As previously
noted, I've
spoken to a manufacturer who produces specialized modern
passenger-oriented items in other
scales. He's willing to do small runs in
S scale. The big question is gauging
demand, since his pricing will somewhat depend on the quantities produced.
If we are talking
about a
very limited volume, I'd just coordinate
a joint order with those interested. If the numbers are definitely greater,
then I'd explore whether he'd want to retail items directly.
While he generally produces to order, I
definitely don't want to see his initial S scale venture stiffed by
unrealistic expectations.
While he's willing to
entertain some original projects, we discussed beginning with Bombardier
coaches. Since CAD files already exist, the specific
prototype would be the NJ Transit
Comet II car.
Essentially
the same car is used by Amtrak (Horizon Fleet),
MBTA (Boston), NJ Transit, Metro North (NY,NJ,CT),
Connecticut
Commuter Rail, SEPTA (Philadelphia), and AMT
(Montreal). Modified
Comet I cars have recently migrated west to several commuter
operations.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizon_%28railcar%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet_%28railcar%29#Comet_II
http://www.trainweb.org/amtrakpix/locoshots/horizon/HORIZON.html
The AM F40PH would
be appropriate
motive power for many of the above. The Lionel
U Boat would also be adaptable to NJT.
The model would be
a basic
resin body & floor, with parts for the inside bearing trucks. You'd
probably supply the wheelsets (the prototype uses 33" wheels).
I think we would likely be in the
neighborhood of $60 to $80 per car.
You could probably
modify
some existing passenger parts for something more closely resembling Amtrak
trucks, though I suppose those could be made for a price.
Contact me at [email protected] if you're
seriously
interested. If I can get a ballpark idea of production numbers, I can
start to pin
down price & details.
Stan
Stokrocki
