Product Announcement: 3rd Style Hitch from MLE

tehachapifan Sep 22, 2007

  1. tehachapifan

    tehachapifan TrainBoard Member

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    MLE is happy to announce the N-03 Hitch Kit for 57’ Spine Cars. Although the first run of these hitches has already been produced, they will not be released until a 57' spine car is released in either RTR or kit form (we are aware of at least one RTR model that is expected to be out sometime next year). This hitch will be released in 3 packs only and will basically be a taller version of our N-02 series hitch. It is intended for use on the wheel tray end of 57’ spine car platforms so that the trailer’s landing gear can remain fully extended and not strike the wheel tray (as with the prototype). As with all our previous offernings, these kits will be supplied as flat metal etchings that the modeler will need to fold, assemble and paint. Once assembled and mounted on the railcar, this hitch can be raised or collapsed. The hitch will lock securely in upright positions and will support typical N scale highway trailers. Decals will not be included but some hitch decals are available on Microscale sheet 60-822. MSRP TBA.

    [​IMG]

    Russ
     
  2. James Costello

    James Costello TrainBoard Member

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    Wow....great work again Russ!
     
  3. Flash Blackman

    Flash Blackman TrainBoard Member

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    That is amazing. :thumbs_up: Does this mean I can quit using bees wax to hold my trailers in place? What will I do with this case of bees wax I have stored under the layout? :D
     
  4. Greenlightintermodal

    Greenlightintermodal TrainBoard Member

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    Very Cool Indeed.

    The detail part before the car !

    Are there other types of hitches suitable for TOFC that could yet be made ?
     
  5. tehachapifan

    tehachapifan TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, guys!

    Now we just need to see the 57' spine cars actually come out.

    Russ
     
  6. tehachapifan

    tehachapifan TrainBoard Member

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    Still waiting! :worried:

    Should I just go ahead and release 'em?

    Russ
     
  7. Pete Steinmetz

    Pete Steinmetz TrainBoard Member

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    Where can I order some of the available hitches?
     
  8. Calzephyr

    Calzephyr TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hi Russ,

    You've got a real nice product line going. I'm wondering though, are any of your hitches usable with the new Intermountain 60' flatcar?

    I realized after buying several, that they were intended for farm implement (tractors etc) and not necessarily for trailer-on-flat. If none of your existing hitches are correct for this IMRC car, are you considering... or... would there be a prototypical retro-fit to the car which you would consider making?
     
  9. GaryHinshaw

    GaryHinshaw TrainBoard Member

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    Release 'em! They're not doing you any good sitting on your shelf, and I'll vow to buy at least one set from Chuck whether or not the DI spines are out.

    Maybe we can coax Peter Harris into making the triple-57's after he finishes the FEC well kits for Jan. His new trash spines look great - despite being trash spines. ;)

    Pete, your best (only?) source for the hitches is Chuck:

    Feather River Train Shop :: MLE Scale Models

    Cheers,
    Gary

    P.S. I have to admit that I'm a bit dumbfounded by the juxtaposition of your fine hitches and the pizza cutters in your lead picture... ;)
     
  10. tehachapifan

    tehachapifan TrainBoard Member

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    Calzepher-

    Probably the best option for the car you describe is the N-01 hitch, which is intended for TOFC cars as well as spine cars (it has two upright positions; vertical for TOFC and semi-reclined for spine cars)....

    [​IMG]
    (assembled and painted sample shown)

    When raised in the vertical position, it is just the right height for TOFC service. The N-03 hitch is also tall enough for a TOFC flat but it only raises to a semi-reclined position as seen on spine cars. You'll need to decide if either has the certain look you're after. :)


    Pete-

    As Gary mentioned, the entire MLE line is available at Feather River Trains.

    They are also available from N SCALE INTERMODAL MODELS +GKr0Jsxxyj+NBOUtrXjZ

    Wig Wag Trains may also have a small amount in stock.

    Gary-

    You're right, perhaps I should just release them.

    You got me on the pizza cutters! :embarassed:

    Russ
     
  11. GaryHinshaw

    GaryHinshaw TrainBoard Member

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  12. prbharris

    prbharris TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks Gary.

    I thought that the Triple 57 spine cars are close to production, but it is difficult to pad print onto castings due to the imperfections in the casting process, and this may have been the hold up at DI. What is the latest news?

    Our new cars are about to go into pre production next week, so this is an exciting time - although these cars will not need collapsible hitches!

    Peter

    Peter Harris
    N Scale Kits
    N Scale Kits
     
  13. Doug A.

    Doug A. TrainBoard Supporter

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    This was news to me, too.
     
  14. GaryHinshaw

    GaryHinshaw TrainBoard Member

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    Peter - do you mean the standalone 53' well car? If so, wow! that's fast.

    I don't have any insight here. I'm sure we all wish Dave at DI the best in getting these into production. Spines are such a prevalent feature of the modern landscape, and your 53' set is very nice.

    As long as I have you on the line - how about a 53' NSC well in one of it's many incarnations? ;)

    Cheers,
    Gary
     
  15. jsoflo

    jsoflo TrainBoard Member

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  16. prbharris

    prbharris TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hold on - I meant the 07-08 announced cars!! We have not announced our lines for 08-09 yet, but do intend to do so very shortly.

    Ummm - how useful would these be? Drawings and pictures are not easy to come by. They are different in style but do not seem to be very widespread. I would be interested in views [both personal and photographic!] but probably better in a new thread or contact me by email or PM.

    Peter

    Peter Harris
    N Scale Kits
    N Scale Kits
     
  17. GaryHinshaw

    GaryHinshaw TrainBoard Member

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    Peter - thanks for clarifying. We look forward to all new products!

    Unless I'm mistaken, the NSC cars are quite prevalent these days. I'll see if I can pull some information together in a new thread for your consideration.

    Best,
    Gary
     

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