I am intereseted in knowing how it is going and have a few questions
Thanks
Timmy, the best place to get that answer is over at the Masterclass forum at the other board. You will have to go there to build the project as that’s where Barry of Barry’s Big Trains resides and he makes the chassis for the project.
Hi Warren
That’s part of my questions. I purchased the lazer cut parts from Harald and the recommended parts from Phil at Hartland. Need to know what else is needed. But I will check on the other forum.
The obvious need is the chassis which you will have to get from Barry’s Big Trains. He’s there.
Actually, I don’t think I need Barry’s chassis now that I have purchased the laser cut one
Rumor has it that Barry is no where close to finishing the first prototype. I could be wrong…
jb
John Bouck said:Yes, I have heard that as well. However, as I mentioned, I believe that I do not need the chassis from Barry since I purchased the laser cut from Harald and the wheels etc from HLW.
Rumor has it that Barry is no where close to finishing the first prototype. I could be wrong....... jb
timmyd said:Yes... I just confirmed from Fletch that the BBT chassis is not needed with what I purchased already.John Bouck said:Yes, I have heard that as well. However, as I mentioned, I believe that I do not need the chassis from Barry since I purchased the laser cut from Harald and the wheels etc from HLW.
Rumor has it that Barry is no where close to finishing the first prototype. I could be wrong....... jb
JB you are wrong! hehe! no point writing stuff if you really dont know.,…reminds me of the LGB saga. But tell you the truth the Mason project has been a huge saga due to the chassis fiasco…here’s the facts:
Barry built the first two prototypes real quickly back in 2002, prior to QM show. I built my Mason on one of those two chassis’, Barry has the other. However circumstances since in his life have hit him one blow after another, causing total stalling in production for 4 years. Of 110 chassis’ ordered, only about 6 production units have gone out to date, with another 5 sitting ready to go…this after 5 years. That is why I developed the snap together laser cut chassis to get things moving again.
This is a link to some of the finished models - being a mixture of laser cut frames, home made frames and the BBT frame. I developed all the templates for the models, as well as the decal designs for the class to use. There are several more locos close to finished now.
http://www.mylargescale.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24556
David.
Great photos. I wonder if an Indy would be a reasonable place to start for a small Mason Bogie or Forney? Hmm
<JB you are wrong! hehe! no point writing stuff if you really don’t know.,…reminds me of the LGB saga. >
Wrong how, Fletch?
It appears the BB Chassis is no where finished and available for public purchase. You proved the rumor correct with your reply.
<causing total stalling in production for 4 years. Of 110 chassis’ ordered, only about 6 production units have gone out to date,>
I am now writing stuff I do know about, thanks to your un-cordial reply.
jb
.>Rumor has it that Barry is no where close to finishing the first prototype. I could be wrong…<
Where is that rumor correct JB? You noted that this was a rumour and could be wrong…and I jokingly pointed out that you were…well yes wrong! Now you have the facts, which is way better than Rumour, not that too many would care about this particular subject I suspect.
Two prototypes were finished in 2002… Production units are going out, but too slowly for my liking.
He’s taken ages to do the production models due to various personal issues, so I’ve developed an alterantive. About 6 production units have gone out, another 5 nearly ready and others in the line. This is very different to not even completing the first prototype. As for the laser cut stainless steel chassis - 30 have been sent out this year alone. I did a sample run of 16 units back in 2005 as a test…then held back in case Barry came good. I dont make a cent from it, just want to see those fine models finished. A guy in Germany is doing the laser cutting for us at reduced rates.
Barry has made his progress in the job clear to all who want to read about it. (yeah I got tired of reading it too). He’s a had some real hard times I’m afraid. Its kinda a shame, because I sure did put a huge amount of time into the research and design of the models.
Bob, there was a guy in Washington State building an AA Denny 0-6-4T Mason (A prototype that ran in Washington). It was working OK. The main issue is that wheels are spread a little too far appart. Mason wheels were really tightly packed. I think the Indy would work well into Forneys. Also if they bring out the 2-4-2 again, with cast chassis and upgrade drive, that would really work well as a Forney.
The Indy wheels are too small for DSP&P type Masons, but there were a lot of different versions built and run all over the US, there are some with smaller wheels, but generally not in the 2-6-6T configuration. The AA Denny was a good choice! I should see how he’s doing with it.
David.
My apologies, Fletch.
I should have said…“Rumor has it that Barry is no where close to production and distributing of the chassis.”
Perhaps he should announce it wouldn’t be produced and then modelers can quit waiting and go with alternative products.
I think BBT’s chassis that he does produce are very good products, and am not criticizing the man at all…
jb
Yes JB, I think you’re spot on there. I think poor Barry has got into a spot. His chassis’ are terrific units, and does pain me a bit to see him held up like this…the Mason chassis is not an easy one. Fortunetly the 4-6-0 and 2-8-0 chassis’ of his are still going out strong, and he’s doing OK. I should point out that he was doing the Mason chassis’ at cost…so there was no fat in it.
I think so long as we have the alternative up and running, it will take some pressure off him, and allow him to finish some more without us grating at him all the time. Most builders have come to a realisation - the ones who have not built much to start with, dont seem to mind waiting more, while the ones who have almost complete models, except no wheels! Are the ones looking to the new alternative. We’ll see most of those models finished this year.
I’m working with some folks at Accucraft for a full-on live steam Mason too, release a couple of years away. this WILL be stunning!!
David.