In my first reaction to these models I would say I am stunned. Really Scott did everything I asked for 3 years ago and back. Please build me a scale accurate passenger car that is not $800-$1300 a car. I threw out some great examples of what we have in HO; well researched and accurate scale passenger gear that looks right and runs well. AUTHENTIC- a dirty word in our scale these days unless you are prepared to pay a premium for it; custom built Dan Pantera, FM Train Models, or Sam Model.... UGH.
Thanks Scott-
I had read some 3 Rail posts over there last week where a guy says I should buy detail parts and make them better.. HMMMM There is something to be said for reading previous posts here on the OGR. I don't really want to review. The point I am making is yes these GGD cars are slim on underbody almost sans any detail. There is no reason why I can't add the detail I want to see; the point Scott was making in these models that continue to get better and better on each project is saving money to keep the cost down. If he has the builder spend 10 hours on each under-frame installing details that may or may not make the model especially in the case of skirted cars I am ok letting it go. Even my PRB 51' SC set does not end all in detail. These cars are nicely set up but not accurate either underneath. As my friend Roger says if you get a model that is at least 80% correct you are doing very well. I learned this on the E5's with Key Model Imports. This was a challenge I wanted them perfect I tell you but even with a $4000 price tag we had to leave off detail! So how Scott can produce a car like this for under $300 is a mystery and an achievement. They look spectacular and at the price of $2600 for a 10 car set they are simply marvelous, just marvelous. Now comes the fun part for me; detailing on my own. I may finish some full under-frames, maybe. I know I will add steam-lines and where needed due to skirts I will install AC units and battery boxes. I have a pattern!
The PS Vista series observation in my opinion is spectacular. I was so disappointed when it came broken; I am still a little
upset about it and not totally happy. I think it was due to rough handling and a weak glue joint. The rear extrusion has stress pulling away from the rear door. Its not totally straight and I am still considering sending to Scott and taking him up on his offer to restore the car to correct finish. The car was loose in the box, maybe 1" of slack back and forth.. a good jolt from an eager FedEx man and its a small miracle it came in one piece at all! Loose interior furnishings were also common in my set; but not all the dome has some seats floating around that have marred the fabulous carbonate windows from the inside. What can I say I am fussy. I hope Scott takes the time to maybe visit with his builder about a tighter safer packing method?
Love the sink in the latrine, simply marvelous, these models exceed my PRB samples by miles in this area.
Correct PS fluting, a little shallow but marvelous! I wonder how Scott could add some detail to this in the skirting? The seams and doors etc.
I am IN LOVE with the flush windows. WOW, talk about authentic appearance
The dome is fantastic, to be truthful I was doubtful we were going see an accurate dome. The only error
was the lack of the round corners. I am not complaining and I am happy with it. To date this is the BEST dome
I have seen in terms of appearance. The flush carbonate windows are so cool, effect is SUPERB!
The PRB dome is correct, but the gap for the windows totally looses the implied effect.
The interiors in the GGD cars are an improvement, except for the loose seats flying around in there.
I still feel the window frames on the PRB cars are too oversize and spoil the effect.
Ok- OKAY I know this is unfair to GGD.. The PRB car is miles past the GGD car in underbody we know that but this car was $850 MSRP
in 1995.
I like the 2 rail dedication in the PRB cars. PA-LEEEZE can we stop this stupid horse pile 3 rail slash 2 rail thing? PA-LEEEZE!
PRB SC car
The rear end of both cars. Once again considering the cost factor the GGD cars are pretty nice. The PRB
is very nice, a 30% improvement?
Steam Lines- Train Line, and 2 rail dedication, NICE Come on SCOTT lets do this on the next cars. HO gets it!
GGD
Love that end detail on both, PRB has a brake-wheel!
GGD car is simple, yes but still pretty darn nice! The PRB is what can I say almost perfect in this model.
I have never cared for the too much nickel plate and etched name plates on the PRB. Its a little too much- over the top. PRB should dialed back a little. The fluting is gorgeous separate applied- a PRB innovation. Extruded looks nice and is accurate on these cars but sadly is second behind in the authentic department (OPINION--- prove it to us how it isn't?)
PRB
PRB
GGD
The lighting is great. Wish we had battery with a switch... Like Atlas?
Hope my opinions did not tick off anybody too bad.
I love these cars from GGD, just love them! Excited is an understatement.
THANKS SCOTT!
GOOD SHOW MATE!