Tim Hmmmm....I'd love to have a new car that fits all my kids at the same time, but can't....I'd love to have one of those new Brass Bridges so my Engines can cross a river in style, but can't. I'd like a new car and a Brass Bridge but that ain't happening. I like both, but can't afford either. So, I have a car that most of my kids fit in, and I have plastic Bridges that my engines cross rivers less proud. That was my only point. Sometimes a lot of us have to work with what we have, and on occasion I try and offer up an alternative for those of us who may not have the pocket book or the high standards others might have. Most of my efforts at MTL have been towards the idea that I could offer products in Z...and N... like the GP35-9 at an affordable price so those of us who didn't have the budget for limited run, brass motive power could run with the big guys. I like limited run, brass motive power, but the needs of my kids far out weighs my needs of my puny empire. Also, I would hope by now I wouldn't have to defend my Character and Integrity, I'm a pretty simple guy and fairly transparent. But regardless, in the future if I suggest folks try a bar soap at $.75 instead of a bottle of liquid mask that costs $5.00 and do the same thing, I will...or if in a fit of Brass Bridge Envy suggest some budget plastic "almost ok" alternatives for the unwashed masses, then I will too. I hope no one takes any of this as a slam on superior products. It isn't. I want a brass bridge and I want a bigger car, but in the mean time I will live vicariously though the heavy hitters here and be inspired to do more and do better and always remember the priorities in my life...my kids, my puny empire, pie with Loren, my laundry. Cheers Joe
Hello, Manfred Lütke make also some Z-bridge that could fit for the States. They are made from polystyrol and are relative cheap. http://www.luetke-modellbahn.de/shop/index.php?cPath=94_133
When I originally posted this thread, I did so to promote a new product line. My goal with PSW was to combine the talents of Reynard Wellman, John Cubbin and Tim Buehring to create a line of associated products and options that are very much in demand by the Z hobby. Yes, we all can create similar products for $5.00. But let us not forget, developing a completely new line takes time, money and energy. I know the hours spent by Reynard and John to develop their pieces. I know the energy Tim puts into assembling these bridges and to make them right. We as a hobby have a very limited pool of manufacturers and companies working to create products and invest the money needed for new lines. We should be supporting these manufacturers, many of which are individuals attempting to succeed in what is often an uphill struggle. The three aforementioned individuals are just such people. I am not saying we cannot discuss $5.00 bridges. But I would recommend doing so in a new thread. I will be happy to even share how I made a similar bridge with a block of wood, some coffee stirrers and spare plastic strips. But, these bridges will not be to the level of detail and quality the Reynard has created. The photos Jurg really shows off the bridge and abutments. They are stunning as is the diorama John created. Please respect those who have brought this project to the table. These folks need our support and encouragement. I am not saying to buy just to buy. I am asking that we give manufacturers the courtesy to allow them to promote their lines. Rob
I totaly agree Rob! Here is my answer: On a more serious note, if all who share our hobby are scratchbuilder, we don't need any manufacture.
Rob I'll have to remember this the next time I announce a new product on this forum and get accused of having an agenda, being an also ran, lacking any imagination or producing a product "everyone in the Z community" has problems with. I don't recall you wading in on that one...where was the call for respect...how about just the truth? Where was the defense of the hard work and investment by the folks at MTL to bring good, afordable products to the Z Community? Are we somehow less talented, dedicated or deserving respect than Tim, Reynard or John? I showed no disrespect for anyone here, PSW, nor their efforts, nor their projects. If the worst any of us have to suffer are a few folks expecting a forum to be a place to offer up ideas and alternative as well as praise, then they need to spend 20 minutes in my office reading some of the disrespectful and outright misleading posts about MTL on all the boards I visit each day...some of that in the middle of this thread. I'll state it again, I like your bridges and appreciate the hard work and investment in that product and hope you are successful because some day I'll have the money and the space for a fine piece of PSW Brass. Joe
Hello Jürg, I agree totaly with you, and find it good that on this world there is for everybody, rich and poor, exigent and indifferent. The Ztrack bridges are just awsome, I wish that the market have positive reaction on this high quality products.
Joe, I am confused by the response. This thread is not about MTL, but Micron-Art's new release. If this product has anything to do with MTL, it is the fact that Reynard designed the bridges with the intent to use MTL flex track. My response was simply to put the spotlight on those involved with this project so their efforts are not lost. Yes, when we put text into a public setting, we are open to any response that one feels to post. I too have heard the same comments mentioned by you as direct to MTL since these are often directed to Ztrack. But, if you feel MTL does not receive they credit they deserve, I encourage you to take a close look at the forums. MTL is the most talked about, promoted manufacturer in the hobby today. I for one think this is rightfully so. MTL is THE Z leader today. Does anyone disagree with this? Every month, I wait in excitement to hear the new item announcements. I personally can’t wait for the GP9s. The NP looks awesome! But, this is not what we are discussing. If you would like to talk more in depth, than let's do so offline. Public forums are not a place for these topics. I would like to continue to focus on the positives like Jurg's PA photo which is stunning! Rob
Dear friends, we use, love, and appreciate all the products companies and individuals provide. we are in this scale together and are growing as the a result. having said that, i would invite you to notice how we got into this discussion. if hobo tim's posts had been a bit more tempered, i don't think we'd be seeing this discussion. i took tim's post as inflamatory. yes, he wanted to focus the thread onto the PSW bridges, but he could have measured his words better. tim does amazing and outstanding work, but a lot of his posts about MTL are negative and often accusing. everyone has reasons, responsibilities, and agendas, but we also need to stay measured and thoughtful. i'd like to see this discussion return to that civility. dave f.
Hmmmmmmm Ok, Tim used the wrong words to express what he wanted to say. Here is what I should have done: ------------------------------------------------------------- This Thread is for the Promotion of the PSW Box Girder Bridge. If you want to post alternative methods to "Build Your Own Bridge" please post it in the Scratchbuilding Thread http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=62472&highlight=scratchbuilding&page=11 or create a new Thread on scratchbuilding a bridge. ---------------------------------------------------------------- That is what I should have replied. Also, for the record, I may be very forgetful but I can recall two specific instances where the forums were giving Joe D' loads of NEGATIVE about MTL while I posted what seemed to be the only positive support for what he has done to help bring more Z to the masses thru MTL!!! I even recall an email or two Thanking him for his activities! I did not mean to bash Joe, if that is what it seemed, just trying to help promote the PSW Bridge. Yes, I do have a hand in this box girder bridge (RTR assembly, airbrushed & hand painted), cause I know I am bringing another version of this bridge to the z scale masses. The assembling and painting of this bridge does not pay my bills but it does help. ------------------------------------------------------------ about me; I have 3 kids, an Ex, a Fiance, an American Bulldog who looks like a Polar Bear, a Durango that needs $1000+ to repair, a Pathfinder that is working thanks to Duct Tape, Spit & Bailing wire, and bill collectors calling for blood. As I am unemployed (hopefully will have an interview this week) I don't have a steady income of any kind. The fiance works on commission so any extra $ checks are sporatic, But, I always find some $$$$ (ebay and Z projects for others) somewhere to support MTL, to make a purchase of a new MTL item that I have interest in. Just two weeks ago I picked up 5 packs of brown MTL wheels I ordered and purchased a pack of the new curved track sections from my LHS. Matter of fact, the largest support I ever gave MTL at one time was the purchase of 24 TTX Gunderson Huskys. I have about 70 MTL locos & rollingstock plus hundred$ in Track and Turnouts and the list keeps getting larger!!! 85%+ of my Z scale inventory is MTL. I do my part to help support the Z scale industry that produces Modern Items. Please don't suggest I don't. ------------------------------------------------------------- Now, if we could, let's get back to the Promotion of this highly detailed Box Girder Bridge and Custom Abutements that Micron Art and John Cubbin's has produced Exclusively for Ztrack's "Public Service Works". Have a Wonderful day and an Outstanding week!!! Hobo Tim
I rarely visit the Z scale forum. I observed some beautiful examples of bridges. There are always price differences and opinions on everything under the sun. If each of us seriously considered the impact of the written word on others, controversies such as this might not arise.
If I were 30 years younger, I'd certainly be in Z scale! Wonderful bridges, and wonderful modeling photos. Z is quickly catching up to N, so I won't compare the Z offerings to those of N 30 years ago. They are much finer! Now I am wracking my brains to find a spot for a Nn30 branch line. Maybe across a part of my harbor? Hmmm . . . Or up in the mountains? I've been frankly astonished at the progress in just the past few years, and how this forum has grown into a vibrant Trainboard community, thanks to all of you. It's really tough on the business side, so I understand that folks can get upset. I really admire the folks who get into manufacturing here and I know they admire each other. So let's have some fun!
Tim and all, The first shipment of finished bridges arrived today from Tim. WOW!!! Tim you did a great job! The black bridges feature a brown walkway and silver railings. The silver have a brown deck as well. They are built solid! Our first shipment will go out at the end of the week. John is finishing the abutments for our orders. Rob
Joe, Just now looking over the MT releases for July... Guess I will buy one in your honor : ) If the B&O gondola was B&O and not Chessie it would have been 2 for me this month.
