01-09-2015, 11:51 AM
Dave,
You might be mad. I remember I was visiting Andy Rubbo's Northeast Corridor layout, and he commented that to model this requires Commitment.
He is right on many levels. Both commuter modelling and electric modelling are niche interests in the United States. I model the electrified commuter operations throughout New Jersey and around Philadelphia, and it doesn't get easier (or cheaper) ever. Its taken me a few years just to find some of these commuter cars, let alone afford them.
In your case, Island Model Works and Model Memories make your life easier. Almost everything you need is offered in kit form and is readily available. You ccan get South Shore Catenary here- <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.modelmemories.com/hocat.htm#othercat">http://www.modelmemories.com/hocat.htm#othercat</a><!-- m -->
As far as prices go, you're probably not going to have a lot of luck finding them cheaper. Island Model Works actually offers some of the lower prices relative to most other commuter model manufacturers. Even the "cheap" Mass produced models tend to be made in small numbers, and their cost tends to skyrocket quickly on sites like Ebay. Such is the case with the "Horizon" Commuter cars offered by Walthers. They started at $25, but good luck finding them for less than $50. In fact, most "good" HO passenger cars cost at least $60, so the Island Model Works price isn't that high.
When it comes to 3D printing, just for the Body shell, you'll be paying close to the cost of the whole Island Model Works kit, then you still need to print the frame and other details, and that is if you use some of the cruder plastics.
In the long run, you're probably better off just picking up a few models at a time as your budget allows.
Like I said in the beginning, this sort of prototype requires commitment. It really has to be something you love and are interested deeply in, otherwise the work and costs will not be worth it.
You might be mad. I remember I was visiting Andy Rubbo's Northeast Corridor layout, and he commented that to model this requires Commitment.
He is right on many levels. Both commuter modelling and electric modelling are niche interests in the United States. I model the electrified commuter operations throughout New Jersey and around Philadelphia, and it doesn't get easier (or cheaper) ever. Its taken me a few years just to find some of these commuter cars, let alone afford them.
In your case, Island Model Works and Model Memories make your life easier. Almost everything you need is offered in kit form and is readily available. You ccan get South Shore Catenary here- <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.modelmemories.com/hocat.htm#othercat">http://www.modelmemories.com/hocat.htm#othercat</a><!-- m -->
As far as prices go, you're probably not going to have a lot of luck finding them cheaper. Island Model Works actually offers some of the lower prices relative to most other commuter model manufacturers. Even the "cheap" Mass produced models tend to be made in small numbers, and their cost tends to skyrocket quickly on sites like Ebay. Such is the case with the "Horizon" Commuter cars offered by Walthers. They started at $25, but good luck finding them for less than $50. In fact, most "good" HO passenger cars cost at least $60, so the Island Model Works price isn't that high.
When it comes to 3D printing, just for the Body shell, you'll be paying close to the cost of the whole Island Model Works kit, then you still need to print the frame and other details, and that is if you use some of the cruder plastics.
In the long run, you're probably better off just picking up a few models at a time as your budget allows.
Like I said in the beginning, this sort of prototype requires commitment. It really has to be something you love and are interested deeply in, otherwise the work and costs will not be worth it.
Modeling New Jersey Under the Wire 1978-1979.
![[Image: logosmall.png]](http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg445/CAB_IV/Model%20Trains%202013/logosmall.png)