My layout is currently being built right now, so I can't test these under all circumstances. My minimum radius is 30" and I have not had a problem running these cars through those curves and through yard ladders, etc. #6 switches are fine. I haven't had a single derailment with them yet. The trucks on two of mine are not free rolling but that does not bother me. I haven't looked into ways to free them up yet, but I imagine it wouldn't be hard to do if I wanted. Either way I'm very happy with the cars and I haven't experienced any issues that would keep me from buying more.

I already added long shank Sergent-style couplers to mine. Also tested around 30" radius curves and through #6 switch ladders in the yard, pushing and pulling. Not a single derailment yet. I do believe the long shanks help with minimizing lateral forces around curves. And they look much better too. Highly recommend that people swap the couplers out, even for long shank Kadees.

Thanks! I'm happy with how the Cryo Trans cars came out. The Walthers car is a good starting point. But the Greenbrier cars will have to be a scratchbuild. I'll see if I can pull one off....then maybe a manufacturer will produce it for real.

Thanks, and yes I intend to post as I have time. With how busy life is right now it's hard to get time to model and make a video of it. I'll see what I can do.

Indeed we do. As long as there isn't a trademark/copyright problem then eventually we'll see them.

You and me both. I've been wanting them since 2014. In the meantime I had to roll my own.

I attended a discussion by Blaine Hadfield back when we was working for Exactrail. He said their best selling car by far was the TrinityRail 64' reefer (nothing else was in the ballpark). That car only had two reporting marks at the time (many different numbers) but still sold like crazy. And that was also at the same time that BLMA was producing the same/very similar car. Both companies sold a ton of them. The CRYX cars (especially the 82' Greenbrier cars) are much more ubiquitous than the BNSF 82' Trinity reefers. They are found on all roads and all over the country. BNSF reefers tend to be mostly on BNSF and subsidiaries. The only thing I can think of that might be keeping someone from making these cars is a licensing problem with the Cryo-Trans company.

Great so you just need to convince a manufacturer. Blaine could take it on but he's into his hoppers, and as you say licensing may be the issue: we don't know. Just because Walthers were able to use the name years ago doesn't mean that still applies. A similar example is I read years ago that ABF freight withdrew permissions for a decal manufacturer to use the name but obviously that changed and there are ABF decals available now.

What issue are you referencing? The lack of free-rolling wheels? If so, then yes that is definitely noticeable on the two that I've pulled out so far. This video was more geared towards details and not the running characteristics (coupler height, etc). These cars do not roll freely compared to others. However I'm not concerned and it will not affect me at all. These cars will be found in locals on my layout, no more than 12 car train length. Not going to be a problem for me. To make them roll better would probably involve some work to the axle surface on the trucks. Could also be too tight on the bearing cap. I haven't dug into it yet.

I'm not holding my breath on the CryoTrans reefers. I would love to see them but given how long it took to see the BNSF Trinity reefers to come around, I don't expect to see anything else for some time. But if they do I'll for sure buy a bunch.

Weathering will hopefully commence shortly. Currently working on building a layout so that will take some of my free time. Going to try a few different techniques on these to see if I can speed up the process of weathering. Might be cheating though...

Whatever steps you take, they'll be more than the average person would do. I really appreciate your approach to weathering your BNSF Dash 9. It's definitely a game changer!

@@herbertw.jr.carrier6122 Thanks for the feedback and I'm glad you liked the dash 9 video. I'm looking forward to getting these reefers under the brush!

I had been doing a bunch of research in order to build my own, and so had a bunch of pictures. I think it helps to compare the model directly to the prototype. Glad it was helpful for you. I successfully kitbashed one car (required two of the 64' Trinity reefers from BLMA/Exactrail/Atlas) but that was a ton of work. I wasn't looking forward to doing more. So happy that ST did these!

I have not done one for the coal hoppers. I don't think I have any coal gons left to weather, otherwise I wouldn't have a problem doing it. If I do need another then I will be sure to record.

You could, but you would need to have a circuit board/module that would control that. There was an outfit that made something like that....I think it was Tam Valley Depot. Not sure if they still do. I didn't look into it because it was another thing to fit and it just wasn't necessary. At that point you might as well run a keep-alive because it's essentially the same thing. Just doesn't last when power is cut.

Thanks! I post some at Atlas Rescue Forum and the MRH forum. Besides that not much. I haven't done very many projects the last year or two. I've completed a handful of bigger projects but didn't record any of them. Just pictures of the final product. No videos. It takes too much time and I just don't have extra time to dedicate to making videos.

@@freewake84 Thanks, very fair. I haven't made a new video since January 2022 for the same reasons. I'll keep an eye out for your things as they percolate through!

Thanks! Weathering is one of my favorite parts of the hobby, and a fun challenge. Railpro is still very enjoyable as well.

Yes and no. Yes, because the Railpro controller communicates solely through radio signals, and Railpro modules are the only thing that communicate that way. Railpro controllers cannot communicate with DCC locomotives. No, because Railpro modules (not controllers) are in fact dual-mode capable. When a Railpro locomotive is on a DCC track, the module is capable of reading and using the DCC command signals. See my video on Railpro's DCC mode. Railpro locomotives can be controlled by DCC controllers, and run together with DCC locomotives, when they are in "DCC mode". Most guys who have large fleets of DCC locomotives end up keeping many of them as DCC, then convert the ones they want to Railpro. You will have two separate controllers doing this, but it has worked for most who have done it. Typically they convert a few of their locomotives that would run in consists in order to take advantage of Railpro's automatic load sharing. Most keep their switchers and locals as DCC. It's an option. I had a small investment in DCC, so it was easy for me to make full transition to Railpro.

Unfortunately the gold mine of modeling inspiration that was found on the old Protomodeler forums is gone. That's where Tony posted all his work. For the panels, he taught me to cut it to basically the right size first. Then use a sharp exacto blade and scribe where the bends are on the rear of the panel. Light passes. Do this on a soft surface. After a few passes the x had been made and the panel naturally bends to shape. Then go back and square up the sides with a file. Pretty easy. Use very thin brass. .005" is best

Honestly I have no idea. I haven't used DCC in years and haven't kept up on anything new

@@freewake84 I think I am just going with digitrax or such for now. Dcc is all new to me. First model trains on over 30 years. Hobby is completely different and frankly, overpriced! $60 for a turnout track in dcc??, Might stick to mostly old school. 🤔

HO scale

K-5LLA-R1L. To my knowledge all the ACe's have the same horn. This recording is from Railpro, one of their newer sounds, and it is very nice.

You can get Railpro to run on strictly DCC if you want. The DCC option is not enabled by default. You do not need Ring Engineering's controller to accomplish this though. You can access the full function of the Railpro controller by using Railpro's software (free) and a USB transmitter (CI-1 or Computer Interface 1) that costs $30. It essentially turns your computer into a Railpro controller. It allows you to load/delete any sounds, lights, functions, update software, etc. And allows you to set up DCC mode and make any changes as well. Once the locomotive is set up the way you want, just control it using DCC controllers. The CI-1 makes everything easy. If you are going to do anything with Railpro, even if you just want to run them on DCC, the CI-1 is an absolute must.

It's not active anymore. Last I heard the building it was in collapsed

Any ideas where this club went?