I do recall as a kid seeing M113's and howitzers loaded onto DODX cars in the mid 70's at FT Lewis when my dad was stationed there. Unfortunately nobody makes a good M60 or M88 in N scale so I used the Rocco vehicles that would at least match my 70's era.
The only loads I've ever seen on the DODX cars are tanks (M60 or M1 series), the M88 recovery vehicles, the M109 howitzer series (which includes the Paladin, technically an M109A6) and the M992 FAASV, which is the ammo carrier DI refers to. Oops, sometimes the Oshkosh Heavy Equipment Transporters (HET's - the lowboys that can haul tanks) are also loaded on these. Medium vehicles, such as Bradleys and large trucks, I have typically seen on 85' or 89' flatcars, usually TTX but also some RR equipment. Lighter stuff, including anything on an M113 chassis, usually has gone on 60' flatcars. Military guards are almost always present with these movements. As a case in point, the composition of the armor on the M1 tanks is still classified, so if there is any sort of accident there are all kinds of security regulations to follow. The above is based not on any particular book or technical knowledge, but on 20 years experience in heavy armored units. Unfortunately, DI's loads are too mixed up to be useful, IMHO. However, some of the pieces would be very nice to acquire separately. Also, the price I've seen doesn't encourage me to buy, esp with how satisfied I am with Alan's cars (of which I currently have 7)
I too was surprised at the price of DI's cars. I have four of Alan's cars too, and they are fabulous. I've seen some n scale M88's and 5 ton trucks on Ebay, but the detail didn't look too good. For the cost of those DI cars, I can get a lot of other stuff I really don't need
And to answer an earlier question, I've seen the DODX cars painted a wide variety of greens, from an almost BN green to a forest green to olive drab. Very dependent on the last time the car was shopped, I'm sure. They also seem to hold rust well. The ones I have I've painted using Testors Model Master paints in the military series (the ones that have an FS, or Federal Standard, number on the label). I've so far used Olive Drab and Medium Field Green and have been satisfied with both colors.
Just wanted to let y'all know about GFI/Minifigs. They're in Denver, Colorado and sell to several historical gaming stores. Check their website... http://www.minifigs.com/catalog/ They've only recently (10-12 months) been producing mondern and Vietnam era mini's, but it's high quality stuff. If your interested in seeing their facility, call the number on the website and talk to Tom (the owner) and he'd be happy to show you around. The way that pewter is cast iss a seriously cool process. In addition, they game store Attactix in Aurora, Colorado carries the full line. Big Daddy
Yes the Army recovery vehicle is also the M88. There is also a newer version called the M88 Hercules. It is a rebuilt heavier version and may be repowered. The M88s were being beat up towing M1s around. It essentially is based on the same concept of weighing down our locomotives. They added a bunch of add on armor and skirts so it would be heavier and have better draw bar pull.
Whoppit, Yes, that is the Dragon German railway gun. I just put N scale wheels under it so i could put it on the track. It is 1/144. Eagle2, Years ago Bob Mack and I started DANS and I was the first president, but I dropped out a long time ago and really don't know too much about what they are doing now. I'm glad to see that the club is still going and wish them well.
When I was at FT Sill OK for school, I saw plenty of Palidin's loaded on the DOD flat cars, pretty much all the other ARMY stuff, HUMMV's, HeMMETT's, 2.5 and 5 tons, and every thing else on 60 or 89Ft cars. Same thing at Camp Pendleton, I have seen M198 Howlitzers, LVS's (USMC articulated HEMMETT), HUMMV's, LAV's, 5 tons and 7 tons (MTBR officaly) on 60 and 89Footer's. No duce and a halfs for us Marines though, there just to small and week for our needs. The 7 ton's ussaly arrive brand new on 60ft flats, two to a car. I've never seen the Marines shipping the Amtracks or M1's around though, except on trucks to 29 Palms and back. Quite the interesting tread though, someday i will have a military train, proably a ARMY one though, seeing as alot of the major peices I would need for a Marine load will have to be scratch built. Kevin D Mumaw LCPL still..... USMC
Whoppit, The wheels are no problem, they fit in and even roll. The problems in trying to make it run on a layout would come because of the rigid trucks. There are six axles on each truck which would mean some really big curves would be needed. It is also light, some sort of weight would have to be put in to keep it on the track. It would clear tunnels and bridges IF you have a straight approach to them. I'm afraid any curve at all going into them would cause a big overhang. One answer might be to make two three axles trucks for each side. I never planned on running the gun on the layout, just got it as a whim, so I have not tried any of these things out.
OK, I hit the jackpot and found my photos from March 2, 2003. I've ordered them as they were in the train....
