Post by wendtsc on May 31, 2013 1:04:41 GMT -8
I am generally not a big fan of expensive track cleaning equipment. I really do like the CMX tank cars and the NMP DCC controlled polishing boxcars, but other than that I don't know if many of them are worth it. Am I wrong?
They also tend to be kind of ugly. Most look like giant alien objects dropped on the layout, while others try to disguise themselves as generic MOW equipment.
However, what if someone were to make a self propelled cleaner that polished and vacuumed up the dust just like a rail grinder does? Would folks be willing to overlook small inaccuracies if the model was well detailed, actually did something and generally followed a LORAM prototype?
I guess here is what I am thinking. Design a generic DG400 series railgrinder locomotive that is self-propelled. Design it to look as close to the prototype and proportionate as practical, but allow for a little dimensional fudging so that it can actually do the job of cleaning the track. Then, later build the additional grinder cars that are part of a LORAM train and use the grinder hoods to hold a series of wiping and polishing pads (you know, like the old Masonite sliders, but probably using something a little more high tech). Someone mentioned adding DCC decoders to allow sparking LEDs and maybe even smoke units. I would probably buy a few more CMX tank cars, paint them in LORAM colors and add them into the train.
So, what does everyone think? I already have one CMX car and I know they have a great reputation and think they do a great job so I plan on leaving that alone. But, what about the LORAM powercab unit.
1. How many people do you think would be interested in one of these if it looked prototypical and cleaned and vacuumed my track? What do you think would be a reasonable price?
2. Do you think people would be interested in the additional grinder cars if they also had simulated sparking and smoke? Would would be reasonable for these?
3. Do you own any track cleaning cars and what is your opinion of them?
Maybe my next project.
Scott
They also tend to be kind of ugly. Most look like giant alien objects dropped on the layout, while others try to disguise themselves as generic MOW equipment.
However, what if someone were to make a self propelled cleaner that polished and vacuumed up the dust just like a rail grinder does? Would folks be willing to overlook small inaccuracies if the model was well detailed, actually did something and generally followed a LORAM prototype?
I guess here is what I am thinking. Design a generic DG400 series railgrinder locomotive that is self-propelled. Design it to look as close to the prototype and proportionate as practical, but allow for a little dimensional fudging so that it can actually do the job of cleaning the track. Then, later build the additional grinder cars that are part of a LORAM train and use the grinder hoods to hold a series of wiping and polishing pads (you know, like the old Masonite sliders, but probably using something a little more high tech). Someone mentioned adding DCC decoders to allow sparking LEDs and maybe even smoke units. I would probably buy a few more CMX tank cars, paint them in LORAM colors and add them into the train.
So, what does everyone think? I already have one CMX car and I know they have a great reputation and think they do a great job so I plan on leaving that alone. But, what about the LORAM powercab unit.
1. How many people do you think would be interested in one of these if it looked prototypical and cleaned and vacuumed my track? What do you think would be a reasonable price?
2. Do you think people would be interested in the additional grinder cars if they also had simulated sparking and smoke? Would would be reasonable for these?
3. Do you own any track cleaning cars and what is your opinion of them?
Maybe my next project.
Scott
