1½" Ride Astride Car Kit

This forum is dedicated to Riding Scale Railroading with propulsion using other than steam (Hydraulics, diesel engines, gas engines, electric motors, hybrid etc.)

Moderator: Harold_V

Post Reply
User avatar
SPSteam2491
Posts: 271
Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2017 2:30 pm
Location: Mukwonago, WI

1½" Ride Astride Car Kit

Post by SPSteam2491 »

Looking to gauge some interest on ride astride car kits for 1½" scale. A 3D representation of the car is below. Some specs on the car are:

Material: All ¾" Plywood of good quality (not marine grade, just too expensive)
Overall Length: 72"
Size of seat: 8"x67½" (seat is hidden in the top ISO view)
Approx weight: 38 lbs (just the weight of the wood)

Designed to be used with a 1"x2" steel tube running down the length of the car to transfer the pulling faces.

Ends and middle include hand holds for ease of carrying/re-railing.

Car is puzzle pieced together to provide strength and ease of assembly. Car would be shipped in a non-assembled version.

Right now I am ball-parking the price around $250 plus shipping for the kit.

Thoughts or any interest?
Attachments
RideAstride1.png
RideAstride2.png
Thanks
John LaFavor
Pacific Design Shops
User avatar
PeterCraymer
Posts: 222
Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2003 6:57 am
Location: Maysville, Ga.

Re: 1½" Ride Astride Car Kit

Post by PeterCraymer »

I like it! I built two very similar last year and I think your price is reasonable if not too cheap! It all depends on the quality of the plywood.
User avatar
Benjamin Maggi
Posts: 1409
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 10:38 pm
Location: Albany, NY

Re: 1½" Ride Astride Car Kit

Post by Benjamin Maggi »

Our club has decided to build kits similar to this based on the article in Live Steam magazine, and the pricing per car is around $250 for just the materials (not including screws, glue, paint). At your price, I would not only purchase several for myself but also recommend the club terminate our project and just buy them through you!
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
rkcarguy
Posts: 1730
Joined: Tue Aug 22, 2017 10:33 am
Location: Wa State

Re: 1½" Ride Astride Car Kit

Post by rkcarguy »

A lot of the marine plywoods, while treated to prevent rot, do not allow good adhesion of many finishes. Many of the boat guys doing fiberglass over wood work do not use it as the glass ends up delaminating from the wood. Only if you are using it an area left bare or stained then it works ok.
Good price on the kit, looks nice and I'd expect you'll sell quite a few.
User avatar
Benjamin Maggi
Posts: 1409
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 10:38 pm
Location: Albany, NY

Re: 1½" Ride Astride Car Kit

Post by Benjamin Maggi »

Where are you located?
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
Post Reply