I've been working with a small group of guys on the SSTOT list re: producing a TTX boxcar in limited run. We're still in the info-gathering stages but the reason I write this is to discuss WHAT we batted around during the discussions re: pros and cons with consideration toward other kits, including the MILW ribbed box.
The MILW box has been produced in HO most recently by ExactRail so that market is dead for me. Generally, I need to have an HO market to justify the CAD time/research required to produce the S equivalent. This is usually a non-negotiable condition if I'm the one taking all of the risk. In the case of the TTX box, a person has stepped forward who's willing to fund the entire project. Assuming the dimensional info can be secured, I will produce this car as an exclusive for him. He gets castings and instructions only .. the rest of the kit parts, packaging and marketing is his responsibility. It's certainly a gamble for him but it's the only way that car would ever be produced. A MILW box in S-only can be done provided (1) someone or a group funds 100% of the project, (2) there are retail sales amounting to at least 100 kits or (3) it's produced as a flat-cast kit (see next paragraph for explanation of this option). I would consider waving the HO-offering requirement if the second option is met. The SAL B7 became a reality because (1) all of the hard work John Degnan poured into pushing this along and (2) there is an HO market, though small, thanks to previously offered resin kits and Bowser's plastic model (but it's not 100% accurate for the B7). I produced the HO B&O wagontop box for Wright Trak Models just before Fox Valley and ExactRail announced theirs so timing was REALLY important there! The S scale kit was a good seller for me; it's tied with the Southern low side gon for top selling kit. The SAL B7 is my third best seller. Option 3 to consider for the MILW box (or any other limited-appeal car) is a flat-casting kit. I can live with a less-than-100 retail sale minimum for a flat kit because my time and production expenses are less vs. producing a 1-pc body (more rubber, a LOT more time assembling the master body, etc.). Regardless of the end product, without detailed drawings, pix, decal artwork (or a source for existing artwork) and, most important, a MARKET, no kit will be produced regardless of prototype. Just know that a flat kit requires more skill (confidence?) than some modelers think they have because there are 5 pieces that need to be assembled. Rubber molds age at different rates and shrink at different rates, thus creating a situation where long parts, like sides and the roof, may not be paired exactly at the same length. A 1-piece body eliminates all of this mismatch but it comes at a higher price. What is it worth to the modeler to get 5 flat castings that take 2-4 hours to assemble vs. a 1-pc body that requires ZERO time to assemble. I think Ted Schnepf's pattern maker works by hand, not CAD, so "scaling down" an O scale car to S isn't possible. Ted and I chatted a few years ago about producing an O scale B&O wagontop box but the numbers just weren't there for either of us, so he went with his other guy .. and I know for a fact that at least some of those parts were patterned by hand. Some folks can make absolutely stunning patterns using only basic tools. I can't and never could . I'd MUCH prefer to design in 3D and take it to rapid prototyping. There really is no trade-off in expense between hand-made vs. RP . either pay me for my time to make patterns or pay my time (and expense) to design and RP the stuff. Jim King Smoky Mountain Model Works, Inc. Ph. (828) 777-5619 <www.smokymountainmodelworks.com>
