Found YouTube video, of someone running this exact set. Says it’s from 1955/56, unless otherwise noted. So, I’ll stick with that for now as well. Possibly more to add next month, IF we actually have a meeting. Doug said he’s got at least 3 more boxes of stuff! No idea how big said boxes are. Could be interesting.
Not in production yet, but pretty quick! Placed a reserved order a while back, with Sunset/3rd Rail Models. Have a set of 2 Rio Grande ML-4000, Krauss Maffei locomotives reserved. Just got final reservation notice, with payment information. Sometime this summer, I’ll have 2 Rio Grande 3 rail Krauss Maffei. They also state, that models will be limited to: 100 only, 2 rail versions 75 only, 3 rail versions. Just not fully sure when they will go to production, and eventual delivery. Looking for award to them. Just the final price tag I’m not to thrilled with!! But, I’ll have an extremely limited version of an unusual locomotive!! Will come complete with full sound as well! Maybe photos and video, once I get them!! Wasn't sure how many reservations they needed, in order to move ahead with actual production. Latest information I got, indicated they reached reservations needed. And they will be doing reservations only, no extras! Probably should NOT be doing this, but can't pass on the chance to get something that will be extremely rare! And as I also understand, they will be locomotive specific detailed!
From the 3rd Rail website. Think this might be a preproduction model. The Southern Pacific version of the ML-4000. They’ve got a couple of Rio Grande prototype photos, plus an KM demonstrator.
Got my units Paid In Full tonight! Now, just a matter of them going to production and shipped out! Sometime by summer. Don’t know when. Yet. Hope to hear something as production moves along.
Have a virtually brand new set of Rio Grande units myself!! Still with original Rivarossi couples on them! Only time I ever ran them, was years ago, at a friends place. Smooth and quiet. Believe it or not! Been on display ever since!
Units going to production now. Will take about 3 months to finish them. Should arrive by June and start shipping in July.
I could run them, but have no O layout, just a christmas loop... Plus my wife would probably destroy me for buying one.... Those are looking nice!
Can run them as well, at club train show in December, if I set up a 3 rail display. In other news, last meeting, I scored a Marx trestle set and somewhat rusty steel bridge. All free. Now, with an air eraser, I can test it out on the bridge, to see how it works! See if it’ll cut through the rust. Want to clean it up as best I can and repaint. And since I have a 1x4 framed sheet of plywood in the garage, I’m looking into building a 3 rail layout on it and selling. Have track, that needs major cleaning that I might be able to use. Plus a couple of switches and a 90* crossing as well. Or build something for myself, using the Lionel Fast Track, and the EZ Streets(Superstreets) street system and add an operating vehicle route, with grade crossings.
Inquired about the units today. Production has just gotten into full swing!! Estimated arrival now, is Nov/Dec!! Could be same for my new truck! Not worried. Locomotives are paid full. And will have a bit of time to save up extra money for new truck. At least good news is, new ebike has made it to powder coating/paint. Should be ready for final assembly by next week. Might be able to pick it up by next weekend, maybe! Park current truck in garage, when I get it back, and ride new bike to and from dialysis.
Latest word, is the Krauss Maffei are due to arrive tomorrow. And should start shipping out about a week later. Finally getting closer!! Photos and/or short video in action after I receive them!!
It’ll be at least 2 weeks yet. Arrive tomorrow and are slated to start shipping on, or around Feb 28. So, might have within the first week of March. I’ll know for sure, when I receive my shipping information. Looking forward to getting them, finally!!
Received 2 UPS shipping notices today. My locomotives are on the way. They’ll be here Friday. Might have photos/video Friday night. Or over the weekend sometime.