Want new diesel: How do Manufacturers pick what's next for production?

[enginear]

I want a large new diesel model like a G scale SD__ Mac for my layout. I was looking a scratch building a shell like I saw in GR. I guess I'm lazy because I'd rather buy it then build it. I watched for the new MTH releases in G scale this year and saw mainly models from the older days released. I was thinking maybe MTH would have released say a SD90MAC or SD70ACE or something like that. Their O scale lineup is fantastic for us diesel fans.

I like the USA SD70 but would install very expensive upgrades to match my DCS to run in consists. I could run it in conventional mode I guess. 

I imagine that the manufacturers get better response from customers with large steam engine purchases. I started wondering who actually decides on production choices. So I find myself buying whats available instead of what direction I wanted to go. Just a diesel nut venting again. Joe

[rpc7271]

It's my understanding that the production time from conception to deployment can be as long as 5 years. Manufactures are very secretive when it comes to announcing just what they are doing out of fear that someone else will do the same thing first. I can remember a few years ago when Aristocraft, LGB USA Trains amd MTH all were doing GG1's and Bigboys at the same time. It can be a tough decision as to what to do next with research and development time eating up a big portion of the budget. Still there is plenty of room for more new products. The amount of equipment available is miniscule compared to HO scale. Now when is someone out there going to make my 2-10-0 Russian decapod in 1:29 ??????????????????????????????????????????

[Anonymous]

Well you have the money so blow it.......

"I want MTH to build me a G scale special edition SD__MAC with Bill Clinton and stars and stripes markings!!!!!!!" 

Toad

[Coogler Rail Line]

Does that come with a Monica or a Hillary?

[Anonymous]

I think a Hooper and a Caboose.....I think!?

Toad

[LGBtrains1963]

I want a 2-8-4 Berkshire #759 Nickle Plate Road... With all the piping and with the mars lighting...... 1:26 or 1:29 or 1:32... LGB or USA or MTH..... I know it is not a diesel but thats what I want!!!!  

[N.S.]

A berk would be great, bUT, A ALLEGANY WOULD BE SWEEEEEEEEEET........... 1/29 TH

[Last Chance]

Try not to buy something so big and heavy to preclude carrying out of the store to the vehicle.

 

=)

[cabbage]

My son knows the son of one of the CAD team for Hornby, (they are both 8). Matthew has a list of locomotives that he would like Tobias's father to design.... However Matthew will have left his current school before any of the moulds would have been machined.

There is (in the UK) a small but thriving industry based on brass sheet etchings, which the user snips apart and assembles with solder -rather like a metallic version of the glue together card board kits for railway scenery!!!

Have a look around -there may be something similar in the US. It is not as satisfying as having designed it and built it yourself -but it would be easier.

regards

ralph

[enginear]

Reply to NS: yeah, I'd buy the Allegeny too.... I might consider that on the diesel team

I think I saw it in the $2-3 thousand models, Joe

http://www.accucraft.com/index.php?show_aux_page=101

its 1/32 scale I believe, but wow!

look at these O scale pictures, wow (not my pictures!)

http://www.toytrainsontracks.com/files/QuickSiteImages/Allegheny/AlleghenyPhotoPage.html

video http://extranet.mth-railking.com/pdfapp/pdfs/vidpop.asp?sid=20ST18714