I, as do many others, would like to see a re release of the TTX 89' flatcar from Micro trains. I emailed them on Christmas Eve telling them that there were a large number of people who wanted them also, and recieved an email back from them today saying that they were happy to hear comments about it and would consider this release again. I don't know if this will work or not, but if enough of us email Ben at MTL, we may have a shot at getting a re issue of this car, and even possibly in runner packs. It can't hurt.
did these sell poorly in the past? I cannot see why they wouldn't re-release it especially since they are all over the place on modern intermodal trains
1. 89 ft. flatcars come in very limited roadnames, basically Trailer Train or TTX Corp. MTL likes to offer colorful cars in many different roadnames as they sell better to the neophyte and casual modeler. 2. 89 ft. flatcars track poorly on the sharp curves, like 9.75 in., often found in train sets. They don't look so hot on those curves, either. 3. 89 ft. flatcars loaded with two trailers, which might attract the casual buyer, would be so expensive at MTL's prices that the attraction would not extend to purchasing the item. MTL will do a special run if you buy 300 cars. Can you get a committment for 300 cars from those expressing interest? :cat:
They should not have made PEPSI cars. Thats all I seem to find nowdays. I would like to see some cont. 89' cars. I would prefer trailer train over ttx, more my era. Sharpest curve I have is 24" radius so they are fine.
Which will come first, some company buying the Alan Curtis line and releasing RTR, or MT doing another run?
I think MTL first released the 89' flats in 1991 and it was a major reason for me converting to N scale. As someone pointed out, the flats with trailers could get expensive. Back when originally released, a flat with one trailer was in the $30 range. MTL could make them available as the 4 pk / runners with no trailers. That'd be the most likely way we'll see them. Harold
Greg: Your first point is in err. MTL has already done eight paint schemes plus two in TTX. There are several never done that could be. Some I know were applied to prototype cars of similar but not identical design. Part of the issue here is the tooling is also used to produce the autoracks.
89' er Morning, To be honest there's no real hard and fast rule when it comes to choosing what gets released. I think we look at what is popular, what sold well and what the mood of the buying public is. With all the new Steam Engines available, we have gotten some requests for older style box and gons, but it takes a few months for us to respond...usually about 6 or so. We have to lay out our manufacturing order that far out so everyone can do their part in a timely manner. So, your request for 89' Flats has been put on the table and I have addressed it as well pointing out that I have gotten a lot of requests for it too. I don't know when they will be run again, but in a few weeks I should have a feel for what we plan on doing late spring. When I can let everyone know I will. I personally would like to see more of them as well. If you all have photo's of new color schemes, please forward them to me so I have more ammo. Cheers Joe MTL
Pepsi Cars Your right, it seems everytime I drop a box in the Lab...out pops a Pepsi car. Well, those are done and over, I doubt if the management will get involved with other joint ventures like that. The program did really well, even the Hersey cars...but the margins are not all that great, and those folks who collect Pepsi and Hersey stuff don't really collect trains...seems odd, but hey!? Keep your toes crossed, I am pushing for more 89' cars. Joe MTL
Alright ! Here's a taste - I'll email more - a lot more - don't worry that the flats have been converted to different trailer carrying arrangements than the stock M-T model - modelers will know what to do..........AND you (M-T) already have the 'Lime green' color from the MT 64044 57' flat.... Thanks for posting Joe.
Ah, yes. There is nothing like trying to back a string of these suckers through a #7 turnout crossover S curve . . . David
I could go for a runner pack of these in any of the TTX schemes, preferably the earlier TTX, and the old brown TT scheme....:shade:
89's Thx for the reply Joe, i did not know you were here. Picked up the new MKT car today, it runs great. The Pepsi thing was a joke among my friends here, I work for Coca Cola Ent. and my family has bottled Coca Cola since 1903. Guess what all my friends buy me for a gag. I have now repainted a boxcar and 2 flats out of Pepsi into anything else. But please do not make a Coca Cola car either, much rather see Trailer Train or even CPR.
Given how far in from the ends the trucks are, wouldn't the coupler swing be absolutely brutal with body mounts on this car? David
Not forgetting that BC Rail had about 150 of them. Some were 88'8" and some were 89'1", but the difference in N scale is.....? Cheers David
Umm, three scale inches? Mind, this hasn't stopped manufacturers producing 'prototypically incorrect' models in the past. MTL did produce a three-pack kit with no trailers back in the mid-90's that came in a standard large box. The precedent is there.
