Over on the My Large Scale Board, a small group of folks are putting together a project to produce limited quantities of an accurate 1:20.3 scale laser cut styrene plastic kit for Monterey & Salinas Valley Combine #1. This is a 40’ duckbill roof 1870s passenger combine. The fully restored ‘original’ Carter Brothers’ car is on display at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, CA.
The MLS group is also planning to do a matching coach. The cars will be available in two exterior styles: Panelled sides (from the 1870s), or Planked sides (from the 1880s). This California narrow gauge car really fits well with the Bachmann 4-4-0s and 2-6-0s.
David Fletcher (Australia) has done the research on the prototype car and the CAD work. Rick Raively (New Jersey) is doing the laser work. Craig Hoefer (California) is doing correct decals and will supply his research on the car’s paint colors and interior.
A complete first kit has just been cut and is on its way to David to test assemble. A Hartland passenger truck has been identified as being ‘close enough’ and they are being ordered. 24" wheels are required. I’ll get mine from Gary Watkins at Sierra Valley Enterprises. The kit is to have virtually everything required to complete, even including some minimum interior details such the seats. David says just a few additional strips, trucks and wheels, and decoration will be required. Instructions will be online at the MLS’ Master Class Board.
Estimated price is under $200 / kit, including the trucks (no wheels) and shipping in the US. You can see prototype pix, project details, and place a reservation at:
http://www.mylargescale.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36793&whichpage=1
Happy RRing,
Jerry Bowers