A couple of folks have asked what eras are applicable for my 70- and 100-ton roller bearing trucks. Generally speaking, 40- and 50-ton RB trucks appeared around 1953. 100-tonners showed up by 1959.
If you are modeling the 1950s and operate equipment built after 1953, there's a good possibility those cars were delivered with roller bearing trucks. These were optional, so saying that "all" post-1953 cars were delivered with RB's is an incorrect assumption. As with any project, check out prototype photos to determine applicable trucks. Production of my RB kits has been underway for the past 3 weeks but somewhat slowed down by recent family health issues. Multiple rubber molds have been and are being made to keep production moving along but shipments will not commence until later this month (after I set up my injection molding press to run 33" and 36" wheels). It's not too late to place an order for trucks. Contact me off-list. Visit my S scale "current" page to see close up pix of both trucks, packaging options and shipping notes. Jim King Smoky Mountain Model Works, Inc. Ph. (828) 777-5619 <www.smokymountainmodelworks.com>
