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new manufacturer?

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  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,877 posts
Posted by maxman on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 12:33 PM

These cars were featured in the MRC 2/2023 receiving yard and 4/2023 test track columns.

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 12:22 PM

I don't need auto racks on my layout, as I don't model a class I mainline.

Plano makes etched metal side panels and details for 75' auto racks, if you are so inclined to make your excisting racks more detailed:

http://www.planomodelproducts.com/autorack_scq.html

Mike.

  • Member since
    May 2014
  • From: Pennsylvania
  • 1,154 posts
Posted by Trainman440 on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 10:40 AM

LMAO I love the random quotes they put on the home page in large font:

"Exquisite cars"
"An awesome accomplishment"
"Absolutely beautiful"

No mention of who these quotes are from...just random quotes from random people I guess. Supposedly that's supposed to convince me to buy some. 

Charles

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO

Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440

Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Monday, March 27, 2023 9:50 PM

You can google Ken Patterson; he is big fan on the detail.  His buddy on his videos is big into autoracks too.  He is also a model railroad professional photographer so he may or may not have a relationship with the company.  Having watched his videos over the years, I don't believe he would misrepresent the quality.

We used to have a "This hobby is too expensive" thread.  Indeed it is.  Especially if you are talking about spending $1,000 on an just 10 cars.

If your are using Peco turnouts and a tortoise and an edge connector that's $50 a turnout plus LED's and switches.  Raise you hand if you just have one turnout.  I see no hands.

Fortunately there are still options in this hobby.  You don't need the best of the best and you can save at trainshows, buying used.  At my age and medical condition, I am not buying $100 freight nor passenger cars nor $750 steamers.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    June 2005
  • 4,368 posts
Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Monday, March 27, 2023 7:31 PM

Check out the close-up photos on their Facebook page!  The molding is so good I thought they were making the sides from etched metal.  That has to take some expensive tooling to manufacture.  Also, Athearn charges that much for a Genesis caboose with lights inside, so it seems like this is the way prices are going unfortunately...

_________________________________________________________________

  • Member since
    June 2008
  • 117 posts
Posted by PennsyLou on Monday, March 27, 2023 2:42 PM

They were at the Amhearst show - and by the crowd at their booth there seemed to be a lot of interest in the Autoracks.

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, March 27, 2023 11:47 AM

dknelson
I predict people will pay if the models are good ones.

I think they look like $100.00 models.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: Milwaukee WI (Fox Point)
  • 11,439 posts
Posted by dknelson on Monday, March 27, 2023 10:49 AM

kasskaboose

Went on their webpage: https://rokamodels.com/.  They are VERY limited in selection and charge about $100 for a single car.  WOW!  Seriously?!  Do they also sell bridges?!

 
I noticed the ad.  I remember when Kadee first released its PS1 boxcar models.  $25 or $30 for one boxcar.   I remember when the first plastic diesel model was priced over $100.  I predict people will pay if the models are good ones.
Dave Nelson
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,667 posts
Posted by rrebell on Monday, March 27, 2023 10:12 AM

Looks so well detailed that the Kadee type coupler looks out of place.

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Monday, March 27, 2023 9:06 AM

Wow!  Pricey is right!  

Looks they only have auto racks as of now.

Mike.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 2,360 posts
Posted by kasskaboose on Sunday, March 26, 2023 8:26 PM

Went on their webpage: https://rokamodels.com/.  They are VERY limited in selection and charge about $100 for a single car.  WOW!  Seriously?!  Do they also sell bridges?!

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • 1,950 posts
new manufacturer?
Posted by NVSRR on Sunday, March 26, 2023 5:11 PM

Flipping thought the NMRA rag, saw a new name ROKA manufacturer. the ad was for the autopac cars from the 70's.   Thney advertise as a prototype manufacturer.   Have the popped up at any of teh major shows?

 

Shane

A pessimist sees a dark tunnel

An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel

A realist sees a frieght train

An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space

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