It's been a busy couple of months and I have been remiss in my Blog posting.. my apologies. By means of explanation, I was occupied with some exciting new developments in the CCE Models business as well as the on-going T-gauge model design and build activities.
CCE Models Business Improvements:
CCE Models now has an official website with full e-commerce capability! The old way where I was selling from an "item list" posted on Facebook, with emails traded, etc. was really cumbersome both for the customer and myself. Along with that, I changed a major part of CCE Models' sales strategy. Now, instead of selling 3D printed models, we sell the design itself--more specifically, a license to use the STL design file which you download and use to print your own models. It save a TON of back-and-forth between the customer, myself and Shapeways (my preferred service bureau). It also allows the customer to make unlimited prints of the design. And you can print from your own printer if you have one, although the designs are optimized for Shapeways. So if you want 20 boxcars you buy one design and print as many as you like (as long as they are for your own use of course.) Break a coupler? Just cut off the coupler design and print some of them.
CCE Models still sells actual products too, and the range has been expanded to include photoetched (PE) detail kits and decals. I do keep most of these products on hand as well, so there are few delays compared to the old system.
I opened the site about a month ago and have not aggressively marketed it, but then again, the market is pretty small anyway. But here's a bonus for the readers of the blog--a coupon code good for 10% off an order of $25 or more: TBLOGREADER Coupon is good from 11/6/20 for the next 30 days!
New Designs:
It's been so long since I posted here that I can't remember what the last new design I posted here was... but here's what's new by way of explanatory pictures.
1:300 scale (Mn3) D&RGW Long Caboose. This comes in two versions--one with a peaked roof, and one with a rounded roof. It also has an interior, complete with pot-bellied stove! Also the Long Reefer was updated. This model can conceal a powered chassis. Both have decals sets available. And remember, TGauge.com sells flextrack that is perfect for narrow gauge, and CCE Models makes the turnouts (one way dummy turnouts).
SLSF (Frisco)--BN specific version GP40-2 (and two CN specific locomotives) are now available. These were made because of customer requests/commissions, but now everyone can get one.
Other work going on:
--Prototyping of Bombardier gallery cars. These are almost ready, expect on the site any day--see below.
--Improving the internal bearing trucks (used on Amfleet cars, Budd gallery cars, and Bombardier gallery cars.) These had a couple of issues; the outside diameter was awkwardly large to the eye (the wheels on the prototype are smallish, at 33"). The new design improves this somewhat although still not 33" to scale; Also the models were having issues with the axles being printed "stuck"--ie not consistently free rolling. The latest design addresses these issues.
--Etched railing kits for the big covered hopper cars (3-bay, and 4-bay) and NE Caboose. I did one test and it was too fragile to be practical; Design revised and new test on the way. Once I get these dialed in I will expand to the other hoppers.
--An ASEA/EMD AEM-7. The design is almost done. It will have PE pantographs and can be powered by a 34mm chassis. Decals are also planned.
--Northeast Corridor station (Princeton Jct.). These are prototyped and include platform, shelter, and station buildings. These are intended for my Princeton module which is getting closer to fruition.
On the drawing board:
--Another hi-cube boxcar (customer request), autorack, and loaded bulkhead flatcar.
Other models/items of interest:
--I did a set of Conrail H45 covered hopper decals in T, N and HO scale together with some of the fine folks at the Conrail Historical Society. I will be adding the T-scale set to the website and the other scales may soon be available through the Conrail Historical Society "Conrail Shoppe". If you're interested in these, let me (or them) know. Incidentally, I highly recommend joining this non-profit group if you are a Conrail fan or modeler. They curate tons of great information and make it available thruogh their website, publications, and meetings. They also restore historic Conrail equipment that would otherwise be scrapped--such as an X67 boxcar like the one I recently modeled.
--I'm working on a commissioned custom painted AWVR AC4400CW. HO Scale (it's mazzive!)
That's it for now and thanks for reading! I'll endeavor to get back on a monthly schedule. As always, if you have any questions feel free to reach out to me at ccetrains@gmail.com, or fill out a contact form at the CCE Models website.
