Email from Jim @ Smoky Mountain Model Works:
Smoky Mountain Model Works is working with Northwest Short Line to manufacture a true S scale version of its Stanton drive a reality, similar to highly successful HO version used in Smoky Mountain’s 44- and 70-ton GE diesel full kits and repowering kits. It will feature a larger motor and gearing, 40” diameter insulated Nickel Silver code 110 wheels, and be produced ready-to-run in DC and pre-wired DCC.
This first version can have a wheelbase of 8’0”, 8’6” or 9’0”. The shorter wheelbase caters to AAR switcher trucks; the larger wheelbase is applicable to all Blomberg trucks from the FT to the GP60. If you’re a diesel modeler, particularly a post-1960s modeler, take note!
The final retail prices will be determined after the truck is in production. For now, we are using $90 each for a powered truck and $50 for a non-powered truck (HO trucks are $85 and $45 respectively). Included in the price will be a pair of AAR or Blomberg sideframe urethane castings (with separate journal box styles) and detailed instructions showing typical underframe installation and wiring to a decoder. As time permits, the previously cancelled GP38/GP38-2 project will be put back in the “active” folder but we must have a quality truck in place first.
This truck provides a simple, compact means to upgrade brass and plastic diesels sidetracked with worn out or broken gears and noisy drive trains. MU’ing diesels from different manufacturers using different gearing will no longer be problematic. Modelers using DCC can easily program individual diesels to act in unison by adjusting values in each decoder’s “consisting” functions.
Its under-the-frame design completely opens up the body interior for extra weight, cab detailing, decoders and speaker.
Here’s where you, the modeler/customer, come in. Injection mold tooling is expensive and time-consuming to “get it right”. SMMW must place an initial order for 100 single trucks to move this project to production. To make this a reality, I need your paid-in-full order by April 30, 2015. Approximately (6) months are required to tool the parts and test prototypes at SMMW and NWSL, followed by another 4-6 weeks to produce the initial batch of trucks. The projected availability date is late 2015, just in time for your Christmas gift list!
Join me in welcoming NWSL’s commitment to growing S scale thru its high quality products by supporting this project. Several modelers have already placed reservations with me for these trucks. It’s YOUR turn now.
Jim King
(828) 777-5619 (email address on website)
www.smokymountainmodelworks.com
