Eccentric Crank posted:I am a bit puzzled as everyone is asking for this detail and that detail when the actual car itself will in no way look like or represent stainless steel. So, I ask with curiosity the clear disconnect. These are the scale forums where these discussions are taking place. I will leave aside the argument whether paint or finish can be considered scale, but the premise is adherence to the prototype, no? So I will ask for a poll. What would everyone like to see in future stainless steel cars?
- Silver paint jobs that look nothing like the prototype no matter how detailed.
- A stainless steel representation that “mirrors” the prototype with increased cost
I suppose the necessary reflection is this. Would I rather own 4 passenger trains that look nothing like stainless steel, or one set that does.
I own Scott's El-cap. I have absolutely no complaints about the finish. When I buy more (I have a big dome on reserve) I expect to have the same finish and will be disappointed if it is different.
SS is a finicky finish to duplicate on a model. Pecos river did a plated version (early 90s?) of the superchief which looks different than the GGD finish, but not necessarily more like SS, just more metallic. When you factor in the cost per car ($250 for GGD el-cap vs $600 for PRB) its not even close for me. Factor in that GGD cars function way better and come with full interiors and the choice is even more clear. It's not a matter of 1 train vs 4. Its having an 8 car el-cap vs a 3 car el-cap.
Maybe you could give us some examples of SS finished models that truly mirror the prototype.
