You can never say I don't share behind-the-scenes goodies!
Here are some development pics of the Portec low-deck tri-level auto rack kit, a collaboration between Eastern Seaboard Models and N Scale Kits. The model will ride on ASF 70-ton Ride-Control trucks equipped with 28" diameter metal wheels and has an integrated coupler box that will accept MTL #2004 couplers. All of these OEM components will be included with the kit.
The flatcar will be a pewter casting. Samples of the first generation castings were on display in Roanoke. The master was rendered on a PerFactory printer from a 3D digital model created in SolidWorks.
These first generation castings will be used as masters for rendering the production second generation pewter castings. Other than the underbody, it will not require painting because it will be fully enclosed by the etched
stainless steel nickel-silver wrapper below.
This is from the first test sample to see if the entire deco scheme could be printed on the
stainless steel nickel-silver wrapper. We are very pleased with this first attempt. A close look gives you a clue as to the first railroad/scheme that will be released.
The only problem we've encountered with the process is that more tabs need to be added to prevent the end sills from getting snagged when the part runs through the process. This is an easy problem to remedy.
This photo shows the crispness of the printing. Because the wrapper is etched, we will be able to change the panel configuration as needed per road/scheme.
The wrapper/deck supports and end panels will be polyurethane resin. The decks will be simple styrene strips since they will be barely visible. The hope is that the kits will be offered with the wrapper "pre-formed" to simplify the assembly process.
The goal is to have them on the market next summer, but a firm date won't be announced until we are fully in production. Multiple schemes are planned for release every few months, and there will be multiple car numbers per release. Current MSRP is unknown but it will be comparable to auto rack models currently on the market.
