Thought I'd start this topic after seeing Alan's latest release. A couple of questions on this model are 1. Are the 1023 or 1025 couplers body mounts? How are they mounted? 2. What are the suggested loads for this model and what is available? 3. What is the minimum radius this model will operate? Here is a picture of the model [ 18. March 2004, 11:51: Message edited by: Colonel ]
1023 and 1025 couplers are body mounts and can be screwed on (screws supplied with couplers). Lots of pics of 12-axle cars here Heavy duty flatcars With the very short wheelbase over the 3 trucks each end, they will traverse very tight curves ok, but obviously the low deck section would overhang on the inside a bit.
Thanks alan one order coming up One more question for us dummies, what paint is TTX? [ 19. March 2004, 08:41: Message edited by: Colonel ]
Paul, the 1023 is the built-up version of the 1025. The difference with these when compared to the 1015/16 series, apart from looks, is they require to have the lids sealed to the box, once built, with a soldering iron! TTX is TTX yellow, but TrailerTrain yellow can be used as a substitute though it's a bit lighter from memory. Check the Floquil/Polly Scale and ModelFlex ranges for paint. Gary in Blacktown generally has it on hand, or Tom's from time to time.
Alan, Sorry, tonight I don't have any time for research on your site. When were (are) these cars in service? Were there cars like these back in the mid -50s? Pete
Alan, As the couplers are body mount??? How are they attached to the car as there doesnt seem to be enough metal to screw and tap?
Colonel, I attach most of my body mount couplers with a small amout of Hobsco (Walthers) "Goo".. Works like a charm.
Paul, the couplers can be screwed on. I just drill a slightly smaller hole and let the screw self-tap, then file smooth on the top. Do this before painting, then you can remove the coupler for painting and refit when dry, with a dab of paint on the screw top. I am wondering about the deck color on these cars. The TTX ones sometimes appear to be yellow decks, but other pics seem to be black or plain steel, although surely they would rust? On a model a gunmetal color would maybe be best. On KRL (Kasgro Rail) cars the whole thing is painted red, but with the curved deck section painted white with notices saying not to weld in the white area. As loads are frequently welded to the decks, would they have to remove paint from the area first? Some cars show signs of multiple old welds which have been burned off! Not sure of the time scale of these cars, most of the TTX plans I have show drawing dates in the late 1990's, but this may just be the date the latest drawing was prepared?
OK, Alan, Now we'd like to see the 370 ton flat-deck cars..... (Bill MacIntyre pic) If I could quit spending all my hobby budget at Wig-Wag , I may be able to order a few of these exquisite kits! [ 20. March 2004, 15:18: Message edited by: HemiAdda2d ]
Alan, those two twelve axle flats sporting the big blue load appear to be former PRR F-38 flats, which would make a great looking model. I tried one in styrene but couldn't make a stong , yet thin enough span bolster which, I think, might be easily fashioned from metal. Food for thought? [ 21. March 2004, 18:28: Message edited by: absnut ]
Here a shot of a TTX DC flat I took last Friday. It will give some idea of the look of the "Deck". [ 25. March 2004, 04:27: Message edited by: LarryMacWI ]
The curved sections are obviously yellow (this one has weld-plates on), but the rest could be black, or bare metal. Difficult to tell
I received my kit yesterday and it looks excellent I'm really looking forward to assembling it. Just a question for Alan, do you predrill the model to mount the grab irons etc? or do you just use CA glue to install them?
From what I've gathered, a lot of the TTX cars have a non-skid surface on the deck, which starts off as something like an off-white. And weathers immediately.
