Well the 70-tonner project sort of died from lack of interest. A resin model was supposedly about to be released, but it seems to have gone back into hibernation when the brass version died. It was Rich Yoder who was willing to piggy back an S version on a run of his O versions. Not many really wanted to commit to this engine that was on this list anyway. I have one of the O scale versions and it's a nice model. For the price, it beats anything out there except maybe the Atlas O SW-9. Last time I talked to Rich, he would be willing to work with anyone who wanted to take on the S version and shoulder the cost. Another development has come about and that is he is now offering a 3-Rail version of the 44-tonner. Another run of 70 tonners maybe in the future. Rich is willing to expand to include the tin-plate brethren in O. With this in mind I was wondering if we could drum up enough commitments in an S scale version and an AF compatible version. Seems to me that would be easier to do an AF compatible version than the effort required to redesign the 44 tonner on the 3-Rail version in O. IIRC the magic number was 150 units. For my part, I'd be interested in a couple to augment my SHS SW-1 on my switching layout.
Some info on the Prototype. The 70-tonner was designed with railroad branch lines and restricted axle loading in mind. These engines were built from 1946 - 1958 with 238 units made for North American railroads. These units fit a wide number of eras, including current day railroads. Today the Modesto and Empire Traction Company uses them in two and three unit consists. Others are in use around the country and some have been in museums for 20 yrs or better. Greg Elems Reno, NV Change your membership, change your message settings, use our CALENDAR, view shared files or photos, view the list archives, GO TO http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
