The thumbnail below of a TOFC flat shows both an outer rail and an inner rail with what appears to be a wheel lock. I'm thinking of modeling the two rails using Evergreen styrene channel. The size which seems best is .156", slightly less that 3/16 inch. Does that size seem correct or would you recommend a different size? I can list all the sizes if you like. Photo from Santa Fe Railway collection, Kansas State Historical Society. Ben
Hi Ben, When I'm trying to decide what size material to use I try to estimate the size from the photo then divide by the scale( 160 in this case) So if the side rails are 12 inches high they would be .075. if they are 16 inches they'd be .100, etc. If anyone knows the height of truck tires that would probably be a good place to start, the side rails in the photo look a little taller than the tire height.....dave
Hey Dave. Thanks. I can measure the height of the tires on models and come pretty close. The channels may be easier to mount than a single strip. So far, I have painted and decaled a few Atlas, Ultimate and Herpa trailers. Although the earlier flats appeal to me the time period of some trailers is hard to determine and these may be more appropriate fot the MT flats. Ben
Here is my trailer fleet. MT 60' (ATSF) with a 48' trailer. A MT 89' flat (FEC) with an FEC 48' trailer
Building spine car kits You could come and try your hand at building a spine car kit for free. It looks as if N Scale Kits may be doing a clinic at Anaheim in July on the Thursday evening before the Convention start. You will be building a spine car kits each, and you can take it away - and can get the rest of the articulated car set for a very, very low price. We ran this clinic at the British Region NMRA Convention in October, and have been invited to do a similar one in CA. More news later. Peter Peter Harris N Scale Kits N Scale Kits
Nice Ben...He he you still haven't learned how to post the pics the way the others are doing it either....I'm still trying but they just are not cooperating! On the TOFC you might have a problem doing the prototypically correct 2-rail look. The car is a bit narrow and the truck wheelbase is a bit wide.
I hear you so I measured. Using the smallest channel (.060") would leave the distance between rails 1.2 inches short of what is necessary. I'm not sure the .060" channel would be visible except with an OptiVisor anyway. Another fine idea dashed to bits. And what is it with thumbnails only? I lost the option to post full photos somehow. Ben
Alan Curtis "Triple-57"... Alan Curtis "Triple-53"... "Triple-53" made from (seriously modified) Concor flats... "Triple-53" made from MT flats... Russ
A few TOFC's... I've done a few.... The Molson trailer is a vintage 1970's Ontario brewery edition..... The Thibodeau decals are a neat custom available at Hobby Junction in Dorval, Quebec - one of a many a local guy does...... Does a TOFC also mean "Tank on a flat car " ?. Canadian Army Leopard 2... Lord Strathcona's armoured regiment - wooo yahhhhh !
I like it, too! Nice work! I'm glad to see earlier era rolling stock made for this purpose. Boxcab E50
Nice trailers Puddington. Here is a Schneiders trailer I like but would be more appropriate for your road. http://www.lantz.ca/imagesmoosoneetrains/800mr_tofcwaiting2005Apr19CRW_6728.jpg Ben
Schniders trailer Ben: Thanks - I love that picture and especially the ONR flats ! You are correct - it's perfect for my era - I'm goin to put that project on my list.....I'll figure out a way to build the Can Car trailer w/ ribs and I can make the decals...We buy Schniders meats so i can scan the logo and fonts !
