I want to let you know that after a couple face-to-face sessions with our design engineer we have made a small but significant change to the Maxi-IV: it will NOT come permanently assembled like the Maxi-III*, you will set each well on the track and the upper articulator of one will slip over a pin coming up from the lower articulator of the other. The concept is similar to what Walthers uses on their Thrall 5-unit cars but we have engineered it in a significantly different way. The Triple-57 will also use this new design. This should cut down on articulator damage in transit and from use. It will also be easier to put the car on the track and to store the box. The design of the box is still pending since the design change was just made but, like the Maxi-III, it will still be an outer box and 2 inner blisters or trays to protect the car plus a container insert to hold the cars in place without containers. You will also be able to see the car through the box top. Dave * In fact when the Maxi-III moves to the other factory it will no longer come permanently connected since we will have to re-design the packaging anyway. And the design change will be available as a retrofit kit to fit either the stock Atlas trucks or BLMA trucks.
Very good! I can't wait to see these. I sure hope the joints will hold up better than the Kato version. BTW, will the TTX versions feature safety stripes?
Good news! I have yet to break anything, but it's always nerve-wracking to move the Maxi-Stacks on and off the layout. Not to mention it's hard to sneak a new Maxi-Stack into the house in that long box. :bear-err:
Yes - check the description on the release for the TTX version http://www.deluxeinnovations.com/newannouncements.html
James, Thanks for fielding Daniel's question but I'm going to expand the answer. All 3 road names in the first run have the older white stripes. There will be future runs that have the newer yellow conspicuity striping. Daniel, Our design is completely different from Kato's and should be much more robust. Traindork, I hadn't even thought of that angle but it is another positive. Dave
Our normal approach is that if it existed on our car for a popular name we will do it. So yes, there will be new red logo cars in the future. Dave
Good news on the re-design Dave. Here's another question from a foamer: will the Maxi-IVs have the enclosed base under the side walkways, like this (and the Kato model): http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=49983 or the open base, like this: http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=23861 From the TTX numbers and artwork, it appears to be the latter, which would be good. [Told you it was a foamer question. BTW, we need some of those Schneider cans in the last shot. ] Thanks, Gary P.S. Does anyone have a pic of a Maxi-IV in the new TTX logo?
Gary, my understanding from the test shots and from the re-announcement post, the first release will be the early style with the raised / open side walkways similar to the Maxi-IIIs. I also believe that the tooling allows the later phase to be produced by Deluxe in the future. Perhaps Dave can confirm when he gets a chance.
Thanks James. Sundowner, I think 125T trucks w/ 38" wheels are at least on the drawing board: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showpost.php?p=731574&postcount=5 -gfh
A second to the request for those Schneider containers. And a third for the new TTX logo. If I find a pic of it, I'll post it....
Gary, In a word, yes. James is correct. The late version will be coming soon. Schneider containers are certainly bring considered. Dave
Sundowner, Compromises are sometimes unavoidable. There will be 100 ton trucks with 36' wheels on the intermediate positions. We are keeping our options open for the future though. Dave
