We have invested hundreds of hours in research and 3D CAD drawing preparation; and months of printing and testing to get the model to this level of detail.  Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore Maryland for their kind assistance and allowing access to the prototype to photograph and measure.  Without their assistance this project would not have been possible.     NEVER BEFORE OFFERED BY ANY MANUFACTURER!

The price for a non-sound equipped decoder is $240 plus shipping, the sound equipped is $280 plus shipping.   (Orders received after 10/1/2024 are $280 for the sound equipped version due to uncontrollable increases in the cost of the decoders).

A non-sound kit is available for $120 plus shipping.  The kit includes everything other than paint and couplers.

Payment will be required when we are ready to ship your model.  No prepayment  accepted.

This is a 3D resin printed ready to run model.    Comes with a small KeepAlive for the dual lens LED headlights and for an optional Soundtraxx Soundcar decoder.   The Soundcar decoder provides an additional level of realism with brake release hiss, flange squeal, and wheel/rail joint click/clack.   Non powered but easily converted using a NWSL Stanton Drive.    Kadee #5 mounted (easily changed out for Sargent or semi-scale coupler) and NorthWest Shortline 40″ nickel silver wheelsets.   The decals are produced exclusively for Rule 281 Services for this model by Highball Graphics.   All grab irons/handholds are separately printed and applied.   Side railings are .125″ phosphor bronze wire.

This model reflects the slug as it existed after the 1977-78 timeframe, thus it has the traction motor blower inlet grills.  If you want an as-built version please indicate so on the order form.  If there is enough interest I will investigate building an pre-1977 version.   The as-built has no traction motor blower inlets and has footboards (which were banned by the FRA in the late 1970’s).   Again do your research on the prototype slug using Google, I was unable to obtain copyright permissions to use existing photos from other sources and cannot provide the photos on this site.

Each model is handcrafted and assembled in the US and takes 18 separate parts to complete.   This project was originally done just for myself, when others saw the first version they ask me to make the model available to others.  This has been a laborious project taking far longer with much more complexity than originally envisioned.

RESERVATION/PAYMENT INFORMATION:

Reservations for this model will be handled in a first in/first out manner.   Reservations will only be accepted via the form below.   Payment is not required until shipping.    This are handcrafted we are anticipating 2-3 models per week production rate.   Please be patient, you are not being charged any amounts until your model is complete and ready to ship.    We anticipate production will begin at the end of July.

YOU MUST INDICATE IF YOU WANT SOUND OR NON-SOUND.    BY DEFAULT A NON-SOUND MODEL WILL BE ASSUMED.   Also indicate if you want an early or late version of the slug.   If there is enough interest in the early version I will consider offering it – there is no express or implied commitment regarding production of the early version.

The price for a non-sound equipped decoder is $240 plus shipping, the sound equipped is $280 plus shipping.   ($280 is for all reservations received after 10/14/2024 due to uncontrollable price increase in the sound decoder).

A non sound kit is available for $120 plus shipping.  The kit includes everything other than paint and couplers.

Two paint finishes are offered,  paint shop fresh black and Grimy black.  Please look at the comparison photo in the slide gallery above to make your selection.

You will receive an email notification when you model is ready for payment and shipping. You will have 48 hours to make payment and confirm the shipping address. After 48 hours your reservation will be canceled.   

Shipping will be via USPS Priority Express and you will only be charged actual shipping charges.   (Update as of 10/2024, there will be no Handling charges applied.)

Payment can be made via Zelle, Venmo, check, or Paypal.    No cash and no money orders.   You will be sent a payment instruction email when your model is ready for shipment.  Once notified that your model is ready to ship, you will have 7 calendar days to contact me and make arrangements for payment.   After 7 days, your model may be redirected to fulfill another reservation.  Please note that Zelle, Venmo, and pay by check are not subject to any surcharge.  Paypal transactions not using Friend to Friend will be subject to a 3.49% surcharge added to the total invoice cost.

No international shipments/no refunds.   PA residents will be charged 6% sales tax.

We reserve the right to cancel and or change the terms of the product announcement at our sole discretion.   Hopefully everything will go as planned, but we are reliant on 3rd party suppliers and their pricing and/or supply chain issues that may disrupt our production processes, plans, cost, and schedule.