Large Scale Central

AccuCraft's new Gauge 1 passenger cars

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

can only be good news for those of us who have a nice big Canadian steam locomotive, but little or nothing to put behind it.

Like me.

I have the AccuCraft Royal Hudson, and ONE car made by a custom car builder in Canada whom I won’t name, but is well-known and highly respected among Gauge 1-ers all over. I fully intended to buy a reasonable length consist - say ten cars - more than enough on most UK tracks to give a feel-good factor, but that little ambition got hammered into oblivion after the first one arrived with an end price approaching what was then Can$1100 - the original cost was ‘only’ about $650, I recall. They are now well north of $1400 each if you include shipping, insurance and import duty - all added up and THAT total subjected to 20% tax and a compulsory ‘handling charge’

End of plan.

Now Accucraft have come out with what must certainly be a generic outline set of cars that will look good, if not entirely accurate, behind my Hudson - a loco that not one in a ten thousand has ever seen here in yUK for real, and I’d bet money on it, too. Of course, there will be the inevitable spoil-blankets, bemoaning the lack of correct trucks and other details that are typically Canadian only, but you know what? The needle on the DGIS-o’meter in this house has not even quivered. At a UK price of £210 [US price $250], they are giving them away, IMO.

A famous and highly-respected poster on another forum had this to note - ‘But XXXXXXXXX’s were 3X the cost of these. At least a “20 foot rule” train does not need to cost more than the locomotive. Besides, most folks who purchased a Royal Hudson could not tell you the difference between the bodies OR the trucks [the most obvious difference].’

Well, I sure as hell know the difference, having touched the real deal and stood in the cab, but I’m prepared to live with that to have a nice looooooong maroon consist behind my lonely old Hudson at last. Driving it aound with just the one car was getting tiresome, and folks - even those poor ‘know-nuffin’ suckers over here - were beginning to notice.

Great stuff, AccuCraft!!!

tac, ig, ken the GFT & The Bay of Quinté Boys

#2

Greetings Terry, I guess I fall into the ‘know nuffing’ crowd ha. ha. ha., but what you describe sounds really good. I am sure you will post a pic when they are on the rails: I look forward to seeing it.

Now that Aristo is going beneath the radar I might look at what the UK outline has to offer. I now you mentioned the Swift Sixteen folks ( I did look at that You Tube vid by the way) and I know there will be other similar traders and manufacturers exhibiting at the Exeter Show next week end.

The other American 1:29 manufacturers have nothing to interest me: it is either too long, too modern and too expensive, so I think some UK items might become a feature here. Not sure about the 32mm, gauge models, but I know many can be fitted with 45mm. wheels. At least at a Show I can inspect the good and ask questions.

#3

Evenin’, Alan, old floon - good to hear from you again. I’m sure that Tag Gorton will be at the Exeter show, so be sure to make your number with him and to give him my regards, too.

As you know, I also ‘do’ British narrow gauge on 45mm track, as you will have seen on YT, and believe me, it’s great fun. Watching colourful and picturesque little trains trundling around the lansdcape is very restful, as well and fascinating, and not a lot more than the stuff you are running now. Give me a call sometime, and we might discuss what I’m going to do to fund my new CP cars - remember that I have LOADS of AristoCraft locos!!

Best

tac
Ottawa Valley GRS

#4

Fine Terry, I have you in the book as you know (and email of course). Be glad to hear of your plans. Yep, Tag will collecting the entry fees (as usual) so I will pass on your comments.

#5

I thought they might have an Amtrak version?

I would like to see them in person. The picture I saw looked very good. I wonder if the lighting will be LEDs?

Jerry posted this link on another forum:

http://www.accucraft.com/PR/AT%2032%20PASSENGER%20CAR%20%28PR%29%202013-10-10.pdf

#6

Yup, that’s how I saw them first - on the other site. I’m no longer a member there since the last couple of years, but I often look in to see how my erstwhile friends are doing…as well as some who also post here who I still count as friends.

It’s a real shame that USA Trains didn’t make their fine-looking streamliners in 1/32nd scale - they look good behind my Hudson until you notice that they really shouldn’t be higher than the rear tender deck.

tac
Ottawa Valley GRS

#7

'kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay. If anybody reading this is interested, I’ve found a custom decal maker in Winnipeg who has offered to make names and numbers for those new AccuCraft cars that may have carried them - sleepers, diners and observation cars, I bleeve.

Cost will be a scant Can$15 per car.

While I’m sure that Stan Cedarleaf can also oblige those south of the 48th, those lucky folks to the north, and me over here, can now avail ourselves of a Candian source.

Details from me by PM.

tac
CPHA.ca

#8

tac its nice to see something more affordable. I could never image paying over $1000 for a car. $250 that’s doable. I cant wait to see your Hudson pulling them.

#9

Me, too, Shawn, although I don’t suppect that it will be any time soon, judging by AccuCraft’s past performances re delivery estimations.

As soon as they arrive and I run them, I’ll be posting a YT movie - seems mine is the only Hudson running in UK…

Best

tac
Ottawa Valley GRS
ovgrs.org