MBTA Subway/Commuter Rail Models

Atlas is now manufacturing MBTA bi-level commuter rail cars, I hope to have my 4-car set delivered soon!

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Strictly speaking, those are MLV cars in a fantasy paint scheme.

Atlas is using the NJT ML-II as a "stand in" to eithor the "K" cars or the Rotems. "pick'em"

Everyone: This is what multilevels would look like in the MBTA color scheme if the MBTA ordered
them to add to the K cars that they have. Not sure if anyone is aware of this stat-the MBTA and
MARC bilevels are of the same height and stand a full foot taller then the LIRR C3 and more then
that over the Multilevel - which were built for the confines of the tunnels into Penn Station. Both
K car types can not operate into Penn Station because they do not clear overhead wire in tunnels.

All one would need would be a MBTA Bombardier ALP45DP to run with the MLV cars. Could MBTA
test one on South Station service? It could operate in E mode on the Providence Line and diesel
elsewhere - electric into Back Bay and South Station. Those AMT units may become available at
some point depending on what gets converted to RMT remembering their expensive price tag.

One of the best aspects of modeling is being able to vision or fantasize what rail equipment would
look like serving your favorite railroad - or to model one's favorite prototype. It's all good...

MACTRAXX

I noticed that the model pricing is supposedly "different" due to the MBTA licensing fee, lol.

To this casual observer, I can't tell the difference between this MLV model & the Kawasaki "K" T coach. I also can't tell the cab car model from the btc model, perhaps because it is only a side view. It obviously doesn't match the Hyundai/Rotem coaches because it doesn't look like it's been pounded with a ball-peen hammer. I imagine if you take these model coaches & attach it to a model HSP-46 the heights should not line up...

I too think the MBTA should be running electric Boston-Providence. First you'd need to model an Amtrak/MBTA joint repair facility or two separate facilities, second the "T" would need a favorable electricity price. Third you'd need electric locomotives that cost less to buy than diesel.

Atlas will do a GP-40 in MBTA colors as a "stand in" for the GP-40mc

Well.. there will in a couple of years be some extra ALP-45DPs up for grabs once RTM in Montreal eliminates all electric commuter trains

Would make more sense to snag the MR-90s

Mod Note: This has gone WAY off the rails. Keep the discussion relevant to MBTA equipment that actually exists or models thereof that actually exist.

are there models of the T work equipment? And the old trolleys?

In O Scale there is just about everything ever run from the Boston Elevated Railway to a Type 7. I've seen Centre Entrance cars, side dumps, 2 beds and a bath, a model of every "Type" (except 8s, and I suppose 9s too since they also exist now), etc. Most of this stuff is custom built though, very little is available off the shelf. St. Petersburg has the most vast selection of Boston based models available off the shelf, but they're mostly of PCCs (I believe they also made Pullman tracklesses).

are there models of the T work equipment? And the old trolleys?

Best bet in HO scale would be brass... I know there were Type 4s (I own one), Type 5s, and Center Entrance cars imported. And PCCs of most varieties in brass, plastic, resin. Not sure about work cars, but then again I haven't been looking for those.

The Shapeways link I posted for the vendor who designed 3D printed HO scale Type 7 models also lists a chassis, but as yet no body, for a Type 8.

BandA wrote:are there models of the T work equipment? And the old trolleys?

In mass production, doubtful on the HO-front. On the private side though, anything's possible...

Almost anything is possible via a 3D printer and a proper design program. But, can get pricey ($$$).