Trains.com

SUNSET disappointment NSL Electroliner

3263 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: French Las Vegas
  • 129 posts
SUNSET disappointment NSL Electroliner
Posted by AlanRail on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 10:16 PM
Just rec'd my new Sunset Models North Shore Lines Electroliner. looks great until you look closer.

To begin, I'm not sure I agree with the comment in the NSL's user manual, " Congratulations on your purchase of the finest example of brass artwork in model railroading today, . . ."

The paint texture of the end cars doesn't match the front car; I guess the original proto-type was too shiny. So Sunset decided to dull-coat the model. Unfortunately they forgot to dull coat All of the cars. So the front is shinier than the back cars.

My dealer will replace the cars with a new set with a matched paint job, no problem, but as this is my first SUNSET train, I'm thinking it may be my last. QC QC QC

At $900 you kinda hope someone's looking over the shoulders of the Koreans or as a manufacturer you do more than just say you are the "best."

Alan
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 2:18 PM
That's unfortunate that you received your Sunset/Third Rail model with mis-matched finishes. That's highly unusual and certainly not typical of the products that Sunset imports. I have seen two of the Electroliners and they were perfect.
Sunset has one of the best warranty programs in the O scale community and will gladly either refund or replace at your request.

I have acquired almost a dozen Sunset/Third Rail engines over the past several years and have had nothing but great luck with them right out of the box, nice finish, smooth running, etc. I've also been impressed with the models because of the value we are getting for what really is a custom hand made model. I paid quite a bit more for brass locomotives 20 years ago that are not up to the current quality or level of detail that Sunset is now offering, plus they were not factory painted, which adds another $250-300 to a model.

Hopefully your disappointment with Sunset/Third Rail will be resolved to your satisfaction and you enjoy your Electroliner. The model is really a well detailed good runner at a very attractive price.
  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: French Las Vegas
  • 129 posts
Posted by AlanRail on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 10:22 PM
Dealer made good with a matched set
I 'm hoping you are right so I ordered another Sunset train, the C&B Hudson,
at the same time;

I guess I'm going to give then another try.

Alan
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 11:04 PM
Alan,
Glad the exchange worked out. I've found that with each new Sunset engine the details and quality continue to get even better. The Burlington Hudsons are loaded with piping and other details that should make the models really stand out. The operating Mars Light should be interesting to see in operation.

Even though I model western roads I purchased the Sunset/Third Rail Liberty Liner. The model looks even better up close than in the photographs. This is the first brass model of a streamlined articulated train that I have ever owned and the styling and paint scheme on these models just sold me. The Electroliner and Liberty Liner proved to be very popular sets for Sunset and I believe they are sold out.

Scott at Sunset has been making trips to Korea prior to shipment of models to assure the quality is consistent before the trains leave the shop. The patience in waiting for the models to arrive is rewarded with a quality locomotive.

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month