MTL March 2016 releases

[reinhardtjh]

The March 2016 MTL announcements are out:

BLW

Feather River

N-Scale Supply

I'm torn.  I ordered some undecorated Bluford Shops panel side hoppers to make PRR 250000.  Getting the MTL would be easier, but I'm pretty sure the MTL car is a foot or so off the correct size.

FYI, the PRR 250000 was a one of a kind that was rebuilt with the panel sides from a class GLd USRA 55t.  PRR didn't have any more done, letting the GLd's fade away through normal wear and tear.

[CBQ Fan]

No Burlington diner, bummer. Nothing for me this month. 

[Mark5]

I would'a sprung for the NAVAJO trailers if they were 40'. But these are 45' 

[bbussey]

I would'a sprung for the NAVAJO trailers if they were 40'. But these are 45' 

I hadn't even noticed that.  I was curious as to whether or not they had Freuhauf trailers outright.  The models look nice at least.

[bbussey]

The 3/2016 Micro-News has been posted.

http://micro-trainsline.com/download/mediapack/MN1603.pdf

[Puddington]

I thought that something was amiss with that trailer.... I might still get one as I have it's little brother...

[Cajonpassfan]

A question for  the NYC guys: how much of a foob is the NYC baggage car?
Thanks, Otto K.

[Mark5]

I thought that something was amiss with that trailer.... I might still get one as I have it's little brother...

Pudd, a 45' trailer in 1973?

[Puddington]

Pudd, a 45' trailer in 1973?

We'll squint a little......

[Sokramiketes]

A question for  the NYC guys: how much of a foob is the NYC baggage car?
Thanks, Otto K.

NYC had a large fleet of 70' cars in magazine service, but I thought the white lettering should be on a gray body.

[bman]

I would'a sprung for the NAVAJO trailers if they were 40'. But these are 45' 

ABF bought the general freight side Navajo in or around 1978.  45's were introduced in the early 70's, though not used nationwide until around 1980-81, so it's possible depending on their service area they might have had 45's.  I do remember seeing their trucks and trailers here in Columbus back then, but the logo was on a blue oval background.  I didn't break into transportation until 1987 after a lot of the buyouts had already transpired to form the biggest 10 LTL truck lines and I'm trying to remember all the history I heard from the drivers.    I searched Hanks Trucks Pictures website and didn't see a lot of photos for Navajo.  Just a couple of pages. There is a photo of a Navajo 45' trailer modeled over on the 1/87th Vehicle Club website.   The last year of production for the bullnose tractor was 1956 for what it's worth.  LTL companies ran the older ex-linehaul tractors in city service for a couple of reasons.  Doesn't really confirm nor deny but someone else had the same idea.   Either way the MTL trailer does look good.

http://www.1-87vehicles.org/photo519/kw_bullnose_navajo.php

[basementcalling]

Probably moving on to waiting on next month, although I am curious to know where the CP red 65 foot log cars could be found on the rails.

[sundowner]

Sweet, FEC runners pack

[Mark5]

ABF bought the general freight side Navajo in or around 1978.  45's were introduced in the early 70's, though not used nationwide until around 1980-81, so it's possible depending on their service area they might have had 45's.  I do remember seeing their trucks and trailers here in Columbus back then, but the logo was on a blue oval background.

TTX didn't start modifying the flats for Twin45 until 1980 or 1981, so you wouldn't see 45s on TOFC much. That Navajo paint scheme probably didn't make it onto 45s - but maybe someone has a photo to show otherwise. MTL has goofed up in this way at least 3 times in recent yrs (unfortunately).

PS Pudd, nice photo 

[NYC1956]

A question for  the NYC guys: how much of a foob is the NYC baggage car?
Thanks, Otto K.

Pullman green car should have gold, or imitation gold, lettering depending on era. Later, cars were painted dark gray with imitation aluminum (white) lettering. As with the horse car, they come close, but miss important details.
The car itself is quite close - the prototype has the large door with five windows to the left and the smaller door with four windows to the right. The larger door was an 8' double door versus the single 7' door on the model.
There was a Lot 965 of ten 70' cars numbered 8600-8609 but they were built by AC&F in 1924 not Barney and Smith in 1910 as MTL advertises. I don't know where MTL is getting their information. Also the NYC didn't run along the eastern seaboard; it ran from New York to Chicago.
I bought a painted undecorated car (when they were available) and added MicroScale gold decals.