Here's a couple of pre-production samples of the new MLE Scale Models Collapsible Spine Car Hitch in both N and HO scale. These will come as flat etchings that will need to be folded and assembled. Like the previous hitch, this hitch can be repositioned to a raised or collapsed position and locks securely in the upright position. This one is intended for use on a 48', 53' and 57' spine car. I'm really pleased with how this is turning out! Russ
Wow....looks great Russ! Can't wait to see these in production. Now we just need some DeLuxe spines to go with them!
Thanks, guys! The first run of the new N and HO scale hitches for 48, 53 and 57' spine cars have arrived! I packaged up several today. Russ
Russ These look really good - I hope that some photos can be put on the www.nscalekits.com site too. We are keen for folks to improve the look of the spines - which are in production now. We shipped some 48' spines today. 53' spine kits are also available now. Keep up the good work. Peter N Scale Kits
Thanks, guys! Peter- I need to take some new pictures as the photos above are pre-production samples and there have since been some improvements. Once I do that, I'll send them to you. I'll try to take them today. Jason- They're pretty much available now although I'm yet to send them to Chuck's (the sole supplier at the moment). I hope to send some off soon. Bruce- Sorry, no website. MLE is still too small and only breaking even right now. Can't afford one. Maybe some day! However, the product line can be viewed at http://www.featherrivertrains.com (although The new hitches aren't there quite yet and the HO kits are not showing up right now as they're revising the website). You can also view some photos of them at http://www.nscalekits.com (look at the page for 53' spines, for example, and click the link that talks about collapsible hitches). Steve- 57' spines are an interesting animal as far as hitches go. The new hitch above would be appropriate on what I call the "spine end" of each platform, but not so much for the "wheel tray" end. As you may know, the wheel trays on the 57' spines are mounted flush with the top of the center spine instead of slightly lower as on 48' and 53' spines. This is why many trailers ride somewhat "nose-down" on 57' spines. Some prototype 57' spines originally had shorter hitches on the wheel tray end and loaders had to retract the landing gear some to load the trailers. They've since fitted the wheel tray ends with a taller hitch. For the wheel tray end, I'm working on yet another, taller version of the above hitch. Many 57 spines also have a hitch that resembles our original N-01 hitch on the spine end, as seen here.... Photo shows a stock Alan Curtis hitch on the wheel tray end. The new hich was not developed yet at the time of the photo Russ
Cool! However, I think the 57' Spines are out of my era of 90-94. I meant the 57' Long Runner. Which ones work for these? Also, by the title, am I correct in assuming these hitches work on the 48' and 53' Spines? Russ, your intermodal equipment looks great and I can't wait to get to that stage. Unfortunately I have only three 48' spines ready for paint. I'm doing only five of each spine length equipped for both containers and trailers. They're kind of a pain. Also, I'm trying to save for the trucks, couplers, paint, and decals.
Woops! Sorry about that! You did say Triple-57 but I wasn't paying attention, I guess. For the Triple-57/Long-Runner, the N-01 hitch for spine cars & TOFC flats would work the best. Here's a shot of that one on an Alan Curtis Triple-57 flat.... Yes, the new N-02 hitch will work on the 48 and 53' spines. However, unless N Scale Kits has modified the castings, the 48' spines will need some modification before these hitches can be attached (theres a raised area across the center spine that has to be made flush for the base to sit flat). The 53' spines require no modifications. Russ
No , we have not made any modifications to the 48' castings. We are still using AC Models molds. However, the pewter is fairly soft, so the two center running boards are fairly easy to file down to make the deck flush. The boards are only about 1mm high, and 1mm wide, and can be made flush without damaging the deck surface. When we get some of the new hitches we will try them out and post on the www.nscalekits.com site. Peter N Scale Kits
I'm pleased to announce that the new N-02 hitch kits are now available at http://www.featherrivertrains.com Peter, did you want me to send pictures or a couple of actual hitch kits (or both)? Russ
Here's a photo of the new hitches. Pre-assembled and decorated models shown. Kits are supplied as flat etchings that will need to be folded, assembled and painted. Decals shown not included but are available from Microscale (60-822). Russ
Hicth Russ, fantastic product! My question is this: would the hicthes be appropriate for a nscalekits 89' TOFC flat I'll be painting for FEC?
The previous hitch offering (the N-01 series) would probably be the best choice for use on a TOFC flat. The reason being is that the N-01 hitch is a little taller and can be set to a more vertical position like hitches on TOFC flats typically are. The new hitch sits in a "semi-reclined" position appropriate for spine cars and may be a little too short for use on a TOFC flat (although I suppose one could make it work). I hope this helps! Russ PS- here's a shot of the N-01 hitch on a TOFC flat...
Russ: thanks, yes, thats very helpful and a very nice photo of what I hope my 89' flat is going to look like!!! As for the N-01 hitch, is it an available product?
Yes, the N-01 hitch kit is available in 1 packs and 5 packs at http://www.featherrivertrains.com/c...?c=search.htm&categories=010001-010100-000146 I also recommend the N-01J "Assembly Jig" to aid in the assembly of the N-01 hitches (jig can be re-used over and over and is for N-01 hitches only). Russ
