ExactRail – Gunderson 5200 Boxcar

ExactRail Gunderson 5200 Box Car

It’s always exciting when the first Frisco-offering from a manufacturer comes forth, and thus is the case as we announce ExactRail’s release of three road numbers of Gunderson 5200 boxcars.

ExactRail’s promotional language is as follows: Built in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Gunderson 5200 is a classic-looking boxcar with modern appeal.

Available in Cotton Belt, MNS and BNSF paint schemes and MP, SLSF and NP Heritage Paint Schemes, ExactRail’s Gunderson 5200 Box Car has clean symmetry with vintage aesthetics.

The Gunderson 5200 Box Car:

• Precision micro-tooled
• Designed, engineered and tooled in the U.S.
• ExactRail’s exclusive ASF 70 Ton Ride Control trucks
• McHenry N-scale knuckle sprung couplers
• Precision-tooled with integrally molded details
• CNC-machined metal wheel sets
• Razor sharp printing

The item numbers are EN-50809-3 (road number 154494), EN-50809-2 (road number 154469), and EN-50809-1 (road number 154442). The price for each is $21.95 and they are currently available for order from ExactRail’s web site.

Readers are advised not to delay in ordering.

Trainworx 40′ Drop Frame Trailers

Trainworx Drop Frame Trailers

Trainworx is poised to offer us a special treat – 40′ drop end trailers in six road numbers.

The part numbers are 403361-(01-06) and the manufacturers suggested retail price is $15.95 each. Pre-orders are due by June 30, 2011 and delivery is expected in November 2011.

Trainworx promotional language states; “These trailers are primarily used for bulky, yet light weight commodities such as toilet paper and potato chips.”

These will be excellent for SL-SF flatcars that are minus a load.

Click here to download the PDF announcement from Trainworx.

Trainworx Frisco Trailer

Micro-Trains Delivers on Tank Cars!

Following the post your author engaged in an e-mail discussion with a representative of Micro-Trains regarding the possibility that they would produce this item for us. Knowing that the wheels turn slowly on such things, and that a company like Micro-Trains probably has many planned future items, it was a surprise to find in Micro-Trains May announcements that our wish has come true this quickly.

Your author is not aware of any past N Scale tank cars in Frisco livery so this is believed to be a first!

Micro-Trains promotional language states, “These 39’ single dome tank cars are painted black with white Frisco logo and lettering. They were built by American Car & Foundry of Milton, PA, in August 1949, serviced in April 1973, and run on Bettendorf trucks. Both tank cars were originally assigned to diesel fuel service; by 1980 the series had been assigned to company service. They disappeared when SL-SF became part of the Burlington Northern Railroad.”

The road numbers are 191100 and 191096 and the item numbers 06500711 and 0650012. Note that the road numbers are exactly the same as two of the photos offered.

We’re not trying to take credit for prodding Micro-Trains to produce these cars, but we would like to offer them a hearty thank you for hearing the call! It’s exciting that a company like Micro-Trains continues to offer items for fallen flag railroads. Note that Micro-Trains has offered several Frisco items in the past year, all listed on this site.

Wheels of Time 70 Foot Baggage Express Cars

Wheels of Time 70 Foot Baggage Express Car

Wheels of Time is taking pre-paid reservations on their web site (PayPal) for four Frisco road numbers in their “2nd batch” of 70 Foot Baggage Express Cars.

Sold singluarly are road numbers 433 and 439, and as a two-car set road numbers 435 and 438. The single-car price is $42.89 and the two-car set is $79.99.

Wheels of Time states the following promotional language: Features: Extra fine details, crisp paint & printing, sliding baggage doors, nicely weighted for the runner, new adjustable draft gear and 6-wheel truck with 36″ metal wheelsets and Micro-Trains Couplers. Multiple configurations: arched roof with Garland vents, arched roof with Utility vents and clerestory; curve end trim and straight end trim, and brake wheel or brake lever all as per prototype.

The following is specific information related to the Frisco cars: The “Frisco” or St. Louis – San Francisco (SLSF reporting marks) never quite made it to their second name sake city. The railroad had about 5,700 route miles covering nine states, mainly radiating out of their system hub of Springfield, Missouri. Frisco operated a joint train with Katy (The Texas Special) until January 1959. Other important trains they operated were Firefly (Tulsa-KS), Meteor (St. Louis-Oklahoma City), Sunnyland (KS-St. Louis-Atlanta/Pensacola), and Will Rogers (St. Louis-Oklahoma City). These baggage-express cars were built by AC&F in May 1930 as Lot No. 1060. It measured 70-ft over the end sills and rebuilt in 1942 by Frisco.

These four cars join previously released (Wheels of Time) road numbers 362 and 363. The delivery date is estimated to be June 2011.

Wheels of Time – Product Information Sheet

Atlas N Scale 2011 Golden Spike Membership Car

2011 Atlas Golden Spike Club Frisco Boxcar

We’ve had a dry spell since November but Atlas is going to break it for us with this year’s Golden Spike Club car.

The Golden Spike Club is explained in detail on this page.

In brief, for $50 you get the annual car (which this year is a Frisco boxcar) and according to Atlas promotional language; A membership card and appropriate club pin, special ‘members only’ club offers throughout the year, mailed Atlas Product and Track Catalogs, and Golden Spike Club newsletters filled with articles and information from Atlas staff to help you enjoy your “GSC” experience to the fullest.

It seems that you can join the “club” for $30 but to get the boxcar you’ll have to spend $50. As well, Atlas states that, “The annual club cars are solely for Atlas Golden Spike Club members and will not be offered through stores or to the general public.”

As for the boxcar, it is described as a, “Frisco USRA 8-Panel Steel Rebuilt Boxcar.”

For the diehard Frsico N Scaler (like your author) it’s going to be a $50 debit.

Atlas 2011 Golden Spike Club Flyer

As the flyer notes, the car is also available in HO scale.

Happy shopping.

Trainworx Boxcars – Are they in?

Trainworx 86′ Auto Parts Car

Our last post regarding the TrainWorx boxcars was on June 3, 2010.

To recap; Four road numbers were announced; 9101 (Part #2936-01), 9104 (Part #2936-02), 9107 (Part #2936-03), and 9108 (Part #2936-04). The suggested retail price is $29.95 each.

An e-mail was received from Pat at Trainworx and it appears that these boxcars have arrived. Pat stated that shipping boxes were unopened but that they were believed to be in.

More information will be posted as word is received.

It’s New, It’s Blue

Micro-Trains 50″ Boxcar #15535

Micro-Trains November announcements carry one piece of exciting news for us Frisco fans; a new boxcar.

Micro-Trains promotional language states, “This 50’ standard box car with plug door and no roofwalk is painted blue with black and white “Coon Skin” herald and “Ship it on the Frisco” logo. Lettering is white. It was built in March 1969 by Chicago Freight Car as a 40’ box car; it was re-built to a 50’ car that same year. The car runs on black Barber Roller Bearing trucks. St. Louis-San Francisco Railway leased 75 of these rebuilt box cars, giving them a blue paint scheme without the usual exclamation mark on the end of the slogan. The cars were equipped with Evans DF-2 Belt Rails.”

The road number is 15535, Micro-Trains stock number 038 00 480 and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $19.75.

Nothing New, So Let’s Get Tanked!

We haven’t been able to detect any new Frisco N Scale announcements or releases since the last post, although a couple of rumors have reached our ears.

Unfortunately, none of the rumors are about tank cars and that is one sorely needed piece of rolling stock for Frisco N Scale modelers.

We’ve borrowed a few photos from the frisco.org web site, specifically, this thread.

Frisco Tank Car 191082

Frisco Tank Car 191100

Frisco Tank Car 191106

Frisco Tank Car 191096

So, there they are. Now, let’s see if we can convince any manufacturer to offer such a morsel to us.

Micro-Trains To Vandalize New Release

Micro-Trains Weathered Frisco Boxcar

As of July 16, 2010, Micro-Trains’ web site shows a new release of a weathered and graffitied orange boxcar bearing road number 15090.

No text accompanies the new release other than the item number (074 44 090) and the MSRP of $21.40.

Apparently, the car is presently available.

Intermountain ACF Center Flow 2-Bay Hoppers

Intermountain ACF Center Flow 2-Bay Hopper

Something to look forward to during the upcoming winter from Intermountain – six hoppers!

Announced in July 2010 these 2-Bay hoppers are expected in February or March 2011.

The road numbers are to be 78418, 78533, 78559, 78574, 78591, and 78610. Intermountain states that all models are fully assembled with with etched metal roofwalks and Micro-Trains® trucks and couplers.

The MSRP for each is $22.95.

Intermountain Pullman-Standard 5277 Cubic Foot Boxcar – 6 More?

Intermountain Pullman-Standard 5277 Cubic Foot Boxcar

CANCELLED!

Intermountain has, in the past, released six boxcars of this variety bearing road numbers 44006, 44119, 44123, 44144, 44184, and  44265 .

According to Intermountain’s web site, 6 more road numbers are coming. They do not state what those numbers will be, nor have they posted any date to expect these products.

The item number is 67505 (as it was on the earlier run) and the MSRP is $19.95 (each).

Intermountain advises to “reserve now.”

Trainworx 86 Foot Boxcars – The Wait Continues

Trainworx 86′ Auto Parts Car

Announced on July 2, 2009, these Trainworx boxcars are apparently yet to be delivered.

Four road numbers were announced; 9101 (Part #2936-01), 9104 (Part #2936-02), 9107 (Part #2936-03), and 9108 (Part #2936-04). The suggested retail price is $29.95 each.

These cars will join previous similar releases by Con-Cor (road numbers 9120, 9124, 9127, and 9133) and Bluford Shops (road numbers 9120, 9123, and 9126).

Yes, for those of you counting, we have two manufacturers cars bearing road number 9120.

BLMA PS-4000 Covered Hopper

BLMA PS-4000 Covered Hopper

Excitement three times for us as BLMA announces they are taking reservations for their PS-4000 Covered Hoppers.

BLMA offers the following promotional language on their web site: The Pullman-Standard PS-2CD 4000 cubic foot covered hopper was produced between 1962 and 1964, and remained in service throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico until the early 2000s.  One of the most distinctive Pullman covered hoppers, this common 100-ton car is used in grain, fertilizer, and other bulk services.  With more than 2,000 prototypes placed into service, the BLMA Models N Scale replica is a perfect addition to your layout or collection.

Painted in the distinct “original gray” color scheme with the large and distinctive black “SLSF” lettering on the carbody.  Our stunning Frisco replicas are precisely modeled in the August 1963 delivery scheme, and are available in three individual road numbers. These prototypes operated throughout the SLSF system and were frequently seen offline.  Order a distinctive, yet accurate car from us to bolster the SLSF hopper representation on your layout!

This is our SECOND release of these super popular models.  Along with the fine-scale attention to detail you’ve come to know from BLMA Models, these models ride on our ALL-NEW 100-Ton ASF Ride Control trucks and ALL-NEW scale profile, metal wheels!  Furthermore, these models feature body-mounted brown Micro-Trains couplers for superb operation!

•  Ready-To-Run
•  Injection-Molded Plastic
•  Fine-Scale Detail
•  Chemically Etched Roof Walk
•  Chemically Etched Brake Platform
•  Accurately Painted/Printed
•  Prototypical Ride Height
•  ALL-NEW 100-Ton ASF Ride Control Trucks
•  ALL-NEW Scale Profile Metal Wheels
•  Body-Mounted Micro-Trains Couplers
•  Three Numbers per Scheme!

Product & Road Numbers:

• #11034 – Frisco (SLSF) #81101
• #11035 – Frisco (SLSF) #81117
• #11036 – Frisco (SLSF) #81124

The order deadline is July 15, 2010 and delivery is expected late in the year.

DeLuxe Innovations Hoppers Still Delayed

DeLuxe Innovations Hopper

It was July 2008 when DeLuxe Innovations announced that they were releasing (apparently three road numbers of) 2-Bay Covered Hoppers for our road.

These are to be available as a single car, two-pack, or three-pack. The item numbers are Single #74711, 2-Pack #74712, 3-Pack #74713. Prices are to be announced.

DeLuxe Innovations has experienced significant delays in the delivery of their products – apparently relating to Chinese production issues.

Apparently, hope is still alive for these hoppers.

Now available – Athearn 50′ PS1 Plug Door Boxcars

Athearn 50′ PS! Plug Door Boxcars

I have received the three new Athearn PS1 Plug Door Boxcars and the quality is typical of what we expect from Athearn – excellent!

These three Frisco boxcars are available in road numbers 12015, 12018, and 12039.

Atlas N GP-7/9 Locomotives

Frisco GP-7/9 – Coming September 2010

On April 16, 2010 Atlas announced that two Frisco road numbers will be available in the GP-7/9 locomotives.

Road numbers 500 (Item 48274/DCC 50846) and 502 (Item 48275/DCC 50847) are anticipated for a September 2010 delivery.

Atlas lists the following promotional language and features: Introduced in 1949, the Electro-Motive 1500hp GP-7 combined the machinery of the F7 with a hood-type carbody that offered high visibility and easy engine access. The GP-7 was used in pulling every conceivable type of train and was sometimes substituted for part of a set of cab units. The GP-9 utilized a 1750hp engine and was visually similar to the GP-7.

• Scale Speed™ motor
• Powered low friction drive
• Blackened metal wheels
• Dual brass flywheels
• Directional lighting
• Golden-white LEDs
• AccuMate® couplers

The manufacturers suggested retail price is $109.95 and DCC equipped $144.95.

Intermountain Tries the FP7/F7B Again

In late 2008/early 2009 Intermountain announced a FP7/F7B project in the unpopular Mandarin/White paint scheme.

Reservations goals were not met and the project was abandoned.

These would have been the first known N Scale models of E or F units to bear this paint scheme.

In May 2010, Intermountain announced a revival of the project – this time in the more popular Black/Yellow paint scheme.

These models are anticipated to be delivered in December 2010 or January 2011. Four road numbers will be available for the FP7; 5040, 5045, 5047, and 5050. The F7B will be available in three road numbers; 5125, 5127, and 5130.

The A-Units are to retail for $119.95 and the B-Units for $84.95.

Intermountain Abandoned FP7

Intermountain Abandoned F7B

Intermountain Black/Yellow FP7

Intermountain Black/Yellow F7B

Atlas N Trainman® C&O Caboose – In Frisco

Atlas N Trainman® C&O Caboose – Frisco #162

From the Atlas Trainman line, it’s the C&O Caboose in two road numbers for Frisco modelers.

Atlas says of this caboose; The first all-steel cabooses built for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad were produced in 1937 by the Magor Car Corporation in Clifton, N.J. Magor, along with St. Louis Car Company and ACF, ultimately built a total of 350 cabooses for the C&O using a similar design. The last were produced in 1949. Through subsequent rebuilding and modernization, many remained in service through the end of regular caboose usage in the 1980s. Cabooses of a similar design were also built for Pere Marquette, Missouri Pacific and Chicago & Eastern Illinois.

It is equipped with AccuMate® knuckle couplers and retails for $13.95. The Atlas item numbers are 39837 (Road Number 162) and 39838 (Road Number 163).

Delivery is forecast to be October 2010.

Adding Orange: Micro-Trains Boxcar Now Available

Micro-Trains Boxcar #15097

Announced March 1st by Micro-Trains, this boxcar bearing road number 15097 is now available.

Micro-Trains promotional language; This 40’ standard box car with plug door and no roofwalk is painted orange with black and white logo and black lettering. The car was rebuilt in October 1967 and runs on Bettendorf trucks. Between August and October 1967, the Frisco leased 100 rebuilt boxcars from the Chicago Freight Car Co. and numbered them into the 15000-15099 series. During the 1960s, the Frisco used colors to designate a specific usage or equipment; the red-orange paint applied to this series signified assignment to Kellogg.

The item number is 074 00 090 and it retails for $16.50.