The Search for High Quality Rolling Stock. Scale Trains/ExactRail Platinum Bethlehem Open Hoppers.

I purchased 6 Scale Trains / ExactRail Platinum HO Scale Bethlehem Open Hoppers direct from Scale Trains. Two IPALCO and four Soo Line cars were ordered during a Scale Trains 50% off sale. The cars are examined, wheel gage measured, coupler height measured and the cars weighed against the NMRA standard. The cars are then placed on my layout and tested for performance through a double crossover, 18" radius curves and #4 turnouts.

[@cncpgreatlakesdiv4896]

looks like its going to be a awesome layout.👍👍

[@SPSteve]

Thanks! It's a railfan layout with some operations capability. I'm more of a modeler than an operator, so I focus primarily on that aspect of the hobby. But once I have the layout further along with structures in place, some operations might be fun.

[@cncpgreatlakesdiv4896]

HI Steve nice Mail call thanks for sharing new sub 😊😊👍👍

[@SPSteve]

I greatly appreciate the sub! And thanks for watching! 🙂

[@SPSteve]

I have 96 model railroad videos in my HO Scale Model Railroad playlist if you'd like to take a look at my other model railroad videos. Thanks!

[@douglaskern9585]

Hi Steve fyi Train Life was a Utah retail train store which closed down in May of last year. They had a great website if you needed to access back issues of old mags like Railmodel Journal. Agree with your assessment of Exactrail models bought a few of their kits several years ago they were O.K. nothing special.

[@SPSteve]

Thanks for the info on TrainLife. I hadn't heard of them. I had the idea that ExactRail and Tangent were high end manufacturers of rolling stock. I have to say my purchases from those companies have been less than I was hoping for given the price of $50+.

[@corjansen1958]

Hi, I bought some half price from Scaletrains also although i run N scale, my impression was the same. Had to check all the couplers and wheels it sounded really rough on my previous purchase from Exactrail rolling stock had several wheels falling out of the trucks, emailed them but never heard a thing about it. so very mixed feelings about there Q&C.

[@SPSteve]

I agree. I'll think long and hard before buying more ExactRail rolling stock. Actually the entire industry seems to have QC problems.

[@corjansen1958]

@@SPSteve Also the pre-order industrie is a very mixed thought of mine, I ordered begin October a Locomotive and it is moved forward to June now, will not be surprized if it will be July.

[@SPSteve]

I have 4 locomotives on order, I check every once in a while for ship dates. At least I'm not charged until they ship. @@corjansen1958