Z scale 60' "Whalebelly" Tank Car Progress Report

Z-scale 60' LPG "Whalebelly" Tank Car Progress Report

The attached image displays three views of the final configuration of the components for this model, ladders, stanchions, rails, and walkways, brake wheel and chain links. These latter will be etched metal, probably stainless steel.

For those of you who are interested in the package of three for modeling purposes, please note that the connections are octagonal shaped to insure correct fit. Also, please notice the stanchion supports are integrated to the surface of the components to insure proper placement and fit for the etched metal rail/stanchion parts.

Finally, please note that the truck bolster does not have the horizontal extension to support the ladders and end rails. We have not yet decided to add it to the etched metal or fuse it to the bolster - the clearance dimension relationship to the truck is not yet confirmed. We intend to recommend the Micro-Trains Lines trucks and include them with our finished product, but other trucks that the modeler might select have differences, and we need to insure the model works with all trucks available.

Our production target is November, our delivery target is December. When our 100 unit inventory is complete, we will begin our sales.

This message will also be mounted on both the Trainboard and Yahoo Z List.

Thank you for your support of Z scale.

Jim Shiff

 

JIm,

Can you refresh our memories on what the price targets were/are?

I seem to remember a cost of $99 for 3 kits, but I don't know if that is accurate or current.

Thanks,
Randy

 

The original offer for the 60' Tank Car project is;

1. We plan to produce this car in White with etched
steel walkways and ladders including a selection of Owners decals.
2. KITS @ $55.00 each car.
3. painted ready-to-run finished product for $75.00
each car.
4. a package of 3 KITS for $99.00
5. a "Special Order design scheme" ($50 extra - $105
total for KIT or RTR per unit) the buyer could
specify color and decals in kit or finished formats.
6. Decals will be offered with the kit including a
variety of Owner/Operators with logos in an included
sheet .
7. the 60' Tank Car will be prepared with a primer
that eliminates any residue of post-processing AND
prepares the part for painting.
8. The primers we use are white, black, gray, and
"rust" (a dark maroon).
9. In this project we plan on priming all product in
white, unless ordered with a Special Paint Scheme
with decals and logo.
10. a coat of Krylon Crystal Clear for a gloss
finish, or Krylon Matte for a matte finish.

Thanks for your interest, and shared views, as
always please feel free to comment and critique our
work and plans.

Jim Shiff

 

Thanks Jim.

I'm still interested in the 4.) 3 pack of kits for $99.

Randy