[gunrunnerjohn]

I think one reason that diecast rolling stock is not wildly popular is the weight impacts how many cars you can pull, especially if you have grades.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I have perhaps a dozen diecast cars, I know I have three or four of the K-Line coil cars that are diecast, and a few hoppers as well.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I have a couple trains of Erie and B&O in these models. I am figuring around ten would be the limit for a large steamer or multiple diesels. Mixed with some MTH plastic cars, I hope to run a train of about 20 cars…

You might be surprised. A large articulated steamer can haul a lot of cars, probably at least 20-25 diecast cars. My Vision Line Big Boy pulled 70 cars around the layout at Harry's place without breaking a sweat, and that includes several grades. I'm pulled a dozen diecast cars with my upgraded Phantom locomotive.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I suspect that a plastic mold is far cheaper than a metal stamping. Remember, then they have to get a realistic coal load painted on it like the old Marx lithograph stuff. Nowadays, that's not nearly as cheap as plastic molds.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

It looks decent, but real coal loads are not piled that high, they don't come up over the top of the hopper walls.