Wood & Metal Truck Kits?

Dave,

That would be a terrific decision, in my opinion. It would add that little touch of authenticity to your models and place them clearly above the competition (although you do not have any competition in pre-war trains).

In my opinion, it could bring you closer to the legendary Fine Art Models in term of reproduction and fidelity.

The same reasoning goes with Caboose and cars: I have never understood the attraction that a wooden caboose rendered in pure brass has on collectors. I'd rather have a model made of wood and brass as proposed by Mullet River. These fantastic replicas are in my mind, much more valuable than a plain brass model.

Yes, I believe that a target price of $50-60 for a pair of well detailed wood/brass trucks may have some success for early freight and passenger cars. The success encountered by Rich Yoder's trucks is clear that there is a heavy demand for this kind of item, among do-it-yourselfers, in regular O gauge and in P-48.

Yves

If you could make logging gear that would be grand---disconnected logging trucks ideal!

About 20 years ago I saw some scratch-built O scale late 19th century passenger cars - Pullmans, coaches, a baggage and observation. They were built by a fellow who also made his own 4 and 6 wheeled trucks for them in wood and metal.

Wood was used for the truck beams, as well as the transom (bolster) and equalizers. Metal pedistal and journal box castings (from his own patterns) were used.  He made his own springs for the trucks as well.

Dave - I'm all in!