There were 2 different classes of these ribbies. The first ones were built in 1939 and they had steel roofwalks. The second were built in 1941 and had wood roofwalks. I know there were other differences as well, but I dont know the specifics. I know one of the differences was the location of the oil stove and reservoir. I am sure someone on here can tell you the differences between the 2 different classes.
I'd bet that a ribside combine, and even those which were converted to m-o-w service would sell. Now, where did I put that winning lotto ticket? Boxcab E50
Little Joes.......Could have to add a couple to the collection! Add in the MILW Boxcabs, and I'd have to add a couple of those as well! Of course, I'd have to add the proper caboose(s)(ees) to said motive power also. One question on the Joes and/or Boxcabs: Will they be DCC/Sound equipped from the beginning??
But Marty- By making one, which brought Murphy's Laws into play, you actually helped bring these to reality. Boxcab E50
Matt is a big MILW Road fan - it isn't a coincidence. Rumor has it that Kato is going to do Little Joe's and the Olympian Hiawatha next year. We'll see if it happens. Meanwhile we'll lobby Matt at FVM to do the Twin-Cities Hiawatha so we can all be happy.
FVM at Trainfest--rib side caboose I went to Trainfest on Saturday. At FVM booth, no sample of MILW rib side caboose. What I remember the guy saying was: " . . . 90 days."
While we touched upon other potential stuff they might bring out, I just thought of another or two- Having the box cars already, it would not be much of a jump to some of the late alterations of those cars. A few received roof hatches for hauling some mineral I cannot recall. Others lost their roof, and went to being used as wood chip cars.... Boxcab E50
I'd not sell that brass, until the plastic version was in hand and compared closely. Meanwhile I'd wonder about such a rumor. Would they really do something so specific to such few railroads? Where only twenty units were ever built? Used by only three companies? Boxcab E50
Yeah I would take that rumor like a grain of salt. Kato wont even do a NCL let alone do hardly anything Milwaukee. I will not believe this rumor until I actually see an annoucement. As far as doing a locomotive though that is so rare, how many GG-1's were built? I know these were also used by Conrail and Amtrak but I dont think Kato ever did these schemes.
Both the GG1 and Little Joe are certainly world famous. Universally recognized. And there are a surprising number of Milw modelers- Much more than the general public comprehends. We already know that PRR and successor have a large following. But my greatest fear, if true, is not just lack of faith to prototype. It's also that they'll likely just slap paint on car bodies already at hand. So we would not have the correct things. An Olympian Hiawatha, to go with any Joe, is a specific things when you go back to those days- 1947, 1948, 1952. Appearance is critical to real success of sales. And I just cannot see that happening. IF they did proceed, I'd pray for them to consult with someone such as Bill Denton and take his every word VERY seriously. Boxcab E50
An Olympian Hiawatha announcement from Kato is probably at least six months out. I am still working on mine, see? It's like how lighting a cigarette or trying to duck into a cafe to get a cup of coffee to go makes the bus show up. I have found advice from folks like Bill Denton and JStarbuck invaluable. I hope that any company considering making such a train will also use their well-established expertise. Adam
