It's been three years since MT released their 89' intermodal flatcar, even longer for the TTX scheme. Furthermore, over the last decade or so they've released a total of only 5 TTX road numbers. With Grant's new F45, and Athearn's F45 and FP45 on the horizon, as well as Kato's SD40-2's, it just seemed like the time could be right for such a run, as many people have been asking for this car. Chuck Ciaccio and I have approached Micro-Trains with a view to doing a special run of the TOFC version of their 89' flatcar, in the standard yellow TTX scheme. As with the Overnight boxcars that turned out to be so popular, these cars will be unnumbered and have a decal sheet for every customer. Each decal sheet will hold multiple numbers - last time it had 30 numbers, this time it may have a few more or less, depending on the acreage on the sheet itself. We haven't made a final decision yet, because the price would be $24.95. As far as we could ascertain, the last two MT releases for this model were priced at $22.95 (Pepsi) and $22.50 (FEC). So, on the one hand, $24.95 seems a little on the steep side for someone wanting to make a train of these. But on the other hand, the price is not out of line with history, especially not for a special run, and more so given the multiple number option. So we need to find out if there would be enough demand at that price. The timeframe would be around April next year, provided there are enough people interested. That should provide some breathing room for budgets to recover from Christmas So... what do y'all think, should we do it?
I would be interested in 3 or 4 as long as they were in the Trailer Train scheme, not TTX (pre-90s) They also need to do some COFC cars.
Undecorated? I'd be interested in 3 at most, probably just 2. Are these with or without trailors? Do you have a picture?
I would like to have another TTX 89' flat or two, but I have two concerns: 1. My days of applying decals are over. The last time I tried to apply numbers to an "unnumbered" BN SD60M, I managed only to destroy the decals. (I sold the BN SD60M, too frustrating to keep around. I later bought another numbered unit from a later run). 2. What I really would like would be a "Twin 45" body or a variation that can carry 2 45' trailers. I also think that we need more 40' trailers to go on the 89' cars that I already have. I have more 45' trailers than I can put on my cars. Mark
Here is a picture of the model MT released in May 2001 (yes, it's been 5 years since a TTX flatcar's been released! ) Tony, I hear you. That's a tough one - we wish we could have done both schemes! We went back and forth, but in the end we had to pick one. What finally swung it to the more modern TTX scheme is (a) all the standard Microscale decals are for the TT scheme and (b) most comments we heard favored the TTX scheme. Steve, these will be painted and decorated complete. All that will be needed is to add the number on each side - two decals total.
Mark, The decal sheet will have more numbers than you will need, so there's plenty of "spares" included. And as the earlier post said, only one per side needed. I too would like to find a way to utilize all my 45' trailers. According to TTX research, there were two versions that accommodated two 45 footers (WTTX and TTWX). Nobody's shown HOW they did it, though!
I would be interested. However, I agree we need more COFC as well and also more 40' trailers to go with the TOFC's. At $25.00 I may want 3 to 4, maybe. Can someone explain the differences between the later and older models?
Sounds interesting! The only drawback with the MT car is that the hitch configuration is set for two 40' trailers or shorter. Not a big deal, but anyone wanting to another variation that carries two 45' trailers or three 28' trailers will need to do some modifications so the hitches can be relocated. William Cowie wrote: "...I too would like to find a way to utilize all my 45' trailers. According to TTX research, there were two versions that accommodated two 45 footers (WTTX and TTWX). Nobody's shown HOW they did it, though!" William, Here are two TTWX cars I modified from the MT car. The hitches needed to be relocated to accomodate the longer trailers. Incidentally, TTWX cars are also capable of carrying containers via collapsible and adjustible pedestals. Is this what you meant? Russ
If they included some Trailer Train Decals on a black stripe you could overlay the TTX. That is how I did all my other cars. A run of the old Trailer Train (box car red) would also be nice. There are even a few of those around today.
Trailer Train officially changed the corporate name to TTX in the early 1990s (1991 as I recall, but I could be off a year or two). The TTX logo started to be applied to cars about this time. The yellow Trailer Train scheme came into being in the late 1960s. Paul
I could be interested in 2 to 4 units this spring. The price seems right, and with a decal sheet with each car, I could use the extra numbers on others that I have. Only thing that could change my mind is if I'm unemployed at the time, or deadmg: Very good idea on the TTX IMO.
Russ - awesome work!!! :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: How did you modify the MT car to accommodate the two 45' trailers? Sure you don't want to go into manufacturing? Sounds like here are a lot of folks who'd buy from you! (Self included). Do these run behind your GP60s?
Thanks, William! Actually, These typically run in with all my other intermodal stuff which gets a little heavy due to the length of the train and the fact that some of the cars cars are cast in metal. Therefore, I typically drag the intermodal train with 3, 4 or 5 big six axle units. The GP60's run on somewhat lighter mixed freights though. As far as manufacturing goes, the only thing I can help with right now are my collapsible trailer hitches which would be useful on multi-purpose flats, such as what are being discussed here. I like to periodically reconfigure some of my intermodal stuff to carry different combinations of trailers and/or containers from time-to-time, and this is the primary reason I developed the hitch. Here's two such hitches on a "triple-57" flat made from an Alan Curtis kit. The collapsible hitches allow me to change it so it can carry three 45-57' trailers or four 28-45' trailers.... Russ
A Definite Maybe William, I am DEFINITELY intrigued. First impression is YES! Although, I'll be honest...I hoped that M-T would make the TTX and/or Trailer Train 89-footer a prime candidate for their "4-packs" they have planned. I do REALLY like the unnumbered idea, especially if appropriate decals are available/included. Financial constraints aside, I would buy some just because you guys are doing what I've always asked for and I have to support that. I'm assuming the price is the actual price vs. an M-T MSRP...so you're really talking $25 vs $18 discounted...and that's the kicker. M-T's theoretical 4-pack in that case would be $72 discounted, versus $75 for three of the custom run. I do recognize the value of the unnumbered unit, so I'm not trying to compare apples to apples price wise, but it is something to consider. I'm sure they wouldn't do a 4-pack on the heels of your custom run, though. AND, the way M-T is pricing things lately they very well maybe eclipse the $25 mark, discounted! Other considerations. IM has had their 60-ft modern flat on the burner for a while. Should they release 6 or 12 numbers in TTX, BNSF, et al, I'm likely to spend my money there since they fill a bigger hole (for me) than the 89's do. Also, DI has two different spine cars and a lot of other items coming out. When? Who knows, and that's the point. Maybe an overload of intermodal in April of 2007 for all we know. It's this scenario that will keep me from being a major supporter of your run. Overall, I think I'm for it and would probably buy at least a couple. I'm probably not a representative response, either, because I am downsizing considerably. (partly by choice and partly by necessity) At one point I likely would have ponied up for about a dozen, (even with all the other releases) and I'm quite sure you will have some modelers in line to do just that. The ability to build a fleet of 20-30 or so is QUITE COMPELLING. Also, I think that this run might spawn a parallel run of at least a single, if not 4-pack, of the also-desired Trailer Train version which would be a good thing. (i.e., M-T says, "while we have the yellow paint out") Good luck with whatever you decide.
