REDUCED - CESM - MLW M636 Pre-Orders

[dcutting]

UPDATE: Price reduced, please see my latest post for details

Pre-orders for the Alco C636 have been running for a few weeks now. Pre-orders have been trickling in, but it's not clear whether we'll make it. To give the kit a better chance of success, we've extended the pre-order deadline to January 1st, 2018. Secondly, we've decided to simultaneously release the MLW M636 model, which is available to order here: http://www.cescalemodels.com/n-scale-products/m636-kit-n. If you order by Monday, October 9, 2017 (11:59 PM) and use code FORUM, we'll ship your kits for free.

We weren't planning to do this until later, but it really makes sense to do them at the same time - the only differences are really in the details on the body shell. We don't yet have CAD models to show, but we figured we would wait to see what the demand is like since we already have the C636 CAD as a reference for buyers. The model will ride on Briggs Models' fine Dofasco trucks, which raise the cost of the model to $120 USD.

We still need 50 60 models to be pre-ordered to begin production, but that's a total of pre-orders for both the C636 and M636. Please note, it isn't guaranteed that this model will be available after this run.

The instruction manual is available for you here: http://www.cescalemodels.com/n-alco-c636-mlw-m636-assembly - as of today it is mostly a listing of all the included parts, versions, and required parts/tools to complete the model.

In addition to the stock Canadian models, we'll be able to produce custom versions of the kit for Australian modelers - please contact me at dave@cescalemodels.com to discuss if you're interested. I've already got the pilbara cab designed so it really comes down to extra filters, etc. at that point.

[reinhardtjh]

Oh #$%#    The WNY&P has 7 of these. Although one is OOS as a parts unit and an two are just OOS with repairs needed.

[dcutting]

Pre-orders on these are even more dismal so far than on the C636. Looks like they might not be able to be produced. I'd appreciate it if interested parties would share and provide critique that the resolution of might provide more orders.

Thanks,
David

[dcutting]

I've updated the cost on these kits. The cost is now $80 for the C636 and $100 for the M636, $20 below the original costs. I am able to do this because I found a new supply chain that is able to maintain the same quality but keep the costs down. In addition, the minimum run has been dropped to 50 units because the minimums are lower for this supplier... the minimum at this point is really motivated by my design costs.

I have already refunded $20 per kit to customers who have already ordered...

David

[John]

David . these look good, but C636 is not a model that would be used on my railroad ..  I hope you get enough orders

[reinhardtjh]

I want some... But i'm in the middle of moving from Ohio to Texas (see https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=42726.0).  The movers have been packing and loading since Monday morning and the truck left for Texas today at 1:30PM EDT.  The new house won't be ready until late November or early December.  Every single bit of my modeling supplies is on that truck and in storage until then.

I don't know if an order of 4 or 5 will help, but with the house closing time frame I'm hoping to be able to place an order in late December.  The price change definitely helps, maybe increased the order quantity by 1.

[Missaberoad]

Will the M636 shell be accurate? there is more then just doors that differ the two models...

[nkalanaga]

I've already order an SP&S, but thank you for the price drop!  Now all I have to do is find an early Atlas C630...

[w neal]

How come your Hi Ad sideframes are made to fit the 8-40C truck and not the originals? Its a bummer that I have to come up with new trucks for my existing alco models.

[rdg5308]

The Alco HI-AD, EMD Flexicoil and GE GSC trucks are all basically the same 163” wheelbase with axles almost evenly spaced.  The Alco Trimount is around 150” with noticeably uneven axle spacing.  In my opinion I suppose it’s doable, but that’s a lot of compromise in trying to squish it down to get it to look right against all of the effort to make a correct body shell.

[dcutting]

Will the M636 shell be accurate? there is more then just doors that differ the two models...

Yes, we are reflecting all of the changes details including filters, a different sill, etc. as we get closer to production the CAD will be completed. Both CP versions should be able to be modeled.

The Alco HI-AD, EMD Flexicoil and GE GSC trucks are all basically the same 163” wheelbase with axles almost evenly spaced.  The Alco Trimount is around 150” with noticeably uneven axle spacing.  In my opinion I suppose it’s doable, but that’s a lot of compromise in trying to squish it down to get it to look right against all of the effort to make a correct body shell.

Well said

[lock4244]

David, how accurate will the M-636 be for CN?

[w neal]

The Alco HI-AD, EMD Flexicoil and GE GSC trucks are all basically the same 163” wheelbase with axles almost evenly spaced.  The Alco Trimount is around 150” with noticeably uneven axle spacing.  In my opinion I suppose it’s doable, but that’s a lot of compromise in trying to squish it down to get it to look right against all of the effort to make a correct body shell.

I see. Gotcha. Ta.

[dcutting]

David, how accurate will the M-636 be for CN?

The kit will contain parts to make the CN version or either CP version. It won't just be a "canadianized" C636, we plan to go around the model and make all detail changes.

David