El Capitan - Delivery this Week

Folks, There is a lot of talk that we aren't going to make a second run of El Capitan Cars. The factory that made these has changed management, and they came back with ridiculous price to make a second run. So we are looking at our options to have these made elsewhere. Some people think this means they will never happen. I can't tell you at this time what will happen, because it is too early to know. I am going over to the factory at the end of July and will appeal their decision, and if need be, will find another source for making these models. That's the biz. I will let those that have standby orders for these cars know, when I know more. My guess is, in about 1 year, we will have them made again by someone else.

 

Regards,

 

Scott Mann

Scott,

I am one of those with an order in for the second run and I don't mind saying I was getting ready for a big disappointment. It is certainly reassuring to hear directly from you that there is still hope for another run. 

I really appreciate the kind of communication and attention to issues and questions that you supply. As I said before this is my first experience with you and your company and I am sure it won't be my last.

 

Thank you, 

Scott

 

Thank you for keeping all who have orders in for the second run informed. Hopefully things can get worked out and a second run made, and if not, I'm thankful to have a (10) car set of these fantastic models.

 

Joe

 

To Rich and all the other people that have placed orders for the second run of the El Cap. 

 

Hang in there guys, I am sure that Scott will make every effort to get this to happen.  There aren't any other train manufactures that are more dedicated to customer satisfaction than Scott Mann.  That is why his products are second to none.

Scott,  many thanks for keeping us posted here.  Your prompt communication regarding this matter is truly a breath of fresh air in this hobby, and I only wish ALL the importers were as transparent in their communications as you are.  Anything less nowadays is truly unacceptable -- whether importers are dealing direct to the consumer or through a dealer network.  Good communications goes a tremendously long way when building great relationships.  Many thanks!!! 

 

My 8-car set arrived via UPS today, and I am extremely pleased with it.  If any ala-carte cars remain unspoken for, I would gladly take an RPO or extra coach from this run!!! 

 

The finish and detail level on these cars is exquisite.  I'm currently in the very early stages of building a new layout, so I can't run them yet.  But I already have them displayed on satin-finish aluminum train shelves by TrainShelf.

 

Sounds like some folks will be disassembling these cars to add more people.  On two of my cars, it appears the ceiling assembly may have loosened during shipment, so I'll be needing to get inside too to see what actually happened.  Hopefully this will be an easy fix.

 

And on a few of the cars, the metal strip holding the uncoupling tab is bent down slightly which might precariously contact the center rail.  This seems to be a VERY easy fix by just removing the metal strip from the coupler assembly with a small Phillips head screwdriver, then carefully bending the metal strip upwards a bit.  QED.

 

Overall... a tremendous set of cars that I'm proud to add to my roster.

 

For those interested, I did a quick side-by-side eyeball comparison of these with Lionel's 18" Sante Fe Superliners from the 2002/2003 timeframe.  Both sets are terrific models, with the 21-inchers getting the nod for being true to scale -- plus there's the fact that the Sunset El Capitan includes the full array of cars, especially the cool baggage/dorm transition car.  Whereas the Lionel version was produced as all high-level cars (i.e., 4-pk coaches, 2-pk w/sleeper and lounge, and 1 StationSounds diner).  However, for those folks with more modest track radii and smaller layout real-estate, the 18" Lionel cars still make for a great set -- rated for curves as tight as O-42. 

 

I was actually hoping that the upper level vestibules of both sets would match, so I could insert the Lionel StationSounds Diner into the Sunset El Cap train.  Hey, we can all dream, right?    But they don't match, and the Lionel cars are slightly taller as well.  So I will likely sell the Lionel cars as a complete 7-car set.  And if they don't sell at a worthwhile price-point (I ain't giving these cars away here, so don't expect fire-sale pricing), I may explore purchasing another ala-carte Sunset El Cap dining car or baggage car/RPO and transferring the Lionel StationSounds electronics and speaker into it.    Then entertain selling the remaining 6-car Lionel set.  Come to think of it, that sounds like a great plan -- unless of course Lionel is still selling replacement parts for their Santa Fe StationSounds diner, and I'll explore that route too!!!  Lots of good options to add sounds to the Sunset / GGD El Capitan passenger train... would definitely make a cool project. 

 

David

 

 

They shouldn't match because Superliner cars and El Capitan cars do not match.  Find any picture of an Amtrak Starlight and picking out the Pacific Parlour car, which is an EL Cap lounge car, takes about a microsecond because it does not match the remaining Superliner cars.

I hope everyone ordered several powered units, whether from Atlas or 3rd Rail.... these bad boys are HEAVY.

 

Transition car (Bag/dorm) just under 4lbs.. 3 lbs 12.5 oz

 

Chair just under 3.5lbs ... 3 lbs 5 oz

 

x 8, x 12 or more

 

Glad I have 4 powered 3rd Rail F7's and 3 powered Atlas F7s coming. 15-18 car train will need it   I just built a 15 car SC/El Cap train for kicks and could barely move it by hand lol

 

better stock up on traction tires if you're under powered

Three Key Model Imports PA's with ball bearings on all corners take a 15 car consist of ball bearing trucked and normal trucked brass and aluminum GGD cars with stride!

http://youtu.be/tcQmZufh0lU

http://youtu.be/2ENqIzM-F84

Same deal with Gary Schrader's Chief. 

http://youtu.be/CIhJJCitS6M

Three days before Mr Muffins cut-off for pre-ordering the new Atlas F7's I ordered a third powered unit.  After taking delivery of this set I'm glad I did.

But those models are only available in 2-Rail, so how does that help the folks in 3-Rail or 3-Rail Scale?

That is true...

Perhaps convert a set to 3 rail?

That would be cool!

Wow!  What a great time for all of you Santa Fe fans.

 

Norm

"I ordered a third powered unit"

 

Smart move, Jim. Twelve of those babies are really heavy.

 

 

I couldn't agree more.

 

With the "Yellow Bonnets" just around the corner, it is only going to get better.  The more pictures I see of these, the more I like them.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's one Santa Fe fan who is hoping I'll get a chance to share in the joy of owning one of these bar raising sets!

 

BTW: David I discussed the very same idea about the sound car with Jim about a month ago... even went as far as to buy a $300 sound car from the recent Lionel 18" El Cap set from one of the forum sponsors.. that's back when I was sure there was going to be a second run...

I'm not giving up hope however and worse case there should be a bunch of used Santa Fe sets coming up for sale in the near future.

 

 

Yes, indeed! 

 

But I wish more of us Santa Fe fans would sign up for Scott's ATSF 2-6-2 Prairie project.  The reservations are well short of a 'go!'.  Unless that changes, I'm afraid that it won't be as great a time...for at least some of us Santa Fe fans.

 

Nonetheless, the GGD ATSF projects have been superb!!

 

KD

Yes indeed, the more I see of these beauties, the more I can't wait for Scott's run of F7's. In terms of power, I have four powered units coming that should easily do a great job with 13 Hi-Level Cars.

Brian,  

 

What is the latest word as far as a release date for these?  

In his latest e-mail F7 project update (6/15) Scott said September.

September is correct. I have looked for a set for a very long time and it was extremely nice of Scott to add the Yellow Warbonnets to the list of F7's. Add to this the quality detail that Scott builds into his engines, this set is sure to be a winner.

Jim sounds like you got at least one of the cars apart???? Did it slide apart like the SC set of cars?

 

I need to take one of mine chair cars apart as the upper level light set isn't working. The lower level lights come on but not in the upper level. Must be a bad connection. So if I have to fix the lights, might as well add some peeps  

Well that was an easy fix. Didn't have to take the whole care apart. When I took the end off the car (2 screws), I could see the black wire going into the plug at the LED bar was pulled out. Stuffed it back it, and crimped it down. Problem solved.

 

I did discover something rather cool. If you want to paint the diaphragms, it will be very easy to do. Take 2 screws out to get the end of the car off, and then there are 3 screws that hold the diaphragm assembly on. Be careful not to lose the 2 pins that hold the bottom of the diaphragm in place.

 

 

Now I just need to find a color that closely matches, and I'll airbrush them all at once to save me hours of hand painting multiple coats. If you leave the factory couplers alone, on 072 curves the diaphragms do NOT compress, so the paint won't chip off. Painting them silver will make a huge difference in the overall appearance of the cars.... not that they don't look fabulous already

Guys this is great and all, but could anyone post some nice outdoor or studio pictures of these cars? I would love to see these cars be properly celebrated!

Erik.....or anyone else who may have them. I have the Protocraft couplers, BUT

 

What are the PSC part numbers for the steam lines and air hoses used on this car?

 

Thanks

 

 

PSC has a catalog.



       

How much force to start them rolling and the pull them?

Yes I know that... I have the diesel parts catalog but I don't have their others. It takes too long to get an order just for a catalog. I figure the guys that have added these parts will have the numbers handy. Thanks so much for your very helpful information! 

 

 

When I ran my test train of 16 cars, and an ABBA set with 2 powered units, it took 7 amps to get it moving, and 5-7 amps on a 2.5% grade. Level track was 3-4 amps which is pretty normal. I did chew up 4of the 8 traction tires though.  

Try PSH-40462 for the LW passenger Barco steam connection with end valve and handle.  Not sure if it is the same as the posted picture.  PSC also has PSH-4049 train heating coupling.

 

Allan

Thanks Allan

Mr Sick,

That steam line part was not a PSC part. It was a spare from a PRB 51' SC set. The PSC steam lines I have at least 3 different are far smaller and don't have that nice "reach" to almost underneath the coupler like the 1:1.

The air lines are from my parts bin likely they fell off some PSC heavyweight car from way back. Likely a part in the catalog. Mark has been slow to get parts out recently but if you call them they will fill an order.

I may have extras. I have boxes of PSC/P&D/Cal detail parts.

The coupler is a Protocraft but not the automatic recent couplers.

Just need to locate some air lines 

 

 

 

 

LOS,

 

GREAT work on the coupler and diaphragms.  

 

What was the paint that you used on the diaphragms?  

 

Did you use a GGD Kadee mounting bracket for the rear coupler?

 

How the heck did you get the vestibules to match flush against the car body on the re-install?  Mine all have glue and do not mount flush.

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

Jim it's Model Master Acrylic "Steel" .... I tried the enamel version but it's not the same. The best match I found is the acrylic steel. I hate airbrushing acrylic but the color match was worth the effort.

 

 

Standard GGD mounting bracket, but mine are older ones without the 2 sets of holes so I had to drill holes to push the coupler out far enough. I sanded down the ProtoCraft draft gear box so that it was flat on both sides, and the holes are spaced differently than Kadees so I drilled accordingly.

 

The vestibules were all glued at the top. Once I got them out, I scraped all the glue off with a flat exacto blade. They all went back together without issue except for 2. They will need glued back in for a tight seem, but I'm not gluing them yet as I'm still undecided about more people.  

LOS, Thanks for your response.  

 

I have a glue (Sinbad) that will bond plastic to metal.  I am reluctent to use this on the El Cap cars because I don't know how to break the bond.   If I never had to replace to lights, (in this case LED's) then I would go ahead and use it.  But you never know when a wire may come loose of a passenger starts to roam around.

 

I hate to be a PITA, but can you share with me the glue that you plan to use on your El Cap end caps?

 

Thanks again, you are a wonderful resource.

I'll use a gap filling CA with a kicker. It's brittle, so you can break it loose in the future if you need to.

EXCELLENT.  Thank You.  

 

You just helped everybody that ownes the El Cap and as well as the future owners from the second run.  

Jim,

About that second run... any news yet one way or the other??

 

Rich,

 

I have heard the same as all other forum members.  Scott has vowed to re-visit negotiations with the original builder to see if he can get a better price.  If that is not sucessful, he may look for an alternate builder.  Stll too early for him to post anything.  He leaves for China later in the month.

 

Have faith.  I am sure that he will exhaust all channels looking for a solution.

 

 

Also, there is a small chance with this second run of also having additional Super Chief cars done to make a combined train, NOT a whole new Super Chief.  Probably a 4 car set with a Dome, Diner and Lounge with one Regal or Palm sleeper with additional single sleepers of the same type available.

 

Lobbying so far has not been successful but there are cracks if there is good interest.

Well you've already seen my combined train but..... I'd buy that set of SC cars for the combined train as well as a couple extra sleepers.

The key to that set is the drumhead on the sleeper that says "Super Chief, El Capitan". Im current building a rear car from a 21" K-Line car with a Tomar drum head.

But I'd rather have a factory GGD car.... without a doubt!

Now we need power for it.... FP45s ...blue & yelow, Warbonnet & Superfleet