A resent message has prompted me to start this message thread. It has to do with the need for Z scale Tank Cars. At this time, only 2 companies mass produce a Z scale tank car. One is Micro-Trains and the other is Marklin! What about a Modern version though? Indeed, what about a modern version of a Tank Car! "3R Works" over in Germany has the answer. Kurt is the man responsible for researching and developing not one, but two types of modern US tank cars. One is a 30' tank car and the other is a 50' tank car. They look marvelous! The tank car consists of an aluminum body, styrene end caps, nickelsilver ends and platform, brass machined details, Micro-Trains couplers and trucks, a professional airbrushing and superb decals. This is a photo of one paint scheme the 30' tank car comes in. This is a photo of his 50' tank car that Kurt is presently working on. This is another view of the 50' tank car. Due to the amount of time to make these tank cars and that Kurt is a One-Man manufacturer, the release of the first set of 20 is nearing completion. The first batch of 20 have been spoken for a long time ago, but you who desire to have one, he will be making more. As of right now, the only completed Z scale 50' Tank Car in this great big world, built by Kurt, rests in very good hands along with it's little 30' brother. Let me say this, the expert craftsmanship of this these tank car rival the work of Harald Freudenreich. It's a German Thing! And, I'm damn proud to have German blood running thru my veins! Kurts Website: http://hometown.aol.de/kurtulueck/TankCar/3RWorks%20Tank%20CarE.htm Hobo Tim [ March 11, 2006, 09:24 PM: Message edited by: HoboTim ]
My only problem with 3rworks is that I can't get one. I been to his web site many times, see how much work he put on his product, but 20 cars will barely cover a big layout. I just wish he could have produce more tank cars. Those tank tank cars do look good. [ March 11, 2006, 09:47 PM: Message edited by: shamoo737 ]
John, I am not upset with your post. It just gave me the opportunity to place Kurt's modern tanks cars in a spot light! They are indeed very nice! I have coresponded with Kurt resently and due to everyday stresses of life, the first batch of 50' tank cars are taking a bit longer to complete. He will be making more. If you look at all the photos on his website, you will see a pyramid stack of pre-cut aluminum tubing for the 50' tank cars. If you count them they total alot more than 20! One man operations compared to the big manufacturers are different. I can atest to this and I imagine Robert Ray, Michael Hilliard, and a few others who produce "Z" items on the side can too. It takes time! Last word about mass producing Z scale tank cars by Bowser was "NO"! To difficult to align all the tank parts for a smooth fit. (Or at least that is how I took it) Kurt is our only source for modern Z tank cars at the moment. Perhaps the "Z" Bug needs to bite him again! Tim John, I have applied the mask to your C44 for the next paint color!
I am glad you are not upset at me. I always wonder how you guys do it. I would have a hard time building models for other people. If that was your primary job, then it I would understand. But, most of you have full time jobs, and have to take care of your families. After that find energy to produce and build models for others. getting back to tank cars. I am still looking ways to add tank cars to my fleet. I am getting desperate enought to attempt to scratch build one. I have rought plan on how to build one, but dont have time. Maybe after tax season and I am more feel more relax. Or maybe you can hook me up with Kurt and get me to the front of the list.
Uncle Will, AZL, SEARAILS and MTL: I hope all these companies monitor this group. There is a great need for the modern Z side of the house and it is way over due for modern tankers to be massed produced. Now, I personally have to work on my 1880-1890 tanker which will be a lot smaller than those pictured here. John Bartolotto
I remember seeing the prototypes of those a while back... Beautiful work. I think I'm going to give building a tank car from scratch a shot, and use it towards my MMR. I have a fondness for the short tank cars used by Cargill, ADM, and such to move corn syrup... You could say it's a case of "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach"... Adam
Daang... $85 bucks a car... Guess I won't be partaking; however, they have a nice photo how-to to build your own, if you were so inclined....
Tim is correct. Bowser does not want to touch the tank cars. They are very complicated to produce. This may be an opportunity for MTL. I say this because Bowser produces for AZL and Full Throttle. MTL is self sufficient and may take the plunge. These modern tank cars are really needed. Rob
John, Put me first on your list. If you make some, we will come. When it comes to price, the seller think is too low, and the buyer think is too high. I would like to see Kurt's tank prices lower, but with all the work his doing, it looks reasonable.
Lets see, who was it, or should I say, Who were the Z scalers who were upset with MTL for making the Gunderson Husky and selling them for $25 average while FR in Germany was selling his for $85+? These people purchased many upon many of FR's Gunderson Husky's and were bound and determined that FR's quality and detail were centuries ahead of anything MTL could make and that they were standing by FR all the way! I agree that MTL should not have stepped on FR's toes with the same model, but they did. I have no say so in their manufacturing or advertisement. Fact is, now I can afford 4 MTL husky's for what one would have cost me from FR. What is wrong with FR's Husky's, nothing that I can see. They look great. I have one that Jeffrey White so graciously loaned to me on a permanent basis. For my Birthday last year my fiance bought me an FR 5-unit Gunderson Maxi III. It cost alot, but I have one. His Quality is outstanding! Kurt at 3R Works in Germany has taken the time to create artwork for the etching of nickel silver, hired a company to etch the nickel silver, machined some brass details, machined the aluminum tubing, cut/bent/soldiered all the nickel silver pieces together, cleaned, assembled, airbrushed, created artwork and printed decals, decaled, and flat clear coated these wonderful looking Tank cars. The MTL trucks and couplers are also included. Yes, I would say he has put as much into building these Tank cars as what FR does to create his wonderful masterpieces. The unfortunate part is that Kurt has a full time job, family and hobbies in Z part time. FR's full time job is making Z along with his family. Have you priced getting anything etched in brass lately let alone nickel silver? Before you can do this you have to create the artwork and make sure it will work for your application. For this reason I have gotten into home etching of brass. Works for me in small quantities. I am so lucky to possess the two Tank cars in the above photos. I have had them for nearly a year now. Kurts attention to detail is awesome. I can't begin to describe the detail. If Kurt stops making them I hope MTL will go for the glory. If not, Kurt has the only avenue of availabilitiy till someone else dives into Z. At this point in time, if people are willing to spend $9 for one acrylic RP truck or car that has the potential to break just by looking at it wrong, I would indeed be willing to spend $55+ for a modern tank car till someone else makes them cheaper and in more of an abundance! Thanks for your time! Tim
Hi Tim, You are such a lucky dog. Now I must find a way to visit Atlanta. Could I also barrow one of those tank cars on a permament basis. LoL. I think a lot of people buy MTL cars, and they expect to pay the same for hand build limited produce models. I have two of the FR well cars. They are lighter and more detail. Also, I need them for my refrigerated containers. They are pricy, but I was lucky. I was able to track down some FR well cars in kit form. If you want it cheap, then you must use cheap labor. Do it yourself. [ March 13, 2006, 09:56 AM: Message edited by: shamoo737 ]
Tim your absolutely right. I've ordered 15 Tank cars from Kurt last Oktober in a special paint scheme because his work is outstanding (like FR) and also very limited. If I can spend 600$ for one AZL Diesel I can also spend 1200$ for 15 unique Tank cars even if my wife will kill me. I know not everybody can spend this amount of dollars but Z-Scale is my only hobby, my car is 7 Years old, I'm working 60+ hours a week and my last real vacation (no business) was in 1995! This are good reasons to spend a "little" bit more in your hobby. best Regards Jürg
I want to borrow one on a temporary basis myself. Just till they put me into a home. Those are real nice cars, and they remind me of the Atlas N Scale offerings. I like the older era cars that have a hatch that is almost as big around as the tank itself, the 8000 gallon riveted ones. -Robert
Jurg, if your wife kills you, can we have your tank cars. LoL. I never let my wife find out , or I may join you. My car is 10 year old, and its unlikely to be replaced anytime soon. Why waste perfectly good money on a new car, when I can use it to buy lot of Z train stuff. That is a logic of a zhead. [ March 13, 2006, 02:49 PM: Message edited by: shamoo737 ]
I do the same thing... i buy used old cars for cash when I need a car, and buy everything on sale at internet sites as far as clothes, tools, repair parts, and stuff around the house. All this saves me lots of cash so I can afford to dump a few grand a year into my hobby. I buy everything Z Scale when I see it available, and will sort it out later... or not. Just so long as I have it. I'm addicted to Z Scale, what can I say? -Robert
Tim, at first I though it was FR PS2, but after a second look, then I notice its one of your creations. Do you have a better picture of the PS2. Thanks.
Cool! Today I get an email from Anthony with my march and april order with some MTL Santa Fe cars, some Cylindrical Hopper, an A B Set of AZL PA1, and the AC-12 and I can tell you I'm really lucky that my birthday is on april and I can explain why 3 K Dollars went away. Regards Jürg
