Hi Folks,
I am back in China checking on the Rock Island Rocket production, and starting the Milwaukee Hiawatha car project and the E7(3.0) and PA reruns.
The Rock Island Rockets are a very special production with a Brass TA diesel and 3 to 4 Aluminum cars to match. These cars are combination of Articulated and Standard cars. The first 2 (3 Car Set) or 3 (4 Car Set) cars are Articulated (Sharing a Truck), and the last car is an Obs car. So we developed a cloth diaphragm for these sets that really is cool. Made from women's skirt material, the black diaphragms have a corrugation to them and are very flexible, spanning the gap on the articulated cars well. The diaphragm is only for show in the last car, as it is non articulated and swings too far in curves. Perhaps with some modification one can make it work. We will include these with the sets for free. They are held on by magnets that embedded in the car's plastic diaphragms.
I'll be posting pictures of these in the coming weeks.
Once the factory has shipped out the Rock Island Rockets, we will begin construction of the E7 and PA reruns. Look for these to be finished in September / October time frame.
After that we will start work on the F3s. Wow, lots of diesels this year.
We are also heavy in the design process for the DRGW L-105 Challenger. This Anniversary Series release will be very exclusive, with only 40 Units made in 3 Rail. Look for this monster to come in late this year. There are still a few reservations left. But not for long. Lots of variations to choose from.
Next on the design table will be the ML-4000 Krauss Maffei Diesel Hydraulic Locomotive. You've probably seen the ads, and on July 22nd they will roll one of them out of the shop at Niles Canyon, CA. They are hard at work restoring her. Read about it here.
Also going into design is the latest offering of Santa Fe Super Chief, the 1938 - 47 version. And the NP North Coast Limited 1957. These will be produced together later this year.
The reservations for the GP7s and GP9s keep coming in, which is a good thing, and Jonathan has promised to work very hard to get all the painting and lettering and details right, Right Jonathan?
We will work on these very carefully until they are produced in early 2020.
Gosh, that's plenty to discuss here. I hope everyone that has received their E5/E6 Diesels and GGD Heavy Weight cars is pleased.
We are working on plans for the Amtrak Amfleet and a Viewliner to go with them. Also working on plans for the C&O Hudson and Cars and the NYC H-10a Mikados. All in good time.
Most important, keep enjoying your hobby. It's never been better than this.
Scott Mann
