MLW
Active Member
I just got a True Line Trains (Canada) Covered Hopper and I decided to do a brief non-scientific description.
This is the second release that I’m aware of, from this new Canadian company.
From their website:
The model represent is a 1986 rebuilt covered hopper leased by ACFX to Sask. Minerals. All the marking are sharp and easily readable under magnification:
Next is a comparison between the A ends of the TLT and Athearn ACF Centerflow that I’ve bought recently. The finer details (brake wheels, chain etc..) goes to TLT. Also the TLT model does not show gaps like the Athearn car, and the steps & grabs are slightly better then Athearn:
The B ends shows the same gap in the Athearn model. Again the grabs are slightly better in the TLT. You will notice the TLT coupler box is the “atlas” type; 2 part box-like bolster with a screw. The Athearn is the “clip” type. I prefer the former:
The roof walks are marginally better on the TLT and the ladder is also slightly better:
Last are the trucks. To an amateur like me they look, oddly enough, like Atlas trucks. Probably made at the same factory in China. The wheel set is better and the details of the truck are ,again , slightly better:
In my humble opinion I find TLT the better car. What give it the edge is the price ($3.00 -$5.00 cheaper), better trucks and wheel sets, and better (although -slightly better-) details. The trucks remind me of the atlas trainman series and the details are almost on the same level, but compare to the 2 trainmain car I own I would give the TLT the edge. Overall this is a winner for me and I can’t wait to see their next release. In the meantime this car will be lightly weather to match the rest of the Covered hopper fleet.
This is the second release that I’m aware of, from this new Canadian company.
From their website:
The model represent is a 1986 rebuilt covered hopper leased by ACFX to Sask. Minerals. All the marking are sharp and easily readable under magnification:
Next is a comparison between the A ends of the TLT and Athearn ACF Centerflow that I’ve bought recently. The finer details (brake wheels, chain etc..) goes to TLT. Also the TLT model does not show gaps like the Athearn car, and the steps & grabs are slightly better then Athearn:
The B ends shows the same gap in the Athearn model. Again the grabs are slightly better in the TLT. You will notice the TLT coupler box is the “atlas” type; 2 part box-like bolster with a screw. The Athearn is the “clip” type. I prefer the former:
The roof walks are marginally better on the TLT and the ladder is also slightly better:
Last are the trucks. To an amateur like me they look, oddly enough, like Atlas trucks. Probably made at the same factory in China. The wheel set is better and the details of the truck are ,again , slightly better:
In my humble opinion I find TLT the better car. What give it the edge is the price ($3.00 -$5.00 cheaper), better trucks and wheel sets, and better (although -slightly better-) details. The trucks remind me of the atlas trainman series and the details are almost on the same level, but compare to the 2 trainmain car I own I would give the TLT the edge. Overall this is a winner for me and I can’t wait to see their next release. In the meantime this car will be lightly weather to match the rest of the Covered hopper fleet.
