I was lucky enough to get on the list for the one of the first batch of 20 of the 50 footers. I got one of the 30 footers last year as well. These are very nice models that you want to put right up in front. Did any of you see Kurt's walk-behind lawn mower that Tim had at NTS last year? Now that was something else! The best bet for modern mass produced tank cars is MTL since they already make a similar model in their N scale line. On a different note, had anyone kitbashed a steam/transition era three dome tank car? I'm thinking about doing one eventhough that's not my primary modeling era.
Hello Again Fellow Z'sters! Randy, here is Kurt's Lawn Mower! John, here is a clear photo of that same PS2 you saw in the photo. I use to make these all the time. Most were deemed non-useful due to small air bubbles. I have since given all of my PS2 parts to Robert Ray who should be able to make about 5 or so PS2's of his own. The body was a 3 part cast resin with etched brass ends and roof walk. I still have the master so I could re-mold and cast more if the Z Bug was to bite me hard enough. This photo was taken about 1.5 years ago. Long before FR was selling them. Several months ago Jim Manley visited Atlanta for work and he brought his Z collection for NTS was right around the corner. I had the chance to compare my PS2 to that of FR's. Not much difference except for the materials used. By the end of this month I will be the proud owner of an FR BNSF PS2 covered hopper. Can hardly wait! Tim p.s. I have many more one time creations sitting around my house! Perhaps I should display some photos of the two modern coal loaders I have, or the Demag hydraulic truck crane, or the 20' tank container, or the BP gas station, or.....................
Tim, great looking hopper. It could easyly mistaken for a FR. I have the BNSF on order also. In regards to pictures, it is yes, yes, yes, and yes.
Looks Like Kurt is getting closer to releasing his first set of 50' Tank cars. He has updated his website. Here is the link. Tell me what you are thinking! 3R Works I know what I am thinking, I wish they were all mine! Tim
I think that MTL and FR's Gundersons mix and match up quite well ... and the 5-unit artics are phenomenal. I just wish I could find more of the FRs unfortunately there will always run the risk of duplication in the marketplace ... espeically for well-known subjects. Competition is a good thing in the end.
This is more to topic, but more to a scratchbuild context... Background: I bought a new dining room set with a tax refund, and the set was delivered today. The table legs had bolt thread protectors.... That could be bashed together to make a 50-60' modern tank car. They look like a tank car, domed ends and all, just need trucks, bolsters, etc. I'll get a pic or 2 and see what I can do about posting a couple tonite or tomorrow. Any ideas for walkways, ladders, platforms, fittings on the tank, handrails, etc?
Gordon, I love the FR's Gunderson. They are lighter, and I can use the reefers on them. FR said it will make a small production if we can put a order of 25 cars. I just received my metal bending tool, so I will busy building my three FR well cars.
I am using the Bender by NWSL. I saw that Kurt was using it. If it's good enought for Kurt, then it's good enought for me.
John, An order of 25 of which cars, Husky Stacks or articulateds? Built up or kits? kits I might be interested in. Thanks, Randy
Randy, I think he meant ready to run to run single cars, but I will ask Uncle Will. Smolderz, I was looking at that design also. The web site Do it yourself in z highly recommends it.
