Frankford El Car:

I assume you're already aware of the Budd M-3 being available?
http://motormanmodels.tripod.com/hophotos/hobuddelcars.jpg

Nice model!

Paul F.

Some additional info on BMT Triplex:

http://www.nycsubway.org/cars/bmt-d.html

And some photos:
http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?26365
http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?6513

Paul F.

Sheldon,

I would expect that your post about Aristo products might receive a more hearty response on Aristo's own forum (the one that forbids discussion of other manufacturer's products  ).

But hey, that's just me (one opinion out of 5 billion possibilities).

BTW, I don't use their wireless throttle.

Paul F.

Woody,

You're a great sport -- I'm glad you didn't see my comments as any kind of "flame-thing".   

I think that the BMT articulated cars would be an awesome model (maybe I can build one out of an MTH triplex with a set of lifelike R17 bodies -- just kidding! )

Seriously, the BMT model would be very impressive, especially as you pointed out -- if two or more sets were coupled together!

Paul F.

Woody,

I appreciate your comments, but I don't agree.   

Would your comment be equally appropriate if the subject wasn't rapid transit, but say B-mann's decision to make "logging" engines (the three truck shay was a radical departure for B-mann at that time), or certain prototypes that have limited appeal (On30 0-4-2 tank engines?). 

Should manufacturers only produce the most commonly accepted products --- say F-7s  or only USRA steam  -- and never anything odd like a baldwin road switcher, or say an Alco DL-109?  Simarly, should manufacturers avoid smaller roads like New Haven or Reading?  Just because a product or road name appeals to a small group doesn't mean it won't be accepted or profitable.

Look at On30.  There was a dedicated group of On30 modelers before B-mann produced more products and we could have easily wondered "what are they thinking making On30?"  But it took off and people got excited about it and more products were produced.  Maybe following LifeLikes R17s with a different rapid transit model will spark more attention and create a new market for even more products.

Regarding era of prototype....Low-V cars were retired before I was born, but I like to model the 1920s.  I doubt that criteria (modeling trains that ran during your own lifespan) applies to a lot of modelers -- civil war era modelers are probably happy that B-mann produces their early era 4-4-0s for example (and these modelers almost certainly were not around to railfan during the 1800's!) 

Regarding the need to model 8-10 car trains -- if the objection is that it will cost a lot, then why would anyone model full passenger consists (look at Walthers GN Empire builder, and Hiawatha passenger sets).  Stating that the length of the train makes it cost prohibitive and therefore an undesirable model would also "rule out" coal unit trains and long strings of auto racks or grain trains. 

I'm just saying that if we never try something new, we'll only ever model Pennsy K-4s, ATSF Warbonnet F7s, and 40 foot box cars painted oxide red.  (I'm being extreme to illustrate a point).

I respect your opinion, but I don't necessarily agree with it.

Paul F.

Thanks for that link, Dr EMD!

That's awesome trackwork. 

Paul F.

This type of street trackage would help modelers with more than just traction or transit interests.  Urban switching layouts, maritime (pier access) operations and intra-plant switching (steel mills, larger factories, etc.)

Paul F.

I grew up in Aldan, riding the Philadelphia Suburban Transit trolley line to 69th Street Terminal, and rode the M-3 Budd cars (Almond Joys) to work in Philly on the El (before relocating out of the Philly area).

I like the idea of a model of the "Frankford Cars", too. 

I only suggested that modeling the "Market Street Cars" (similar in rough appearance to older IRT Low-V cars) would enable the manufacturer (Bachmann, we'd hope! ) to also letter them for three city systems.  This would appeal to a broader range of modelers to cost justify producing the model (Bachmann needs to earn their profits, too -- this is the USA after all )

My real interest is to see Bachmann produce a freight/milk/goods trolley like Red Arrow #7:
http://davesrailpix.com/pw/htm/pw073.htm
This freight motor was initially used to carry goods from farm to city (transfer to wagosn and PRT freight motors at 63rd street):
http://davesrailpix.com/pw/htm/pw196.htm

Another car would be this one that was designed to run from West Chester to 69th, and then up on the El to Center City (note end doors to allow conductors between coupled cars):
http://davesrailpix.com/pw/htm/pw202.htm
This interurban car could, while specific to the P&WTC, could be decorated for many lines and I think modelers would love it.

Of course, this mode of operation (trolley on the el) was never implemented in Philly, but was seen in Chicago -- CNS&M and the A&E lines).

Paul F.

Of course, this event is also happening on the 20th:
http://www.mnr.org/mnr/html/harmon_openhouse.htm

Hmmm....decisions, decisions.

Paul F.

Just a reminder for anyone in the Northern NJ - NYC area. 

The New York City Model Transit Association & The Shore Line Trolley Museum are sponsoring the 2007 Transit Modelers Convention and Trolley Meet.  Here's a link to their site (announcement):
http://mysite.verizon.net/sctransit/2007details.htm

It will be held at Rutgers on October 20th.  Have not heard whether the Bach Man will be there with the new Peter Witt prototypes.

Thanks.

Paul F.

Quote from: Frankford el car on August 07, 2007, 10:57:14 PM
Now that it look's like Walthers will not be doing another subway train for some time after the Proto 1000 R-21/22 subway sets, will Bachmann consider doing a subway set, either another New York City subway/elevated train, or one in Philadelphia, Boston, or Chicago, in HO scale?

I would like to see an IRT Low-V set:
http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?40717

While the Low-V cars are NOT the same as the original 1907 stock that ran on the Market Street Elevated in Philly, they are "close" in appearance, and would be close enough for me to want to see them lettered for each system:
http://world.nycsubway.org/perl/show?46012

Boston also had similar equipment (the roofline would need some work):
http://davesrailpix.com/boston/htm/bos281.htm

While certainly not a "universal" design, it offers a great starting point for transit modelers.

Paul F.

I've gotten a lot of inspiration for transit modeling from this site:
http://mysite.verizon.net/sctransit/nycmta.htm

I'm hoping to attend this year's meet at Rutgers in New Brunswick.  Wouldn't it be great to see pre-production models of the Bachmann Peter Witt at the show?  

I couldn't imagine a more appropriate venue to show off this model to a crowd of interested modelers (i.e. potential consumers)

Paul F.

I'll second that request.  An interlocking "street trackage" system similar to the E-Z Track system (but with the ties covered by a snap in brick, cobblestone or concrete insert) would be a welcome addition for modelers. 

This would help non-streetcar folks who want to model urban switching, add a line down the middle of a street to reach a pier, or intermodal terminal, etc.

The components could be fairly simple -- turnouts in "small" and "medium" traction radius (say 9 inch radius and 12 inch radius), a "Number 4 turnout" (18" radius) for non-streetcar modelers, curves in 9, 12 and 18 inch radius (the 9 and 12 could be combined to make parallel turns around corners with double track) and 12" long straight sections that can be cut to length by the modeler (grooves molded into the underside at one inch intervals to serve as a guide to making square cuts with a motor tool or razor saw).

Overhead would be another great addition, too. (basic poles and support brackets that could accept standard "gauge" wire)

Paul F.

If a diesel electric locomotive is running between terminals without a train attached, is it no longer "motive power"?   Just kidding around.

Also, Bachmann's gas-electric "doodlebug" is listed under "motive power" not passenger equipment.

How about "Electric Engines & Self Propelled Trains"?  They aren't the same, but providing too many categories won't make it easier for "new to the hobby" folks who are trying to find stuff, either.

Just some additional food for thought.

Paul F.

If Bachmann were to separate the electric "locomotives", it would also be nice to include the streetcar models with them, too.

Paul F.