How many people would be interested in a 89' enclosed autorack in Z scale? I am seriously looking into the design of a photo-etched brass (or .005" stainless steel) 'fold-up' kit, with a cast resin underbody (for weight and ease of attaching MTL trucks and couplers). I'm working on the AutoCAD drawings and will submit to my photo-etcher as soon as they are done. I figure the car will be 4.90" long (not including couplers) and stand 1.03" off the rails. What do you all think??
Well, I'm only just dipping my toes in Z, but if it comes to something I will certainly be interested in these, as well as a string of stacks and probably most other things. Just need to cut the bottom off my purse Will these be supplied as a kit or built (or both/either)?
GeeZ! How did I miss this post? Sign me up Eric! I could use several, and I know that you would be able to sell out your run to the members of the Yahoo z_scale group. -Robert
Well with the costs of tooling and material, I know I can keep the price under $30 for sure. I will know more when I get the detailed drawings done, and submitted to the photo-etching company I am working with. I will keep everyone informed!!
Hey mythman, if you can keep the price under $30 for a limited production Z-scale car, perhaps you ought to send your resume to Micro-Trains... maybe, just maybe, they might need that kind of help with their new N scale autorack
I can do the a kit for under $30.00 for sure! Now a fully finished painted, decaled, trucks and couplers installed, RTR version would be more. The kit will be easy to build, consisting of one piece (roof, sides, and door ends) that will fold to form the car, and other detail parts that will be glued to the assembly. I'm looking into a tab and slot design to minimize soldering. You would then attached your trucks and couplers to the resin underbody, and glue/epoxy it to the etched brass carbody. This design will allow you even position the end doors, open or closed! Hows that for detail, yet to be seen in N or even in HO scale! Another note, my brother (The D in E & D Models) Dave, is looking into purchasing injection molding machines. Of course the molds/tooling are what cost so much, not the plastic. But good things to look forward to coming this winter! [ 29. August 2004, 18:52: Message edited by: Mythman ]
It wouldn't be too hard to make a autorack out of the current trailer flat you have in production now. :tb-wink: Ether way I would be in with about 10 orders or more. :thumbs_up:
Huskies & Auto-racks, my wish is half complete........... I got the MTL decorated container huskies, I have been told AZL were producing a auto-rack?? I imagime MTL will look at this also seeing the decorated container huskies were sold out the month they were re-released, depending on the time needed to complete kit would determine an order from me as im really time poor.....sounds like you have hit the nail on the Z modelers want. Mike..
Welcome to Trainboard Mike. Its a fun time for z scale. i am getting lot cars that we are wishing for. We are getting a reefer, cover hopper, and more to come. Also, how about some pictures on what your layout. We love pictures of layout and projects.
Thanks John, yes it seems the popularity in Z is too big for the manufactures to ignor, good to hear some wises do come true hey!!! i'll post some pics over the comming weeks. Mile..
Welcome to the competition with AZL.. Hey, first come, first bought. Besides, yours will likely look different than theirs so that just makes it all the better. Get some sample drawings or 3D rendered CAD models (better, that way we really know you are working on it). I'll bet one car AZL's is out first. .
Jeff, totally forgotten about AZL and their release of 89' Autoracks. O.K., AZL is hopeless in keeping their announced delivery dates, but the day will come... Eric, should you not better have a look on stuff others don't have, I will think about some suggestions?
You guys forgot to read the original posting date. Eric posted it on 2004. I dont think he is doing this car now. I also remember him planning to do a Coalporter, but drop it when he found out that AZL is doing one also.
John is correct the original post was in 2004. But, just because AZL has announced an autorack, doesn't necessarily mean I will not be doing one. Keep in mind that Con-Cor had a N scale version long before Red Caboose released an updated one with beautiful photo-etched details... I have a few things on my workbench.
Like I said: first delivered, first sold. I really don't care who makes it and, the more on the market, the more I could buy. As Eric, implies (and I said), there are different manufacturers of Autoracks so this looks great in longer or mixed train. Plus, it allows for different roads where as a single supplier (AZL, MTL, etc.) commonly only release one road every few months, leaving us hanging until they near sell those out. .
