Billy, I hope I haven't overstepped myself a bit. I knew that DMK was
involved but wasn't sure how much. I think we ordered parts last about
20 years ago. I have a few of each item in my parts bins and I think
most of us bought a similar amount. I had seen the tank car saddle, but
had no idea of the gon parts. You learn something every day I guess.
And yes Fred Little s aren't made anymore. I once 'bitched' about not
having a cab extension for my Milwaukee RSD diesel. I knew making one
from styrene or wood wasn't going to cut it. While at a meeting Fred
took measurements and one week later produced a hand formed brass cab
window extension. The only problem was he thought I was running short
cab forward and thus the wrong size...but he did an excellent job and
someday I'll find a use for it. I have a few of his 0 scale cars on
display. He loved to use a "Monarch" coupler--I think that's the
correct name.--'cause he could make them operate with the cut levers.
He could rearrange the molecules in brass, steel and aluminum into
wonderful pieces of work. The last project I saw him work on was the
pattern for a sports car that I think he was making for the Franklin Mint.
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
Bob,
Perhaps a little clarification. Gale Hall and I, dba DMK Models,
actually commissioned the late Fred Little to make the patterns for
these parts for DMK.
Fred, an O scaler and a master craftsman, made the patterns for these
items and several others with Jack Troxell assisting in the design
process. For each rivet in a pattern Fred would drill a hole, insert a
pin, snip it off and shape it. There was no way we could have paid him
anywhere near the going wage for the actual time he spent making all
the patterns. He seemed to really enjoy making those patterns for the
benefit of S scale as the fees he charged were reasonable.
Our idea, before the days of AM boxcars, was to have some detailed
parts that could be used with the ACE wooden frame and Perma-Built or
other sides where the modeler could make a reasonably detailed boxcar
that would look good and be easy to attach trucks and coupler at the
proper height. The patterns were sent to Century Reproductions in
Massachusetts where a short run was done. For various reasons we
actually never went into production. Then Century disappeared along
with, I presume, our patterns.
We also had a combination coupler pocket/bolster/tank saddle and dome
patterns made to upgrade the tank on an AF tank car, (basically throw
everything away but the tank), and gondola side and end patterns. Gale
has a gondola I built for him using these patterns. Perhaps I can find
these samples and take a picture.
Billy Click
On Sep 5, 2012, at 12:27 PM, Bob Werre wrote:
As I promised before the holiday weekend, I would attach a photo of the
freight car parts formerly produced for a kit that the Houston S
Gaugers were in the process of producing. I would assume, at this
point, that more could be made.
As you can see the parts are sharply detailed and the car end has the un
uncoupler bar bracket, the brake bell crank, poling pockets and the
connection for the airline all attached. The bolster coupler pocket
piece was designed for the Kadee #5 coupler. I cut these and used them
individually where needed.
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
