Looks like I spoke to soon in the code 55 poll stream. MT has announce that they will be including both standard wheelsets and low profile wheelsets in new releases starting July 1, 2002. (Canada day here up north.) You can check out their announcement here. This may be a big advancement for the code 55 advocates.
Anybody read MT's anoncement?? It almost sounds like they've finally figured out that people other than collectors buy their stuff. Heck I even weather my MT cars
That is excellent news, and a sensible way forward. In due course, I expect they will fit the low pro wheels as standard and supply the 'high profile' ones as extras
If they have actually figured out that there are more runners, than those who collect only, this IS a big stride! When I bring home a new MT car, it is immediately run into the shop for body mounted couplers. Thus forever eliminating any collectibility. BoxcabE50
"ATTENTION CATT AND BOXCABE50......THIS IS THE COLLECTORS' POLICE, AND WE HAVE YOU SURROUNDED!!! YOU ARE UNDER ARREST FOR WEATHERING AND BODY MOUNTING COUPLERS ON A PRICELESS ARTIFACT... WHAT HAVE YE' TO SAY FOR YOURSELVES FOR COMMITING SUCH ATROCITIES?? COME OUT WITH YOUR AIRBRUSH/TAP & DIE SET UP IN THE AIR WHERE WE CAN SEE THEM!!! BRING ALL THE INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE WITH YOU, DON'T MAKE US COME IN THERE ARE GET IT OURSELVES!! COOPERATE NOW AND WE WILL BE LENIENT WITH YOU BY ALLOWING YOU TO TAKE UP ANOTHER HOBBY... BASKETWEAVING!!" my apologies, I just couldn't resist given the recent prototype police threads on other boards!! In fact, I must admit to owning THREE m-t centrflows with graffiti decals... hows' that for atrocities?? hehehehehe. The "collectors" who have the audacity to look down upon such practices have no idea how well these cars will weather AND run. Perhaps they need a lesson in OPENING THE BOX.... LMAO in central illinois...
Good point Sandro - I don't have quite that many, but the pain level is bad regardless. Lets look at it this way - in sandro's case if he must now convert 800 freight cars, assuming all are 4 axle; one 100 pack of wheelsets will do 25 cars. - Sandro will require 32 packs of 100 wheelsets; List price per 100 wheelsets $23.95; to be fair lets say he buys them at 20% discount or $19.15 per pack. 32 packs at $19.15 each will be $613.00 - not including taxes and shipping charges- quite an investment especially after spending couple hundred dollars to convert couplers and/or paying premium price for MT cars and truck packs in the first place. Not to mention your time to install them- lets say 5 minutes per car - or 4000 minutes - 67 hours of time spent . Even at 1/4 of the quantity of cars as Sandro the price would still be $153 and the time would be 17 hours. [ 19 May 2002, 19:51: Message edited by: ajb ]
I am so glad I waited before making a large investment in N scale (or HO scale) rolling stock. Yes, MT stuff isn't cheap, but the customer always picks up the bill for advancements in technology and quality. Remember Tyco train sets circa 1976? We've come a long way baby!
ajb I don't have 10 thumbs....so I probably use less than 5 minutes per car I'll buy one pack to try them before buying more
Hi Sandro - not meaning to imply you are all thumbs at all merely based my estimate on removing car from box - removing wheels - reinstalling wheels - check roll on track and put back in box - took me about 5 mins at a leisurely pace. I am sure with an assembly line type of pace it and some practice could be improved, but still could be in the 30 to 40 hr range none the less.
ajb I have the trucks mounted on the car's box. This helps to prevent the cars from any damage or wear. *lol* and saves some time when replacing trucks as well. Of course I'll change the wheels whenever a car is used the next time.
Changing over isn't a big problem for me, as I started using low profile wheels (as well as body mounting couplers) in 1988. So far, about 25% of the N Scalers in out area have converted or are in the process of doing same and about half of the newcomers are going to code 55 and low profile wheels. It looks like code 80 and large flanges will be with us for a while yet, which means that we have a choice and that is good for the hobby. Terry
