RCH
Been Nothin' Since Frisco
I know you guys like to build your own models, taking as much or as little off the starting point to build as close an approximation of the prototype as possible. So, with that in mind, I wanted to point you to a little company in Canada (a legitimate one, not the vaporware resin guy) that is making great parts and has plans for an undertaking that has me rethinking every single project I currently have in progress.
The company, Railflyer Model Prototypes, has already released etched brass kits for nearly every variation on step wells for Canadian GMD diesels, etched treadplate, injection molded GP jacking pads (no more cutting up Athearn shells for these!), and a variety of other injection molded and etched brass detail parts.
One of the cool things about this product line is the fact that all this stuff is created using CAD modeling. That means that costs are cut significantly since the "masters" are virtual models. And product development, which still takes considerable time to research, design, test, and put into production, takes place in the blink of an eye compared to a decade ago. When it's as simple as modeling one hinge, one knuckle-buster latch, etc., then copying and pasting those components into a larger virtual master model, much can be accomplished in a short time. And that's why RMP has already put together a large catalog containing so many of the seemingly infinite variations on such mundane parts as pilots and stepwells.
What's got me excited about this company is the project just announced: the GP and SD Walkway Modules. Basically, what these consist of is everything below the bottom of the hood of a GMD/EMD GPxx-2 or SDxx-2 diesel - trucks, fuel tank, walkway deck, pilots, stepwells, and frame - all modeled according to field measurements of the prototype. For detail nuts like me, this is a dream come true. No more cutting the "very nice in the 80s" Athearn or chunky Railpower shells to the walkway deck to mount those gorgeous built-up hood sides of Cannon doors, grilles and roof stock. Now, finally, a walkway and everything beneath it is worthy of your Cannon cabs, noses, and fans.
I realize this kind of kit is not for the faint of heart, but if you are like me and find yourself building 6 BN SD40-2s without any two being even the same phase, you can appreciate what has gone into not only this Walkway Module project, but every other RMP kit as well.
Take a look at the CAD rendering of the SD Walkway Module here:
If that wasn't enough, there are also kits in the works for some of the GMD versions of blower housings, safety cabs, and numberboards, just to mention a few. Yes, I did say Canadian safety cabs!
Now, just because RMP has focused so much attention on the long under-represented Canadian modeler, doesn't mean they've forgotten US modelers. There are numerous US-specific parts in the catalog already with more to come. And besides, many of the differences between the Canadian GMD and US EMD locomotives are slight, so not offering the common US versions when they're just a few mouse clicks away for the designer is a no-brainer.
Visit RMP's site, check out their products, and if you think you can use any of their parts, give them your business. I think you'll be satisfied with the products and after just a few of their parts, you'll find yourself as excited about their announcements as I am.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Railflyer Model Prototypes in any way, just an enthusiastic, satisfied customer.
The company, Railflyer Model Prototypes, has already released etched brass kits for nearly every variation on step wells for Canadian GMD diesels, etched treadplate, injection molded GP jacking pads (no more cutting up Athearn shells for these!), and a variety of other injection molded and etched brass detail parts.
One of the cool things about this product line is the fact that all this stuff is created using CAD modeling. That means that costs are cut significantly since the "masters" are virtual models. And product development, which still takes considerable time to research, design, test, and put into production, takes place in the blink of an eye compared to a decade ago. When it's as simple as modeling one hinge, one knuckle-buster latch, etc., then copying and pasting those components into a larger virtual master model, much can be accomplished in a short time. And that's why RMP has already put together a large catalog containing so many of the seemingly infinite variations on such mundane parts as pilots and stepwells.
What's got me excited about this company is the project just announced: the GP and SD Walkway Modules. Basically, what these consist of is everything below the bottom of the hood of a GMD/EMD GPxx-2 or SDxx-2 diesel - trucks, fuel tank, walkway deck, pilots, stepwells, and frame - all modeled according to field measurements of the prototype. For detail nuts like me, this is a dream come true. No more cutting the "very nice in the 80s" Athearn or chunky Railpower shells to the walkway deck to mount those gorgeous built-up hood sides of Cannon doors, grilles and roof stock. Now, finally, a walkway and everything beneath it is worthy of your Cannon cabs, noses, and fans.
I realize this kind of kit is not for the faint of heart, but if you are like me and find yourself building 6 BN SD40-2s without any two being even the same phase, you can appreciate what has gone into not only this Walkway Module project, but every other RMP kit as well.
Take a look at the CAD rendering of the SD Walkway Module here:
If that wasn't enough, there are also kits in the works for some of the GMD versions of blower housings, safety cabs, and numberboards, just to mention a few. Yes, I did say Canadian safety cabs!
Now, just because RMP has focused so much attention on the long under-represented Canadian modeler, doesn't mean they've forgotten US modelers. There are numerous US-specific parts in the catalog already with more to come. And besides, many of the differences between the Canadian GMD and US EMD locomotives are slight, so not offering the common US versions when they're just a few mouse clicks away for the designer is a no-brainer.
Visit RMP's site, check out their products, and if you think you can use any of their parts, give them your business. I think you'll be satisfied with the products and after just a few of their parts, you'll find yourself as excited about their announcements as I am.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Railflyer Model Prototypes in any way, just an enthusiastic, satisfied customer.
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