3rd Rail / GGD April 2015 Update from China

Lets call them "model trains", mine certainly aren't toys nor are they collectibles.

 

Calling them "toys" is derogatory to the folks who have put a lot of effort into what they make and do, kinda like telling your golf partner to "Go hit off the Ladies tees" instead of saying "Go hit off the red tees".

Getting back to the Trains....

 

Here are some pictures of the El Caps under construction.

 

Absolutely!! 

Wow!  Those pictures say it all-those who ordered this set are getting the best passenger cars made.

 

They're beautiful and are just the extrusion!

Wow Scott those are AWESOME!

Dang !!! Dang!!! I am struggling here!

Do I or don't I.

 

NOBODY does it BETTER than Scott and his crew. 

Scott, I started a topic on the Main Forum re the possible second run of the El Cap cars and it is getting some traction.

 

Here is the link.

 

https://ogrforum.com/t...apitan-second-chance

       
       


Jim,

Scott has the reservation list up and running

http://www.goldengatedepot.com/reservation.htm

Maybe he did?

Thanks Erik,

 

I just now started the topic on the 2-Rail as well.  

 

I hope the people realize that this may be a once in a lifetime opportuniyt and take advantage of Scotts efforts.

 

I wish I would have had a second chance at scoring the Super Chief.  My wallet would be thinner, but my smile would be wider. 

Scott,

I'm in for a set of the second run. thanks for the prompt reply.

Bob

On Mon, Apr 20, 2015 at 4:57 PM, O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum
wrote:

Scott how long until the second run if you do them will be done?

Guys, if you missed Scott's earlier post, here's an extract with my emphasis and the timeframe for the 2nd run:

 

It wasn't until yesterday at 1 AM your time that I was able to confirm that the factory agreed to do a second run. If we get enough orders we will do it. Seems we are on the way for that. So this morning I have added the EL CAPS back onto our web site. All new reservations will be for a 2nd run later this year. Marked as Standby for the first run... will transfer to the 2nd Run after all of the 1st run is shipped from our warehouse.

 

Should the second production run come to fruition, this will be an excellent opportunity for those who sat on the fence too long the first time.  So whether you missed the boat altogether or you want to add to your first order, this seems an unprecedented opportunity.  Do it, people!!!

 

David

I apologize in advance and hope I'm not too far off as I'm not seeing it. Is there a Amtrak El Cap reserve?

 The first run has Amtrak? Maybe I'm mistaken.

Why don't you just eMail Scott directly and ask. Surely nobody here can answer for Scott.

For me it was 20K to Key Model Imports and a wiped model train budget. That is why I didn't do it "people"... Furthermore it's not on my radar screen. A true collectors item for me.. It will look way out place on my layout. Not changing how cool it is.. It is cool. I have a brass HO El Capitan OMI set that blows this set out of the water for detail.


       

If they did an E8 . . . and included CP's 1800/1802 in original Beaver Crest livery, I'd have to buy. I'd just HAVE to!!! They were the first diesels I ever saw!

Next diesel,Alco RS3 in Erie,EL and NKP.Looking forward to the Erie Berkshires thanks.

 

 

So with an el cap rerun, can we get Pacific Parlor cars too? Same lounge, slightly different details. I'd pay a little extra for the single car with the modified ends and paneling for the striping below the windows...

Amtrak is a sore subject.  The builder is not happy with the amount of extra work required (way more than I thought) for the few numbers reserved.  I'm sure Scott will talk to the builder about more Amtrak IF THE RESERVATIONS ARE IN, no maybes, to do more.

 

Extra lounge cars is an even sorer subject and you will have to talk to Scott directly. I really doubt it but, if, if, if, if there are any they will be ATSF, not even undecorated, much less Amtrak.  He's tries BUT, the builder really, really, really gets and gives Scott heartburn over these one offs.

I will take a set in Amtrak. There is no way to choose it in the reserve section.

I would venture the challenger to custom paint a set in Amtrak. The decals can be produced at my level easily. Interior furnishings and such can be repainted to match the 70's cool neon reds and blues.

As far as Pacific Parlor this could also be modified without a lot of hassel. Scott produced the hard part--

Erik,

Not only am I envious of your photography,but also of your knowledge of fine modeling and trains such as this. 

Norm

I'm in for the second run....

Well,  I thought my wallet had surived this one (having missed the 1st run and Standby List).  But know after seeing the these pics, dang-it, had to pull the trigger and ordered the 8 car set + 2 extra cars the other evening.

 

Now I think that I have to start a new thread entitled "Why I should hate Scott Mann -but can't".

 

Erik, I understand your dilema and thank you for treating us to those Key Import models. Summer is coming - go ahead and order the El Capitan,  you can just open a lemonade stand to pay for these beauties. 

 

SantafeJim: Norm's O scale has both the A & B sets for the GGD Santa Fe Super Chief.  

 

 

Scott, is the El Capitan project still on schedule?

 

If so, can I assume these cars are "on the water"?

 

With the ToT you posted a video of the finished product running on the test track in China.  Any chance that we will see the same for the El Cap?

 

Jim 

Excitement is in the air!!!

Jim, "T" minus thirty days and counting. 

Hoping that the NYC R-2 electric is making its way to production; I reserved one a while back and I'm looking forward to it.

====

 

Since the subject of Rio Grande articulateds has come up...I would love to see a model

of the Rio Grande big Baldwin L-105 4-6-6-4's. The smaller UP-designed L-97 Challenger is well known and often offered, but the Rio Grande's own L-105's would really get my attention. They are most impressive beasts.

 

As an example (actually the version that I would want!):

 

3rd Rail following the up L-131 with the Rio Grande's big Baldwin L-105 4-6-6-4's would be awesome. (I almost never use that word, but in this case it would be true.)

  

 

You looking Scott?

Indeed it would be awesome.

I have a copy of the original erection drawings.

 

"erection drawings"  Better not post that here.

L-131

I'd like to order a SF 2-6-2, but I hesitate as it is unclear what version would be produced

Shucks, Bob, either one would be a beautiful model.

 

Although I favor the 1800 Class, with 12-wheel tender and outboard bearing trailer truck, the little Ten Hundreds were right in there doing their day's work right to the bitter end alongside the 1800's.  So I took a leap of faith and made a reservation when the 2-6-2 was first announced.  Scott will have to spin the wheel of fortune and I'll be happy with either locomotive.

Reservations for the Santa Fe prairie are not currently sufficient to move ahead on the project. Agreed that the indecision of version may be causing some of that.

 

Let Scott know which version you would prefer. Sunset is always open to guidance and suggestion from customers.

The L-105 is a very good future possibility as a Sunset project. Actually, we discussed whether to do the L-105 or the L-131 and the L-131 won out, so obviously the L-105 could be on the radar after folks recover from the L-131 financial outlay.

Gentlepeople,

 

I vote for ANY class of ATSF 2-6-2s.  Bring 'em on.

 

ChipR

rheil - It seems like I've noticed more people wanting the Santa Fe 1800 Class Prairie.  Perhaps it's time for 3rd Rail to declare a version and see if the orders pick up.  I doubt that many would cancel their order if they wanted an earlier version.  The only way you are going to find out, is by declaring what you are going to build. 

 

I should add that I know you and 3rd Rail have done everything you could to produce the engine that most would desire.  I deeply appreciate the effort that you and Scott have put out for us Santa Fe modelers.

 

I should make a disclaimer here.  I don't care which Prairie is built.  I only care that one gets built.  My order is already placed.

Scott, I bought two of the CB&Q wooden waycars in brass when you offered them. Is there any chance that you would consider doing a re-run of those with new road numbers since you have done the M-4 and now the O-1's (have two on order). I would probably purchase another three.

 

 

 

On Thursday I was exchanging emails with Scott Mann and I asked if there was any info on the delivery of the El Cap.  He stated that the container is scheduled to arrive in Oakland on June 6th.  He expects it to take 10 days to clear customs.  He scheduled 5 days for sorting and boxing the orders.  Then the sets/cars will begin shipping.

 

That means that it is possible the sets may arrive on our doorsteps as early as June 25.  WOW, that means Christmas is coming 6 months early this year.  Time to start think about setting up the tree.