While readying an old Atlas Safeway Stores 40 ft. reefer for service today, I realized how many older models do not have end reporting marks. Even Kadee did not include them for the first decade or more of production. Northeast decals doesn't include them in its sets. Since the vast majority (close to 100 percent) are stenciled in white Railroad Roman letters, I was wondering if there would be a market for end reporting marks decals. The first set(s) would be initials and numbers for Atlas, Kadee, Roco, Minitrix, and other decent cars with the same numbers as on the car sides. Then another set could have the initials and "number jungles" used by Northeast decals. If you would be interested, please post a reply. Feel free to post the question on other forums or groups, but please post the number of replies received there here or send to me. Perhaps we can get a decal manufacturer directly interested. If not, I might be talked into getting some made and selling them.
Gregg,sounds like a killer idea to me.I would sure go for them ------------------ Catt!#118 - A proud member of NARA & A freelancer to the very end [This message has been edited by Catt (edited 13 January 2001).]
Along the same idea as end reporting marks are the approx. 2x2' reporting boards on the ends of most boxcars. Are they still used? I rarely see any markings or signs posted on them. Can they get decals as well? ..Eddie ------------------ Eddie Delozier PRR N-scale www.deloziers.com eddelozier@yahoo.com
In reply to Eddie DeLozier - the boards you refer to on the ends of cars (which are also on the sides and were once on the side doors) are placard boards on which hazmat placards or "Do Not Hump" signs were placed. MicroScale already supplies decals for these.
Gregg, Put me on your list !! I think you have hit upon a great and very maketable idea there!! Happy Modeling! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gregg Mahlkov: I was wondering if there would be a market for end reporting marks decals. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> While doing some railfanning on an overpass, I've noticed that more and more new cars are including the reporting marks on the tops of the cars. This was especially apparent on the tank cars. Perhaps this is so helicopter flybys can snap photos of yards for inventories; or maybe just so the guys in the yard towers can check the numbers as the trains roll by; or maybe just to give us guys something to talk about. ------------------ Ed Harrison Ed's Mental Cab Ride
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ten87: While doing some railfanning on an overpass, I've noticed that more and more new cars are including the reporting marks on the tops of the cars. This was especially apparent on the tank cars. Perhaps this is so helicopter flybys can snap photos of yards for inventories; or maybe just so the guys in the yard towers can check the numbers as the trains roll by; or maybe just to give us guys something to talk about. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Does anyone have a picture of this they could share? ten87 perhaps?? ------------------ Mike Drzycimski Arlington, TX The Southview Lines
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mdrzycimski: Does anyone have a picture of this they could share? ten87 perhaps?? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I'll try to get out there this weekend... ------------------ Ed Harrison Ed's Mental Cab Ride
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mdrzycimski: Does anyone have a picture of this they could share? ten87 perhaps??<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I stopped by the West Colton yard on my way to work this morning and snapped a photo or two (somebody owes me a cup of coffee!). First, check out this variety of road names: The lighting and train position wasn't too great for photos this morning, but you can get the idea. This was a train of LPG tankers, bearing the ARPX markings. The photos are of ARPX 5085. ------------------ Ed Harrison Ed's Mental Cab Ride
Ed, you lucky devil! Wish I could pass there on my way to work, but then, I only walk down the garden to the workshop Good to see that SD45 Still variety about there. ------------------ Alan Curtis. Moderator. Member #12 The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Alan: Wish I could pass there on my way to work, but then, I only walk down the garden to the workshop<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> It was on my way to work IF you count a ten mile detour as on my way... But since I commute by train, along 24 miles of BNSF right-of-way, I guess that counts as cool too. I'd love to be working at home, but I'd probably just work on trains. Is that what happened with you Alan? ------------------ Ed Harrison Ed's Mental Cab Ride
In my case, it was a hobby which turned into a job, 20 years ago I try not to go into the model railroad room during work time ------------------ Alan Curtis. Moderator. Member #12 The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
Ed, great pictures I think we should make you an official trainboard photographer . I have to admire Alan who works in the hobby we all love. I operate with my models at home then go to work and play with the real stuff . ------------------ Regards Paul #1-Moderator & Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
It's obvious there is insufficient interest in end reporting marks - have only heard from two people interested.
Hey Guys,the man asked if anybody was interested in the end reporting marks.Did ya'll miss the question??
I would be thrilled to see end reporting marks, so count me in and some of my detailing buds. Please do adequate research as not all repoting marks are the same font, color, spacing...etc. BTW, the reason for reporting marks on the tops of cars are quite obvious, so people can see them from the top! Tank cars have them because loading platforms are high and it is impossible to see the marks because the marks are "below" the rounded curve. Cryogenic cars and reefers have them to aid in switching (since they probably are from the same company, they probably are exact copies of each other [paint])...a guy either maybe in a yard tower or a platform would call out what car goes where according to the companys spotting sheet, which can change frequently. Hope this helps Mike
