Kevin--
Seems like you have a pretty good attitude about the market.
I have had my struggles with Rapido products, but despite that even I am looking at the new U25B as a potential purchase. The question is can I really use one? I'm intrigued at how nicely it appears to be modeled compared to the previous verions tooled so long ago...I really do like the detailed, see-through radiators.
John
PRR8259 Through the years there have been many polls done regarding what models should be made next. The manufacturers listened to those polls and have actually made most of the suggested locomotives from those past polls.
I have a hard time with those polls, because I honestly am not looking at new product announcements hoping to see something that I want. I really cannot think of anything I need.
However, every once in a while, a manufacturer surprises me with something I suddenly desire when I see it. Rapido mostly, but Walthers and Yarmouth ring my bell from time to time.
The fact that they can identify holes in the product lines that will sell in the open market is impressive in itself. Occasionally making something that appeals to me is just amazing.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Waiting on them to make a stop closer to VA (hint, hint!).
I guess I am a little bit surprised or incredulous. Over on another forum that I no longer participate in but occasionally read, there is considerable complaining about new locomotives just announced by both Athearn and ScaleTrains, that have never been modeled before or at least not in plastic.
I understand we all have our favorite engine or project that we might like to see. Through the years there have been many polls done regarding what models should be made next. The manufacturers listened to those polls and have actually made most of the suggested locomotives from those past polls (C430, big MLW units in many forms, SD40-2 many variants, SDP series locos, Many U boat models, etc)
Now we are down to relatively few HO diesels that haven't been made, including but not limited to the SD40A.
I just am having a hard time with all the complaining. Too often we hobbyists forget that this is a business, and tough decisions have to be made regarding what will sell.
If Athearn or anybody else makes a totally new product from the ground up, I might or might not personally need it, but I am not going to complain they made it.
nealknowsOn an OT note, how did you fare with the hurricane down there?
It was practically a non-event for Southwest Florida.
We had one wind gust in excess of 50 MPH. Never had sustained winds over 30 MPH, and had less than 4 inches of rain total.
I contacted all my friends in the Tampa area, and they are all fine as well, but the effects were a bit stronger up there.
When the NMRA convention was announced in Texas; I still lived there. I was planning to participate in the Free-mo event and possibly rejoin the NMRA. All of that changed when we moved to Kansas. I still wanted to attend the NTS this year, but work intervened.
Yes, this was the NMRA National Convention and National Train Show. As a manufacturer/dealer, we had a very good show. Friday the crowds were in full swing as well as Saturday. Sunday, was a very very slow, could have set up a bowling alley in the aisles.
On an OT note, how did you fare with the hurricane down there?
Neal
I am assuming this was the NMRA National Convention and National Train Show.
Honestly, I did not even know it was in Texas this year.
Kalmbach had a 10' booth and I did see Cody G. manning it with someone else. However, I did not see anyone walking around taking photos or videos. It's not as big as Amherst where you can miss someone. I was in my booth for 3 days and never saw them walk by. We were located next to a major manufacturer, so I'm sure my crew would have spotted them...
I take it as a sign of the times for them. Sorry to say this...
Will MR be doing a video report on the recent convention and train show in Texas?