MTHs Facebook page has pictures of the Swiss CROCODILE in Green. They also say that it`s on schedule for a February delivery.
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A few comments -- since I have one on order:
1. That the MTH f'book person's camera [ or associated firmware / software ] does not do a good job on some colors [ orange replacing red, for example ] is well known; I hope the colors of the body and insulators are not those shades of green -- and shouldn't the r/n and builders' plates be 'gold' rather than yellow ?
2. The paint wear at the "articulation covers" is already apparent.
3. The 'big story': I see MTH changed the road number and class to reflect the post 1944 rebuilding -- and it has a Rev [ = overhaul ] date of 1957.
Sooo... When did the number of doors on each side go from two to one ?
4. Visually, apart from the colors, I think the appearance is spoiled by the overly-thick treatment of the end areas, especially the headlights. Otherwise, not too bad.
YOMV !
Best regards, SZ
1. That the MTH f'book person's camera [ or associated firmware / software ] does not do a good job on some colors [ orange replacing red, for example ] is well known; I hope the colors of the body and insulators are not those shades of green -- and shouldn't the r/n and builders' plates be 'gold' rather than yellow ?
2. The paint wear at the "articulation covers" is already apparent.
3. The 'big story': I see MTH changed the road number and class to reflect the post 1944 rebuilding -- and it has a Rev [ = overhaul ] date of 1957.
Sooo... When did the number of doors on each side go from two to one ?
4. Visually, apart from the colors, I think the appearance is spoiled by the overly-thick treatment of the end areas, especially the headlights. Otherwise, not too bad.
YOMV !
Best regards, SZ
Look good..but a few details need to be revised...hopefully...
As Steinzeit mention..the insulator are the wrong colors as well as the yellow electrical, should be much darker (could be the picture)
The grab iron at the front should be the U shaped type, and yup the headlight are fairly oversized...
Look like MTH has is right for the ce 6/8 brown version..but just repainted it green without the upgrade/ change for the be 6/8.
Still very pleased with the outcome of the model
As Steinzeit mention..the insulator are the wrong colors as well as the yellow electrical, should be much darker (could be the picture)
The grab iron at the front should be the U shaped type, and yup the headlight are fairly oversized...
Look like MTH has is right for the ce 6/8 brown version..but just repainted it green without the upgrade/ change for the be 6/8.
Still very pleased with the outcome of the model
I look forward to it's release, it will be a real head turner, I love it, and I'm glad I'm not an expert.
Somebody recently asked on this forum if the manufacturers' read it. Well, somebody at MTH does, because there was an MTH 'answer' on my paint flaking comment above[ without it being asked there ] on their f'book page ! [ I presume it was my comment -- who else would have used "articulation covers" ?!? ]
Unfortunately the cure may be worse than the disease -- because, in my experience, it is very difficult to get a molded plasic color to match something painted. So, I have a request / suggestion to MTH: Mold the covers in the 'best' shade of green you can, and then attach them to the model and paint them. That way, the complete cover will not stand out "like a horse collar" as different, and as the paint wears the green 'undercoat' will make it less obvious.
I note the photos of the prototype in the museum show it has one door per side. Perhaps MTH as a 'compromise' might consider leaving the door as is, and just removing the handrails, etc, on the r/h ends ? [ The problem with doing it myself is paint matching.]
With best regards, SZ
And with apologies to "the messenger", the MTH F'book person -- absolutely nothing personal. You do not have an easy job, and your relatively candid responses are always appreciated.
Unfortunately the cure may be worse than the disease -- because, in my experience, it is very difficult to get a molded plasic color to match something painted. So, I have a request / suggestion to MTH: Mold the covers in the 'best' shade of green you can, and then attach them to the model and paint them. That way, the complete cover will not stand out "like a horse collar" as different, and as the paint wears the green 'undercoat' will make it less obvious.
I note the photos of the prototype in the museum show it has one door per side. Perhaps MTH as a 'compromise' might consider leaving the door as is, and just removing the handrails, etc, on the r/h ends ? [ The problem with doing it myself is paint matching.]
With best regards, SZ
And with apologies to "the messenger", the MTH F'book person -- absolutely nothing personal. You do not have an easy job, and your relatively candid responses are always appreciated.
SZ:
I once owned a MINT Marklin Gauge One green Krok, and it looked mighty good to my eyes!
Was it a correct model of the prototype?
To date, I believe the Multi-$K Fine Arts model (museum quality) is the BEST and most detailed: multiple opening hatches with interior detailing, control stands, FULLY detailed pantographs and electrical gear etc.
Absolutely awesome in both early and late versions.
Unfortunately, unless I hit the lottery, I shall never own one!
I once owned a MINT Marklin Gauge One green Krok, and it looked mighty good to my eyes!
Was it a correct model of the prototype?
To date, I believe the Multi-$K Fine Arts model (museum quality) is the BEST and most detailed: multiple opening hatches with interior detailing, control stands, FULLY detailed pantographs and electrical gear etc.
Absolutely awesome in both early and late versions.
Unfortunately, unless I hit the lottery, I shall never own one!
For now, I shall have to be content with my Lackerli Huus biscuit tin Krok! 
I like 'em! I'm going to order one in green and one in tuscan (well...maybe...I'm not too sure about that plastic "articulation cover" thing). I don't model Swiss railroads, but I did once have all of the LGB versions in Large Scale (green, brown, red, blue, etc.).
Alas, Allan, I am also a huge Krok fan, and my favorite was the digital sound "baby" Krok that came with the LGB "Alpine Classic" set - switching relays and vacuum brake sounds were the clearest and best ever!
It even had side-rod "clank"!
It even had side-rod "clank"!
quote:Originally posted by Tinplate Art:
SZ:
I once owned a MINT Marklin Gauge One green Krok, and it looked mighty good to my eyes!
Was it a correct model of the prototype?
No, in the same way that a 381 is not a correct Bi-Polar. But the fact that "it looked mighty good" to YOU is what matters.
The Fine Arts model was of course 1 Ga; I can't recall ever seeing one [ or if I did, not paying close attention to it ]. I have a feeling that most were bought for display, not operation. I personally do not like models that are "overly detailed" -- "If you can't see it in normal operation, why model it ?" is my thinking, and I operate mine. But I do like models that correctly capture "the look" of the real thing [ which ironically doesn't mean they have to be absolutely correct in every detail or dimension ], whether it's a Krok, a U30C, or a Budd sleeper; I started my railfanning in Switzerland when Crocodiles [ and even the Ce6/8 I ] were in revenue service -- so my eyeballs and brain are calibrated differently than yours. And Mike is counting on other 2 railers just as picky as I am -- or worse, if that's possible -- buying these things. So it behooves him to get things as correct as possible without spending a ton of money.
With best regards, SZ
quote:I'm glad I'm not an expert.
No kidding!
SZ:
Well-stated!
The MTH models are "reasonable facsimile" models for a reasonable production cost, thus making them available to the "masses" and that is a GOOD thing!
If you get too obssessive about these things, it detracts from the fun, and also takes the $$$$ out of your wallet!
Well-stated!
The MTH models are "reasonable facsimile" models for a reasonable production cost, thus making them available to the "masses" and that is a GOOD thing!
If you get too obssessive about these things, it detracts from the fun, and also takes the $$$$ out of your wallet!
quote:Originally posted by Tinplate Art:
SZ:
Well-stated!
The MTH models are "reasonable facsimile" models for a reasonable production cost, thus making them available to the "masses" and that is a GOOD thing!
If you get too obssessive about these things, it detracts from the fun, and also takes the $$$$ out of your wallet!
In my opinion, and based on this pre-production sample, the MTH model is more than reasonable..has a couple of little flaw...but overall a great piece..can only applaud MTH for their effort.
And in case someone wonder what on earth is the "Lackerli Huus biscuit tin Krok!"....did a little Photo/video of it a couple of year back..
Did the Milwaukee ever run these?
Don
Don
Don, you already have at least one fantasy electric, I seem to recall, I think a brown Croc with a Milwaukee logo would look fantastic on your new lei-out.quote:Originally posted by scale rail:
Did the Milwaukee ever run these?
Don
On Facebook MTH has said that this Model has been shipped to Europe and that they will make a Video when the recieve another Sample.
quote:Originally posted by GARDNER:
On Facebook MTH has said that this Model has been shipped to Europe and that they will make a Video when the recieve another Sample.
En route for the Nurnberg Toy Fair....wonder if MTH will show some new upcoming Euro models premiere then.
quote:Originally posted by Tinplate Art:
For now, I shall have to be content with my Lackerli Huus biscuit tin Krok!
Those Lackerli Huus biscuits are really tasty too. My sister-in-law in Zurich gave me a Glacier Express tin full of them for Christmas.
John
quote:Originally posted by scale rail:
Did the Milwaukee ever run these?
Don
A Croc in Milwaukee scheme would look striking...
If Marklin can do fantasy scheme, sure MTH would be an excellent candidate as well...
