MOC: Red Stake Wagon

[andythenorth]

Created this, but I don't like it. It's a failed MOC

I've tried different colour schemes and build details, but the look of the red stakes just isn't working for me, so this MOC will become parts again soon

[lightningtiger]

Nice try 'andythenorth' - how about using light bluey grey or even black lightsaber type bars instead of those long red bars ?

I'm a conformist! !

[roamingstop]

Created this, but I don't like it. It's a failed MOC

I've tried different colour schemes and build details, but the look of the red stakes just isn't working for me, so this MOC will become parts again soon

No MOC is a failed MOC; it just might not result in what you expect to see, and you can always learn a new trick or two.

We have a few of these types of wagons close to where I work - I get to see them most days.

My view:

Switch to dark red uprights (if available). The primary red colour does not work. Alternatively as suggested dark bley.

Change the base away from primary coloured black; it is too dark for modern waggons. Whilst black is often the painted framework colour, the dirt, grime etc often mean it looks dark grey.

It is also a weee bit short... :(

Did you ever see the Railbricks version of these waggons?

http://www.railbricks.com/build-instructions/cat_view/24-freight-cars

http://www.railbricks.com/build-instructions/doc_download/77-50-flat-car-rb-f0001-pr

[andythenorth]

I thought of changing the colours. Thing is, the only reason I tried this MOC is because I have the red stakes spare from Technic tractor sets and wanted to use them up

It could look better as a two axle wagon, but I have spare train base plates that I should use up (bought them on Bricklink for tanker wagons, but now don't have any need for them)

Even if the colours were better, it has bad play value...the stakes detach too easily.

So this one will go back to parts. I'll find another use for the stakes somewhere.

Anyone need some black 6x24 train baseplates? I have seven, I can only think of good uses for maybe two of them

Edited August 2, 2010 by andythenorth

[peterab]

Even if the colours were better, it has bad play value...the stakes detach too easily.

I've found you need at least two attachment points for these to be robust. Some european stake cars have small drop sides which would give you the chance to add an extra clip to each stake higher up, also if you made the sides in red it might help intergrate the red stakes into the wagon a bit better. I'm pretty sure the DB AG in Germany would have a prototype in this coulour scheme in fact. One more suggestion you might remove one or two stakes per side as they seem a little crowded at the moment. Of course that is if you want to have another attempt at this Moc.

I too have a few train baseplates looking for a good use, since I've mostly converted to building 7 wide :-)

[roamingstop]

Yesterday we had one of these in bright red outside our office. Talk about coincidence. I had a good look to see if I could help a bit more. The bright red was related to recently repaired / replaced elements.

The truck bed was not flat- but rather trapezoid (flat top, bulging bottom). The bars were attached nearly at the bottom (encompasing where you have the handle). So as Peter AB mentioned having two securing points would make them more stable, and a bit more realisitic.

Second the surface of the truck had a lot of wooden slats, with occasional hook points. So I would replace the yellow tiles with dark brown or tan; interspaced with a different rustic colour.

[andythenorth]

Thanks for the input. I will find a use for these stakes somewhere. Every part has a destiny...it just needs a bit of thought :)