Rapido Osgood Bradley Coaches are shipping!!

[bbussey]

The smokers were identical to the coaches on the outside, except with more roof vents, right?

The 8500s had larger roof vents over the lounge (as on the fluted 8600s) and a roof hatch on the bathroom end. As well as script heralds over the trucks on all the green cars.

[bbussey]

I was wrong on the no# cars btw, my supplier just didn't carry them. Unlike most of the no# FL9s, most if not all of the no# Bradley schemes were done.

So my total number probably will be 14, as I have two skirted undecs coming also to make cars 5107 and 1000. I also have four no# cars coming to kitbash the 8500s, so currently I have two surplus cars that I'll probably unload on eBay.

[jmlaboda - RIP]

So my total number probably will be 14, as I have two skirted undecs coming also to make cars 5107 and 1000.

Am familiar with NH 1000 which was intended to be a prototype for modernizing the OB cars.  Was not aware of 5107, a modernized parlor, until you mentioned it and I checked my NH diagrams...

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Are you going to use window inserts from Kato UP cars to modernize these?  I know some of the lounge car models may have appropriately sized window inserts that could work to modernize these car but I haven't been able to fully evaluate this idea as of yet... have considered possibly doing the same to create some modernized heavyweight coaches for my freelanced lines but haven't yet followed through on it.

For the record, Seaboard Air Line also modernized their OB cars, replacing the original windows with thermopane windows and slightly altering the cars' look...

http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3227118

[bbussey]

Are you going to use window inserts from Kato UP cars to modernize these?  I know some of the lounge car models may have appropriately sized window inserts that could work to modernize these car but I haven't been able to fully evaluate this idea as of yet... have considered possibly doing the same to create some modernized heavyweight coaches for my freelanced lines but haven't yet followed through on it.

You believe the Kato UP window frames would fit?  It certainly would be easier to do that than what I am planning, which is to mill off the center posts and re-polish the glass faces.

NH 5107 was done in 1950 and ran on 41BNO trucks, which I believe I have the Rapido version of, so that will be an interesting one to do.  The remaining information left to uncover is what consists these two cars ran in.  I'm fairly certain that 1000 ran in commuter service, but I don't know how 5107 was utilized in the 1950s.  I might add it to my Yankee Clipper.  Either way, those two cars will have operating Easy Peazy lights to show off the modified interiors.

[rapidotrains]

Now this thread was a joy to read.

Thanks for the kind words, everyone!

I think maybe we need to make some 8600s....

-Jason

[bbussey]

I think maybe we need to make some 8600s....

Was there any doubt? 

[Missaberoad]

For anybody wondering they are in stock at MBK and going fast!

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-Scale-s/3.htm?searching=Y&sort=3&cat=3&show=30&page=1&brand=Rapido

[jmlaboda - RIP]

You believe the Kato UP window frames would fit?  It certainly would be easier to do that than what I am planning, which is to mill off the center posts and re-polish the glass faces.

http://katousa.com/N/COLA/main.jpg

I have thought they might be but looking at the above photos has changed my mind about it.  Not quite tall enough I don't believe.  Maybe someone can measure a COLA dorm - lounge or dome observation to be certain but they may not be tall enough to replace the Rapido inserts.  Would be great if they could... just not sure...

[peteski]

Glad they exceed exoectations.

Careful what you wish for, Peteski, o some oyher comoany will figure they can build in a track powered DCC decoder with car lights and sound and you'll pay an extra $150 over the non sound equipped similar cars from other manufacturers. ☺

Already happened. Soundtraxx makes a sound-only decoder with bunch of sound effects like wheels clicking (with frequency of clicks related to the speed step), wheel sequels, Diesel generator sound, and bunch of other sound effects.  Friend installed few of those in his Kato UP excursion train.  It is an auditory experience you have to witness to believe it.    But he didn't install interior lights! 

[bbussey]

For anybody wondering they are in stock at MBK and going fast!

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-Scale-s/3.htm?searching=Y&sort=3&cat=3&show=30&page=1&brand=Rapido

All the Black Knights are gone.  Onesies and twosies on just about all of the FL9 units as well, both sound and analog.  Very nice to see.

[eja]

They do look very nice.

 OSHA would never approve that "jump" between cars, however.  Why can't someone make passenger cars with working diaphragms that close that gap?

[bbussey]

@peteski Pete, do you already have in mind a plug-in add-on board or modifications to the existing Easy Peazy board to convert to track-powered pickup?  It definitely would be nice to have the track power option and still maintain the reed switch functionality along with the subtle lighting.  Just enough lighting to soften the shadows of the car's interior in daytime is sufficient as far as I'm concerned, and the standard EP board does that.

[peteski]

@peteski Pete, do you already have in mind a plug-in add-on board or modifications to the existing Easy Peazy board to convert to track-powered pickup?  It definitely would be nice to have the track power option and still maintain the reed switch functionality along with the subtle lighting.  Just enough lighting to soften the shadows of the car's interior in daytime is sufficient as far as I'm concerned, and the standard EP board does that.

No, but I'm sure it is not going to be too difficult.  It will probably be harder to install electric pickups in the trucks (because those sure aren't Kato trucks. 
Mine will arrive in few days (I haven't been able to fondle them yet). 

[bbussey]

Single insulated wheel in plastic side frames. Wires soldered to truck springs around the axles would work, yes?  Then, no need to devise wipers and create friction. Or, maybe a little friction wouldn't hurt and the RivaRossi style axle wipers are an option.

[OldEastRR]

For anybody wondering they are in stock at MBK and going fast!

Still show Black Knights in stock at BLW...

Brian: are you planning to paint up any "white" Black Knights? Plus any roof pictures or plans for the smokers would be appreciated. I have all the other drawings.