Wellllllll, a close comparison on the Vista Dome you sent me, and the MTL's (ATSF name) I have are not world's apart, although there are some visual differences. But I think these can be overcome with some fancy paint work, decal placement, and obviously truck relocation. I have the "observation/end of train car" by Marklin inbound and should be here in a week or so. I will send some pics of the Marklin Vista Dome and the MTL units this evening very everyone to view and ponder.
OK a day late on the pics but not a dollar short. So I pulled out two MTL ATSF cars and shot the following photos with the MARKLIN Vista Dome in the mix. The one glaring difference between these cars is the fact that the side ribbing on the MTL units is either a decal or painted on. As for the MARKLIN unit, it is actual molded ribbing. So visually in that regards, there is a minor difference, but it’s not insurmountable. Next is the comparison of the roofs. Not much of an issue here, and the cross brace lines are relatively close and acceptable. Lastly, I’m throwing this picture in for the sake demonstrating the engineering that will need to take place in regards to moving the trucks about 5MM towards the end. That’ll simply be a matter of drilling a hole and using either a plastic washer or something else Between the trucks and the body. That doesn’t appear to be too tough. Lastly, acquiring some decals that match the MTL lettering and numbering will then probably be a bigger challenge. I think paint matching will be very easy, most likely using Testors good ole enamel aluminum or silver, that I have in my possession. Hard to find stuff. So I will leave it up to you dear readers. What is your opinion of how these cars match???
An interesting sidenote to the AT&SF cars-the 1:1 scale passenger cars were actually PAINTED with fake fluting on the sides, to match they're other passenger cars that actually had the side ribbing!
So in essence, by running the MTL (painted siding) with the MARKLIN (fluted siding), a "prototypical accuracy" has been achieved. Who'da thunk it. Someday, I may have the funds and will break down and just buy the AZL set if it's still available. I'm amazed MTL never went further with this series.
They're coming out with more repaints on the passenger cars, so be on the lookout. Ya' never know. The AZL set is really nice!
Lance, The rivet counter in me says add a strip along the bottom to match the side height of the MTL. I'd also put in the curved portion that hangs down with the stirrup. But I always make more work for myself, the may be the best approach. Scott
Scott, The stirrup already crossed my mind too. I think adding them is a must. Plus, adding additional strip material to both the ends, and the lower sides to gain the proper dimensions may be viable as well. Styrene plastic properly cut could do the trick. As for bending the stirrups, please craft up one of your “world famous jigs” (of some sort) so that I can bend them properly to scale.
You guys are tempting me. I have a lot of the Marklin passenger cars, and I really like them. What I like most is the way the window glazing has a brim around each pane that you can paint as silver or a black rubber seal if you like. I just received a couple 10 packs of the MTL passenger trucks so I can convert mine away from those giant crab claws.
