Hi Eugen. thanks for the kind words.. The flats are from shapeways by designer Vonzack, item name is SRB Train QTTX 8-Axle 195 Ton Flatcar 1:160 It's quite easy to put together and tracks well as long as you add a bit of weight. No decals, I used a similar set that had "OTTX" in it. Probably have more engines than I need, but....(roster shows 64) If you're ever around Nashville, the door is open
That is a great looking train on your amazing layout !! I've seen a few of you videos on you tube, any more planned?
Thanks, Andy I do have more videos in mind - the 108 car earthworm with distributed power comes to mind, and probably the completed wind turbine train, and a crude train when BLMA (Atlas) tankers come out...but I'm basically lazy! Right now doing tuneups on some slower running locos. (I'm slowly switching from Kato to FVM for a bunch of reasons and it's amazing how the FVM factory's lubrication is all over the park. The latest runs have enough grease to float a boat...and yes, too much is probably worse than not enough speed wise.)
That grease is amazing stuff. Took three loco's trucks apart since they all were slow, put 'em in an ultrasonic cleaner with dish soap and water, soaked 'em for a couple hours, sonic'd 'em 3 or 4 times, the stuff didn't move. Added some Crud Cutter to the mix, same procedure, still nada. So dumped that and filled with Goo Gone, again, soak and run. Finally some progress. The solution was getting cloudy. Yea! Rinsed 'em, sonic'd 'em again in mild dish soap, rinsed with hot and finally got them clean. Sheesh. Let them dry, put a couple back together (carefully), properly lubed them, put the chassis back together (after cleaning and lubing the worms and bearings, lots more goop here), order of magnitude improvement, now runs like it should. One down, two to go... Fiddly but very worthwhile. I guess I just like working with the FVM chassis.
That sounds like alot of work. I love the detail on FVM engines, they are by far the best. Unfortunatly they don't make anything I model, unless I go for a fantasy build. Hoping they make GP-60's with the standard cab for SP like they do in HO, they look great. Good luck with your diesel roster change.
Yes I am also getting a Fox Valley Fan! They do a very good job! The last Run of KATO SD-70ace was not so good! I had do solder all the contacts on the Board. The first KATO Engine who was not running out of the box! L
I have diverted most of my new spending to FVM for both locomotives and rolling stock. Although, Kato has some interesting things in the pipeline.....
As far as I know you have also some Plasser & Deurer for the Track maintenance over there? https://www.haltiner-online.ch/index.php/gleisstopfmaschine-plasser-theurer-von-hobbytrain
True, David. But I've seen nothing from them that fits my prototype. Be interesting to see which comes out with Tier Four locos - my money is on Matt! Eugen, yes we do, except here it's called Plasser American... http://www.plasseramerican.com/en/home/index.html
And wouldn't it get interesting if Trainworx were to build a loco...they are doing some really great work - I watched a stock of over fifty 53' UPS trailers each of four numbers disappear in about 24 hours...ya snooze ya lose.
I'm not sure of this but haven't they sold them off like they did the SD90s? I do know they had a lot of issues with them...besides that given the models are from BLI I probably won't live to see them... And $250 a pop! Sheesh!
My dealer has them for $177.95 Not such a bad price for a unit with DCC + Sound They re due to be delivered September or October. But yes it looks like they had problems and went the way of the SD90's.
UP still has most of there AC6000, they had there prime movers replaces with the same prime mover as the AC4400 and UP classifieds them as such. They will be around for a long times since they don't have the issues the SD90 have.
Lots of those AC6000s still left in the Houston area, where UP usually sends their older motive power to die.
Thanks for the clarification, guys! I know they still show on the roster, but you can never take that to the bank...and I thought I read of a re-engining...
