing any of the business car components.