Etching this image next week. Reservations taken at http://www.searails.com/railroadmodels/engineshells.html Pricing and delivery dates will be announced shortly. Many thanks to those of you who suggested a variety of configurations and additional details. All are included, generics too. Delivery will be by first class mail (3-5 days US). Jim PS - next shell will be U-30 (July/Aug), res taken now; handrails in this etching.
Wow Jim, way too cool on the U-boat announcement. This one for me at least is the really big one. Can't you see them awsome brutes painted for Union Pacific and Burlinton Northern? Jim, we will throw our massive loyal support behind ya bud-d-d. After all you are blazing and forging ahead in a relative new technology that is producing beautiful results. Keep it up. May I dare ask, what is the next shell after the U-30?
engine shell offerings Hi Mr. Grady, Thanks so much for your positive support comments, all of us here appreciate them. We have had a GP-30 ready to go (see attachment) but, in deference to AZL, we have not entered it in the market. We have announced a GP-20, U-18, and H-16-44 but couldn't generate any interest in the H-16, so it won't be produced by us. A yard switcher is wanted/needed, but requires a new powered chassis. We also are investigating the PA-1s & -2s for market acceptance (and FAs as well). Last, we are looking at either the Zephyr articulated, or the M-1000 articulated, and although we can make them, there doesn't seem to be demand. Don't hold us to any timelines or product releases as everything is dependant on market reaction and support. We'll produce any engine shell or car body that can produce a minimum 25 units of sales. Jim
Jim, I'm all in favor of an FA (using a GP chassis). Since the demise of the MT F7, we are in need of freight cab units. The PA would be nice, too, but I have a strong bias towards freight. How about an F3? Dan S.
F3 CHASSIS? Help us out please.(we don't want to open up an old can of worms). The F3 is only 50ft. long, so it will only fit on the MTL F7 chassis. We don't know if this chassis was acceptable to the market? Jim
Jim, Please see the photos attached. The first one shows an F7 shell on an "old" GP35 chassis, the second shows it on a GP9 chassis. I believe that new GP35s share the same chassis as the GP9s. The old style chassis would require a little bit of filing on both ends, but not a lot. I believe that an F3 could be made with relatively few concessions (as compared to the MT F7). I believe that you could come very close to matching the length of the F7, as the only "thin" areas of the nose and tail would be to accomodate the lower portion of the chassis. There would be plenty of material at the upper portion to provide strength. The truck spacing might be off by a bit, but overall, I think you could make a very believable F3. The compromises that would have to be done on this would be far less than those of a Zephyr or M-1000. Just my opinion. Dan S.
I wouldn't "waste" my efforts for an F3, I bed this loco will come from one of the "big" sooner or later. I think a niche model like an ALCO FA would be a better choice...
OK, Got the message regarding the FA's. We'll work on it - no promises! Meanwhile, we are proceeding with the U-30C and GP-20, and (maybe now?) the SD-40. We think there is a market for the C-C SD-40 on the AZL SD70 chassis. Also, the number of varients in the Dash-2 series provides an opportunity to produce additional "cut-in" RP sections for "bashing". PLUS, none of the other mfgrs have announced this most popular body type. Jim Check out the different body types from the Diesel Shop attached!
While it has been delayed, again, MT has been planning an SD40-2 for quite some time. Micro-Trains The Ultimate in N and Z scale model trains
So have the GP-30, GP-38 and C-44. But, regardless of the IM market, we can build the SD-40 shell, and all of its varient "cut in" components in very short order. And, they will fit on the AZL powered 6-axle chassis. We are thinking of a basic SD-40 shell, with a variety of hood and cab sections. A cut and paste kit, specifically for bashers for different roads and body types. We'll probably ask for suggestions for the sections, but our first production will be based on the prototype numbers.
ok, let me offer my 2 cents on this post. the SD40-2F would be a great shell to have. it's essentially a canadian model, but there may be enough modelers out there who could secure the 25 units minimum needed. this would be great choice. CP 9003 the SD40-2W is a wide comfort cab edition (also mostly canadian), but you would do better, i think, just making the cab. there are other uses for such a cab, such as a GP40M or GP60M -- but these would require a different chassis to be correct. frankly, you'd have some stiff competition with the details on the MTL shell, and i think most folks would prefer that shell and would just use your cabs anyway. another variant not mentioned for the SD40-2 is the "T" tunnelmotor configuration. i'm sure you'd get more than the needed 25 units if you made either a whole SD40T-2 shell or even just the unique rear grill configuration to kitbash onto the MTL shell. DRGW 5360 a SOO type SD40-2 shell without dynamic brakes and with a winterization hatch would probably be a good all around replacement shell to produce. winterization hatches are hard to find in Z and getting the dynamic brakes blisters off the MTL shells is a chore (and doesn't always come out nice). now another shell model i would personally invite you consider making is the F40PH shell (these would be for the GP35/9 chassis, sorry i changed subjects on you). the only types of these available in Z are $650 brass, but i'm sure a lot of people want them (who can't afford the brass price!). to be correct they should fit over a 2' longer between truck centers) GP35 chassis, but i think folks would not argue the point if a nice F40PH was available for the GP chassis even if it was a hair longer than normal. poll for an F40PH and i bet you'll get responses!!! SKTX 242 dave f.
Dave, the FR F40PH shell is not made from brass, just injection molded plastic. But the chassis is the best runner of all, no doubt An SD40-T2 or SD45T-2 would be nice, but they have to compete with injection molded or brass shells. I would rather see from Searails very unique stuff that wasn't availble at all so far like 4 Axle U-Boats and not just, don't get me wrong, a different quality shell of something existing or similar. The idea to have some "add-on" parts like body extensions, different cabs or tank configuration get my vote!
Triplex, you said it bud-d-d. A SD-45-2 would be very cool, or either a GP-40-2. Jim why don't you poll us on further shells. I think that would be the most truest indicator of what the masses want. Jim what a great future Z has with you bud-d-d.
How about an F45? I know there weren't that many of them and that AZL already did a run in brass, but I'd bet there are enough ATSF, GN, BN, and MRL modelers to support at least 25 shells, and they'd fit well over an SD40-2 chassis. I'd buy 1 or 2 myself (and probably a few SD45-2s or SD40s if they were made).
