Elvas Tower: 1940 White WH-4 Railway Express Truck Version 1.0 - Elvas Tower

1940 White WH-4 Railway Express Truck Version 1.0
MSTS Scenery Object
August 18th, 2009
Original model by Frank Musick and Tim Muir
Original textures by Niko Moritz, used by permission and modified by Frank Musick and Tim Muir

There is only one model in this package. After seeing the 20MB zip file for the last set, I thought I'd back off a tad.

This model has a few more details than the rest of the "Moritz" series so it is almost 1700 polys. Since that's half of what similar (and less detailed) WA series models used, it could still be considered "low poly" It's based on one of Tim Muirs 178" wheelbase White models and is among my favorites so far.

I used photo's of REA trucks from the '30s and 40's as a basis for the layout of markings. Since all the photos were black and white we had to rely on other sources for color. I feel the REA color (for the time) is a bit on the teal side, but much darker than usually modeled. It looks correct to me so I went with it. The Chesterfield ad and Bing Crosby were lifted from actual cigarette advertisements. There is no Surgeon General's warning, it was a simpler time.

The truck is not a perfect replica of the full size counterpart. The trucks in this series were never intended to be. The textures were meant to make up for any deficiency in detail. To that end I sought the help of two extraordinary artists, Niko Moritz and Tim Muir. Niko, a first class illustrator and modeler, was kind enough to grant his permission for the use of his artistry to texture this series of models. Tim is responsible for most of the modifications. He was able to morph Niko's work into many of the combinations that texture the trucks in this series. He also suggested or furnished important details for the models such as mirrors, chrome trim, spotlights, foglights and the distinctive "Stop" lights.

Original File Name = W178REA.zip