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Rich - The FM-11 kits were provided by Sunshine, first as a gift at one of the RPMs, and then as a mini-kit. The FM-14 is a resin kit produced by Chad Boas (not Jerry Glow) and is currently available. The Sunshine car is (to my knowledge) no longer produced and only available via Ebay or another second-hand market. For both of these models, weights can be place on the underframe along the center sill between the crossbearers. This works OK for the FM-11, as it has deep side sills, it doesn't work quite as well for the FM-14. In both instances, it plays havoc with any attempt to model the AB brakes. New FM-11 kits are being planned and will have space for weight engineered into the casting between the decking and the underframe. Give us some time to finish off the masters and get them cast. The prototype FM-11 and -11A flats were built in 1928 and 1930. 250 FM-11s were built in 1928 and numbered 91000-91249. Company documents show Q truck #31 as original equipment. These were 5' 4" Arch Bar trucks. These were quickly replaced with both Q #46 (a 5' 6" Andrews cast steel) and Q #60 (I am not sure what this was, but I assume another variation of an Andrews) trucks. 600 FM-11As were built in 1930 and numbered 91250-91849. Company documents show Q truck #48-A as original equipment. This was also a 5' 6" Andrews cast steel truck. Interestingly, these trucks were rebuilt using #31 parts and new side frames. Trucks used on the prototype FM-14 and -14A flats are more difficult to respond to. These flats were built over a period of 15 years and in multiple batches, both at Galesburg and then Havelock. Various trucks types were used, including National Type B, standard cast steel ASF, Barber S-2, and cast steel Unit type. You really need to pick a car number or numbers and then look to see what trucks were used for those cars. I have produced HO scale decals for both the FM-11 and FM-14 flats and provide some prototype data with each set. I will also be giving a talk on Q flat cars at the upcoming BRHS Spring Meet. Hope this helps. Jerry Hamsmith
__._,_.___ Posted by: HAMMERSR@aol.com __,_._,___ |