Price: $1,500USD

Versions Offered: 6

Production Quantity: 100

12/20/11 - The first group of production models are due to arrive any time now and included in that shipment should be the painted production samples of the FD-2, FW-1 and the respective loads. I already have photos of the completed models that were provided by Mr. Sin my builder, but they were not of adequate quality to post on this site. New photos will be processed as soon as the samples are available. Stay tuned!

11/12/11 - The FD-2/FW-1 flat car project is moving along nicely at this point. As many of you are aware, I have just recently processed the reservation payments for the flat car loads and I will be sending out order confirmations as quickly as possible, as I wade through my pile of paperwork. Many thanks for your patience as you have waited for me to take your money, I greatly appreciate it, both the patience and the money!

Shown below is the newly completed production sample of the FD-2 version of the flat car. Until now I have not inumerated all the changes that have been made, but the deck is a completely new design that was mentioned in a previous update, the trucks have been completely redesigned and extensive new detailing has been added. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the painted sample model along with the completed and painted load samples which is iminate. The three photos shown were taken in Korea.

This next photo shows the underside of the completely redesigned trucks. The side frames and all of the spring detailing has been greatly enhanced since the first sample was completed and the complete safety rigging for the brake system is not present. This sample shows our previous Kohs & Company profile wheelsets, the delivered production models with have the scale wheelsets that we previously described.

The final photo shows the most recent status of the flat car loads, again the photo was taken in Korea. The Westinghouse load in the background is basically complete and ready for paint. The FW-1 load in the foreground is yet to have the interior skin placed to close the body of the assembly. This photo should provide a better appreciation for the number of parts that must be assembled to give this load the proper shape and characteristics. The two tube like structures standing vertically in the middle of the load are the two loading girders that will be included with the load model so it can be properly loaded on our FW-1. You would not believe the amount of research that went into developing this FW-1 load, but it will be worth it when placed on the 'flat'.

8/09/11 - The photo below shows the revised deckplae detail for the FD-2. To replicate the seam detail correctly, it requires the use of multi-level photo-etching techniques that are not often used by other builders due to the difficulty and expense. The process is greatly complicated by having to form the contours and shape of the deckplate after the photo-etching process has been completed. Special skills are required to accomplish this without flattening the etched detail or making it less than uniform in appearance.

Shown below is the nearly completed Westinghouse generator load for the FD-2. The castings have been completed and installed and only some minor detailing and adjustments are required at this point. You can see the number of parts required and as mentioned before, this has turned into a model project in it's own right.

The nearly complete load sample for the FW-1 is shown below. You can begin to see the very complex shape of the stamping machine frame with it's many bosses and protrusions. There are a couple of detail parts yet to be added and the inner surface also has to be completed. When complete, it will provide for a unique and interesting addition for the FW-1.

6/29/11 - Shown below are more new photos showing the progress on our flat car and load projects. The first photo shows the master pattern for the redesigned truck bolster and the mold used to replicate the part in cast form. The mold is a specialized silicone material that was selected because of the size of the part to be replicated.

The next photo shows the master pattern and mold for the generator load end cap. The master pattern is an assembly of machined and fabricated pieces that must encompass all of the detail required to be on the final cast part. Special skill is required in designing a part to be cast to make certain that not only a mold can be made, but that the part can be removed from the mold, otherwise the mold is of no value. If all design factors are not taken into consideration, certain types of detail can permanently capture a part in the mold and make it impossible to remove the part without destroying the mold, which certainly defeats the whole purpose of the process.

The elevation view of the generator below shows the construction further along that in the last photo. Much of the side detail has been added, but there is stil more to come. You can begin to get a sense of what an involved model this load is in it's own right.

This bottom view below provides another perspective on the generator construction and the amount of hand assembly and soldering that is required. All things considered, the pricing for this 'model' is extremely reasonable!

This end view shows the largest end cap in place on the generator structure. There are other cast details that will be installed in the remaining openings

6/18/11 - Although the photo below is a bit dated at this point and the two production samples are nearly complete at this point, the photo does show the size relationship of the load to the carbody of the FD-2. There have been many corrections and improvements to both flat car versions and subsequent photos will highlight the changes. Every aspect of the models have been upgraded, from the detail on the underside of the trucks and the side frames to the carbody deck detail. Knowledgeable modelers will be amazed at the difference between our original samples and the final production models.

The Westinghouse generator load is being assembled from more than 60 parts, some are fabricated and some are castings. In the background you can see the parts for the FW-1 stamping machine load prior to final assembly.

Stay tuned!

5/24/11 - Although I am behind as usual with paperwork, great progress is being made on this project. The production sample models are being finished as of this writing and the first load sample models are also being completed. For reservation holders, the overdue order confirmations have been sent out along with the promised information regarding the loads for the flat cars. The confirmations were delayed as we worked through the process of deciding how the loads would be developed and built, that information had been promised with the confirmations. While the flat car models stand on their own as unique and substantial models, the availability of appropriate loads built to the same standards as the cars complete the concept and add in value to the cars far beyond their ultimate cost. The information regarding the loads has been added to the Download page for this project site.

The flat car sample models I have been showing for quite some time have received a great response, if for no other reason, their size is impressive. With the construction modifications, changes and corrections that have been integrated into the production models, the project rises to a whole new level. The deck detail has been completely redone, all of the construction seam detail has been reworked and even the trucks have been completely redesigned adding more detail. The overall affect is stunning by comparison to where we started.

To explain a bit further on the development of the flat car loads, I had mentioned at the outset that I would be looking at a number of different approaches for the construction. That in fact was the case, I considered several different rapid prototyping techniques for doing the part patterns, I considered producing the complete models using rapid prototyping and I also looked at reproducing parts in resin using traditional master patterns. This whole effort was intended to provide finely detailed load models commensurate with the quality of the flat cars and do so at a price that would be reasonable. After all was considered, the decision was made to revert to the traditional techniques and to build the load models from brass and to offer them at a price that minimally covers the costs involved in their development and production. The 'flats' will be beautiful models, but with their brass loads, they will be extraordinary.

3/22/11 - Just a brief update to advise all that have sent in reservations, that your confirmation letters are being processed now and will be in the mail shortly. Included with the confirmation letter will be information regarding the loads for both versions of the flat cars.

3/05/11 - Considerable effort has been expended on trying to determine the best approach for producing the loads for our two flat cars. Early on I had mentioned that I was considering using a combination of materials to try and keep the cost factor as low as possible and also to keep the weight factor at an appropriate level. Most all of the feedback that I have received has expressed a common opinion that the loads should be comparable in quality and detail to the cars themselves, that is very understandable. In working through the possibilities thus far, the cost factor will seemingly be higher to employ resin technology and there is concern about the quality of detail and surface finish due to some of the characteristics of the generator load in particular. From this point on, I will be concentrating on making brass models of our loads as cost effective as possible. I will be communicating with all of you that have reserved models directly as soon as I have a bit more information to offer. It is a certainty that I do not want the loads to detract from what will be very exciting and impressive models, the loads need to be real enhancements to what has been accomplished with the cars.

2/22/11 - Just a brief reminder to a number of people that have called expressing interest in ordering one of our PRR flat cars and that have requested that I hold one for them. I can not hold an unpaid reservation indefinitely, there are only 100 units being produced and they are going quickly. I mention this so that hopefully those individuals that have called can avoid disappointment by following up too late with an actual paid reservation. If questions remain, please get in touch directly to have your questions answered.

2/15/11 - Shown below are CAD images of the FW-1 (upper) and FD-2 (lower) flat cars with their intended loads in place. The FW-1 load makes for a very interesting arrangement with the beams and wooden shoring used to hold it in place during transit. The width of the load is almost as wide as the well opening in the flat car. The carbody of the FW-1 was originally built to transport this load, a cast steel frame for a very large stamping machine.

As described previously, the typical load for the FD-2 was a Westinghouse turbo generator, although it was used for other miscellaneous loads on numerous occasions. The two loads pictured were very different in nature, but both weighed in at approximately 500,000 pounds each.

2/08/11 - There have been a couple inquiries regarding the trucks for our 'flats', considering that we are using our new scale wheels. In addition to the scale wheels, the truck frames and bolsters are in fact scale in width.

2/06/11 - Just a brief update to say thank you to all of you that have already reserved your FD-2 and/or FW-1 flat cars! The rate of sale for this project is the fastest I have experienced to date and that is gratifying. Confirmation letters will begin going out very soon. I am continuing to work on the issue of loads for the cars and it may be a situation of turning back to brass construction to produce them. I hope to have more information very soon regarding loads.

I have had a couple of inquiries about when painted samples of this project would be available to see; considering how far along the production is, I probably will not bother with painted samples which will only add to the production time and expense. I anticipate taking the first production models to use for photography and any shows that may occur before the production is delivered to the states this Summer.

1/25/1 - Based on my visit to Korea in the last several days, I can tell you that our rolling stock projects are back at full speed ahead. The trucks for the 'flats' are currently being finished after waiting for a massive supply of ball-bearings. The projection for completion of this project is approximately four months at this point.

Shown below is a rendered view of the load 'model' for the FD-2 flat car. This load is the most often seen on the FD-2 and it is a Westinghouse turbo generator. This is a pretty clear indication that we are paying as much attention to the loads for the cars as we are the cars themselves. The CAD model shown was created by Nick Seman of Middle Division fame, purveyor of many things 'Pennsy' and a regular contributor on our PRR projects.

1/23/11 - My personal impression has been that the Penn Central versions of our FD-2 and FW-1 could potentially be the most attractive versions of this project that we'll produce. With that in mind, it's not too surprising that I have already received several orders for these two versions. From the outset of the project I have been trying to find a photo of the FD-2 in service during the PC years, luckily I have just located a photo of the FD-2 in full Penn Central dress. The photo has been added to the Prototype Photos page of this project site. Another photo has also been added of the FD-2 in late 'Pennsy' service with what is an atypical load for the FD-2. The most common loads were Westinghouse turbo generators, the added photo shows a massive transformer. As new and interesting photos are located of the prototypes in service, I will continue to add them for modeling reference.

1/14/11 - A further update regarding reservations for this project. Now that the mailing is complete, I have posted the order form on the project download page so it is available for download. I have had a number of requests from our international customers requesting an electronic version of the form to save time and insure that they can place their orders on a timely basis. An ordering preference will still be given to existing customers for approximately two weeks to allow time to respond to the offering. If new customers submit an order it will be held until the preference period has elapsed, if the project should become fully reserved in the interim, reservations that we can not accepted will be returned. All existing customers should receive the offering by postal mail as should anyone that has expressed interest as a new customer, new customer mailings will arrive slightly later.

1/11/11 - The first batch of reservation offering have gone in the mail as of today and the balance will be sent by weeks end. I will also be posting the reservation form on the web site shortly, but will still hold a preference for existing customers until they have had a chance to respond. It is pretty certain that the demand will out strip the supply, so do not delay with your response if this project is of interest. Many thanks to all for your patience!

1/01/11 - There has been a great deal of concern from existing and new customers alike that they would miss out on this project, because they had not received the offering materials. All of the printing for the offering was completed before Christmas, but I felt that it would be best not to do the mailing prior to the holiday. The offering materials will go out to existing customers first, which is the usual practice, immediately following the holiday season and to newly interested modelers approximately two weeks later. If you are an existing customer and the holidays have left you financially drained as a result of your generosity, please let me know and accommodations will be made so that no one is left in the lurch as a result of my less than favorable timing.

A big thank you to everyone that has expressed interest in this project and waited patiently for the reservations to start.

11/10/10 - I just obtained a copy of an interesting photo showing the FD-2 undergoing load testing using slabs of steel totaling 501,960 pounds. This weight total is just shy of the rated capacity for the car. I have also posted a short series of photos showing the FD-2 being loaded with it's first actual load, you can view these photos on the Prototype Photos page. Final preparations are also nearly complete to start the reservation process for this project.

10/13/10 - I am finally about ready to start the reservation process on this project, it has taken a bit to get caught up on a number of fronts before it was logical to move forward with this new project. I have posted the project brochure to the Download page and the order form will be posted once it has been sent out to all existing customers. I will update further once the 'paper' is in the mail. Many thanks to all for your patience, the demand has been extreme and everyone has been anxious, I apologize for keeping everyone waiting!

4/28/10 - Although our flat cars are already in production, I have been holding off on starting the reservation process while our 'loads' have been under development. The difficulty with doing the loads has been producing items of appropriate quality without having to charge a significant price in addition to the cost of the cars. I feel comfortable now that we have the process under control and that we'll be delivering loads that are fully compatible with our FD-2 and FW-1 'flats'.

The reservation process will begin as soon as the mailing is assembled and ready to go. The production should be complete late this summer. I know that many of you have been extremely anxious about this project and I appreciate your patience while we have been working to get 'things' right! The entire production will be only 100 pieces divided between all the versions so do not delay in responding to the reservation information.

1/20/10 - Additional prototype photos have been posted to this project site showing additional 'load' photos and also alternate paint schemes for the flat cars themselves. We have accumulated a nice file of reference photos that document the usage and paint schemes over the years, but many of the photos are not of great quality, so I have chosen to post only the best or them for your reference. Although I have confirmed what we needed to know, the search continues for interesting 'shots' related to these cars, if you can help please get in touch.

As previously mentioned, the development of loads for the FD-2 and FW-1 flat cars is underway. The photo below shows an 'end cap' for the generator load on an FD-2 flat car. The most common loads for the FD-2 are large Westinghouse generators or turbines for electrical power plants. If you refer to the prototype photos shown elsewhere in this project site you will see how this sample part relates to the actual prototype load. Work continues to develop the best approach for building our loads so that we achieve maximum detail with minimum weight and also keep the pricing reasonable. This first parts were created by Harry Hieke at Everything O Scale. Additional photos will be posted as the development continues.

I know that many of you have been waiting to get your order in, be advised that I will get the process started as soon as possible at this point. I do not want anyone that has been waiting to miss out due to the delay in getting started.

12/09/09 - Our project update needs to catch up with the actual status of our FW-1/FD-2 project. Not only has our work resumed as previously reported, all of the corrections have been completed for both versions of this project. Significant upgrades have been made to the truck assemblies in terms of detail and the overall level of detail has been improved in terms of the construction detail (ie...weld lines, sheet seams, etc). The handrails have been changed from being one complete cast brass structure to being fabricated from stainless with individual components, this allows for stronger and more accurately aligned detail. Although we have yet to start the reservation process for this project, the production of parts is underway. I would like to start the reservations as soon as possible, because I know that so many people have been patiently waiting, but a decision needs to be made whether it should start before or after the Christmas season as this point.

The development of 'loads' for the two 'flats' has begun and photos of the first parts will be posted very soon. The loads that are being developed will be sold separately from the flat-car models themselves and will be very reasonably priced. The load models will use a combination of brass and resin to keep the weight manageable while providing complete detail commensurate with that of the flat-car models themselves.

6/16/09 - Work on our 'BIG' flat car project has resumed and we will be moving towards starting the reservation process shortly. A full series of detail photos has been shot and is currently being processed for posting on the web, I expect that the photos will be up during our visit to the O Scale National Convention over the next few days. We have also arranged for the fabrication of prototypical loads for our flats and they will be sold separately from the cars themselves. The sample loads will hopefully be started very soon so we can provide photos. We are getting back up to speed on all of the projects that were dormant for several months, I do appreciate your patience during this time.

10/01/08 - We have posted the first of the prototype images of the FD-2 and FW-1 flat cars also including loads. We will be adding to the images, but they are few and far between, particularly the FW-1 photos. The photos of the FW-1 that we have were provided by Mr. Michael Schafer who has been researching the subject for a number of years, our thanks to Michael for his kind offer to let us use his photos.

9/28/08 - We are getting close to starting the reservation process on this project, if you are not a current customer and have not advised us of your interest, please do so very soon so you will not be left out. This project promises to sell out very quickly! More detail photos of the two sample model versions will be posted shortly as well as some interesting photos of the prototypes in service which are very difficult to some by.

1/28/08 - We have just posted on this projects home-page, the first photo of the sample models just completed by our rolling stock builder, Mr. Sin. This project is running ahead of schedule in large part due to the dedication and hard work of Mr. Sin and his team. The models will be shown at the Nurnberg Toy Fair early next month in Germany and they are on the way to our shop now. Additional photos will be posted at the earliest opportunity and they will also be included in the forthcoming printed update that will be mailed to everyone that is a customer or on our mailing list. We are now working on prototypical loads for each 'flat' the will help demonstrate the significant role they played during their service. Regarding production schedule; our next rolling stock project in production are our PRR N5/N5b cabin cars, followed by our Chesapeake & Ohio steel cabooses and then our FW-1/FD-2 'flats' will go into production a bit later this year.

11/01/07 - The initial design has been completed for both version of this project, the FW-1 and the FD-2. As we proceed with the sample construction, we are also working on a suitable load to be carried by these 'flats'.