Top Five Items Needed, By Category

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

QUOTE: Originally posted by GN-Rick

Chip, can you explain exactly how I tell a "19th century tree" from the ones
from other eras?[%-)][:D]

You count the rings.

What we don't know is what Chip means by a "19th century tree".

It could be a tree that started growing in an earlier century, modelled at the stage it had grown to in the mid to late 19th century.

Or maybe a tree that started growing in the 19th century as it is in 2006.

Anyway some of the tree manufacturers could take this up without outlaying a lot of development funding. Just print the packaging and make out the price list:

21st Century trees 10 for $15.00
20th Century trees 10 for $20.00
19th Century trees 5 for $30.00

Someone would buy them.

Guess the sad thing is there were a lot more of them (trees) then than there are now.

[mtrails]

Well, I don't have the money to buy one of those computerized cutting machines that Pelle Soberg used to make his Denny's and such, but whether it be structures, or rolling stock, I know if I want it, I have to make it. So I go with Medina1128's top five list...

Money...

I know the specific structures I will want on my future layout will have to be made from scratch. As for rolling stock, and locos for that matter... I am beginning to develop the patience and skill to alter, paint, decal, and detail trains to meet my future model railroading needs.

Jeremy

[m sharp]

MacDonalds originated in Oak Brook, IL, a western suburb of Chicago.

I would like to see 1) SDP-45
2) more TTX piggybacks (keep selling out
3) hi adhesion trucks for C-630
4) I like that idea for a plastic "Little Joe"
5) vehicles from 1965 thru 1974 to make those open auto racks look useful

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the responses, guys. To add to my list:

Ballast hoppers
C36-7's
CSX "non-transfer" caboose
Another run of the Ortner Aggregate Hoppers in more roadnames

[potlatcher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse
19th century trees

That one is easy. The trees we have today were a lot smaller back in the 19th century, right? So . . . If you model in HO scale, just use N scale trees; If you model in O, use HO scale trees; etc . . .

Tom

[Anonymous]

Most of this stuff has been done, but it was either a long time ago or they're impossible to find now.

Diesels:
F45/FP45/SDP40F/SDF40-2
SD40-2
SD80MAC
SD60I
GP60
GP50
C30-7/C36-7

Steam:
USRA 4-6-2
C&O J3a 4-8-4 Greenbriar
Milwuakee Road S1 4-8-4
SP GS-4 Daylight
GTW U3b 4-8-4

Rolling Stock:
Modern 3 Bays
Amtrak Horizons and Amfleets
Transfer Cabooses
Angled Coil Cars

[slotracer]

C420's in N and HO.....way way overdue and seemingly forgotten.

More of the better quality cabooses we have been seeing in recent years. For so long about all that were avaailable were semi Generic bay window cars, extended vision and the old ATSF offset coup steel car. Finally more high quality and diversified proto typews, hope the trend continues.

[Anonymous]

I have never seen a shopping mall! You know, like the mall of America or the many thousand sq. ft ones around the country.

[bcawthon]

Japanese sedans aren't likely. For one thing, the most popular Japanese sedans are built specifically for the North American market (in fact, most of them are built in the U.S.). For another, except for Nissan, the Japanese automakers aren't particularly interested in licensing models of their cars to non-Japanese companies and most Japanese modelmakers aren't interested in HO. Modern Japanese cars are already available in N scale.

Those late 20th century trees can probably be done fairly well with natural materials and maybe a bit of Woodland Scenics foliage. Thin trunks are easy.

Life-Like SceneMaster ambulances? [censored]! You can do better. Some of the Busch 1952 Cadillac ambulances can still be found.

Frank Lloyd Wright isn't that hard to do; Frank Gehry, on the other hand, is a real challenge.

For a larger school, use some DPM modular sections. We're just talking walls with windows, folks. You could also repaint the Model Power 490-470 IRS on fire kit. For that matter, you could leave as is and rename it, depending on your school memories. [;)]

School buses from the 50s would be nice, but then we would hear from all the guys who want city buses from the 50s and the guys who want Greyhound buses from the 50s.... Probably better to just put a bike rack or two in front of the school building and say the kids walk.

Bill C.

[bryanbell]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

QUOTE: Originally posted by bryanbell
I understand that is the "era" that most of the modeling demographic was growing up and that is what most people tend to model. I however am a child of the 80's, that is my "era" and I too would like to see Mickey D's and the like produced. (Its not just a southern thing, I live in the home of the Arches, Chicago and that is what we call it too)

um, actually McDonald's started in southern California...

there is a model of White Castle available, however.

The main issue with things like models of McDonald's is LICENSING. Anything trademarked requires a licensing agreement, and they aren't cheap for something like McDonald's.

my call: More STREETCARS--historic AND modern. I like 'em all--Jewett, Brill, PCC, Duewag, Siemens, CAF...

Yeah it started in Southern California but corporate headquarters is in Oak Brook, IL...

Bryan

[littleboom]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Medina1128

You need a new category called general, and at the top of THAT list would be:

1). MONEY
2). More room
3). MONEY
4). MONEY
5). Did I mention money?

Time. Lots of it. I guess if I had more money, I could hire someone else to do my other stuff so I have more time for trains. [:)]

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Don Gibson

REALITY CHECK

Before a Company 'pops' for $100,000. - $250,000 tooling, they have to figure 'how many will sell' - one's wish list to the contrary.

This strikes me as a wish list. Not a I'm going to et it list.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by GN-Rick

Chip, can you explain exactly how I tell a "19th century tree" from the ones
from other eras?[%-)][:D]

You count the rings.

[dehusman]

Pretty much anything ina pre-1910 era.

The mainstream model companies produced virtually ZERO when it comes to the first 80-90 years of railroading. Even MDC/Athearn/Roundhouses "Old Timer" cars are actually models of post 1910 era cars.

The wooden truss side hopper that was the primary coal car in the the US from the Civil War to the 1890's. NO models.

The hopper bottom gondola that was the successor to the wood hopper and was the primary coal car from 1880 to 1910. NO models.

The 30 ft boxcar that was the primary railroad car from the Civil war to the 1880's . NO models.

The 34 ft boxcar that was the primary boxcar from the 1880' to 1910's. NO models.

The 4-4-0 steamer that was the most produced engine in railroad history, finally two models of post 1890's engines are coming out this year (plastic engines at near brass prices).

An 0-4-0 or 0-6-0 switcher from the 1880's that was the most common switcher for several decades. NO models.

Structures:
An alternative to the Atlas water tower.
More stone buildings.

Vehicles:
Wagons other than Jordans (which are excellent models).
Steam tractors.
Belt powered farm machinery.

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

I agree with SpaceMouse. Nearly all 19th century prototype HO scale model trains are now out of production. Much of what was available falls short of the quality modelers expect today.

[chutton01]

QUOTE: Originally posted by donnyn2001

Heck I heard a better school. How about a middle School or even a High School, doesnt have 2 b a Frank Lloyed right or anything.

Somebody already has that covered - RMC recently had an article on covering the Heljan Synagog (Talk about targetted marketing! http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/322-1000) into a private school, among other uses.
And on the Walthers Ford Headquarters building (maybe out of production?) kit box itself, one of the potential uses listed is 'Urban High School'.

[Anonymous]

Ok Call me Crazy, as I try to think of ideas that would never work on my current layout, but when I move out and have my own.

Stadium (Baseball, Football) No one in particuluar but since Im a Green Bay Packer fan I have 2 say Lambeau Field, or ~shudders~ THE OLD Soldier Field.

Id say a race track as well but I have drawn up how Id attempt to scratch build that.

Heck I heard a better school. How about a middle School or even a High School, doesnt have 2 b a Frank Lloyed right or anything.

DON

I think Im done for now

[chutton01]

QUOTE: Originally posted by [e-mail]
How about a nice art deco movie theatre from the 40's

Maybe this is no longer available: (Scale Structures, Apollo - HO)
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/650-1536
Also the Walthers one, but that doesn't look half as cool:
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2713

Well, for me, besides the late 1990s/early 21st SEDANS (and I don't mean any more German ones - get those Japanese licenses, boys) which I always ask for; if Chip can ask for 19th century Trees, I want late 20th Century/early 21st Century Sidewalk trees: trees with rather narrow, very straight trunks with no branches (probably pruned) below pedestrian high (maybe 7-8ft), and then a rather narrow leafty branch spread (they also don't get very tall - at least not the ones planted on our main streets in a beautification scheme of 20 years ago.

[GAPPLEG]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jsoderq

Macdonalds was done once and the company (Lifelike, I think) got sued bigtime. They will not license a model. Much of the other stuff is out there. You have to be willing to pay for it. If you need some oddball loco, lay out the cash. That is what brass is for.
SD40-2 have been done to death. If you don't like them doesn't mean we need another.

Yes, I have one of the models of McDonalds, they are rare. I think it was actually Revell that modeled it, I'm not sure now.

[bcawthon]

I looked at the different kinds of structures listed and saw several that could be built with various types of styrene, wood, siding material and some reference materials.

Same goes for container chassis. Promotex and other companies have the chassis and landing gear. Strip Evergreen stryene will do for the rest. Need several? Build a jig.

No, it's not free, but it's a heck of a lot less expensive than most kits and leaves you some money left in case someone makes the locomotives or rolling stock on your list.

Bill C.

[Anonymous]

How about a nice selection of 1950's RTR fire trucks??Boley has a zillion modern ones but noooo 1950's.How about a nice art deco movie theatre from the 40's,Nice 1950's rtr tow truck.How about a nice 50's police station?No I dont really like the life like one.How about a rural school bus,you guessed it ,from the 50's.(Ive got the one from Jordan) How about a school thats more than one room. Now that I've did my complaining Id like to point out some nice things that have come out lately that I really appreciate.

F7 Genesis
Walthers Gold series kits-109 Elm st house is really nice,you got to try it.
1950's ambulance-lifelike
Woodland Scenics RTR Gas station..nice
Atlas Kims Classic American home..nice.
etc,etc,etc

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by reklein

I like orsonroys list if I could add a plastic "LITTLE JOE" . I imagine 19th century trees would be quite large by now.

My house was built with 18th century trees! "Real" 2x4s, random width pine floor boards, wood clapboards circa 1723

[reklein]

I like orsonroys list if I could add a plastic "LITTLE JOE" . I imagine 19th century trees would be quite large by now.

[Anonymous]

Im adding to my list

A modern American Bar/Tavern, either kit or ready to run!

DON

[tomikawaTT]

medina1128 got it right - MONEY!

A large box of used medium-denomination bills, for openers.

Also a contract with a master custom builder to build all of the things I would like to have but can't buy.

And now I'll go back to sleep. I have another dream I'd like to check out...

Chuck

[bcawthon]

Busch made a series of State Police cars for all fifty states. There were some 1977 Plymouths and Dodges, but most of the models were 1995 Chevrolet Caprices and 1996 Ford Crown Victorias. The series finished with the Honolulu Police car (Hawaii does not have a uniformed state police agency) last year. There were also city and county models including NYPD, LAPD, Chicago, SFPD, Washington D.C., Key West and a number of others. Some of these are still available from Walthers and other sources and those that have sold out can somethimes be found on eBay.

Model Power will be shipping a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria in civilian and police liveries very soon. I believe a CHP and a Michigan State Police version, among others, are planned.

Ricko has a new Dodge Caliber, Dodge Charger Police, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Chrysler Crossfire, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser and Cadillac Escalade scheduled for this year. Ricko also has a 1931 Lincoln Model K Phaeton and 1934 Cadillac Fleetwood Aerodynamic Coupe coming in the next few months.

Great models of Steam Era vehicles are available in kit form from Greg's Garage, Sylvan Scale Models and several others.

New GM models are a problem because of GM's new licensing policies.

Athearn makes USPS trucks based on their Ford C model. I have been trying to persuade someone to make a model of the Jeep DJ5 Carrier Route Vehicle (CRV) for a couple of years now. Various Jeep versions were used from the mid-1950s to the 1990s (production ended in 1983). The modern CRVs are the Grumman/GM Long-Life Vehicle, which is based on a Chevrolet S-10 pickup and the Ford Flexible Fuel Vehicle which is based on an Australian Ford Explorer chassis.

Life-Like got in trouble not because McDonald's won't license their trademarks (they will) but because Life-Like didn't obtain a license.

I thought Walthers had a car dealer kit in their Cornerstone or Main Street Series. Other dealership kits are available from one of the German structure kit manufacturers. Other than that, what does a car dealership look like? A modern American new car dealership is going to be a fairly large kit and eat up some serious real estate, not to mention requiring a bunch of vehicle models. On the other hand, a used car dealership can be a few cars and a single-wide mobile home on a gravel lot.

I would also like to see more cars from the 1960s and am working on selling the idea to manufacturers. A nice mix of sedans and wagons would also make a nice auto rack load.

Spacemouse, you should check the Preiser catalog at your LHS. I know Preiser made some sets of 19th century figures.

Aquadan005, Athearn's Ford C Fire Rescue Truck is based on a late 1960s prototype. The Rescue Pumper can be backdated to the 1970s by removing the hose cover and switching the warning lights (Trident and Busch offer sets that include the appropriate warning lights).

Bill C.

[Don Gibson]

REALITY CHECK

Before a Company 'pops' for $100,000. - $250,000 tooling, they have to figure 'how many will sell' - one's wish list to the contrary.

[BigBlueConrail]

More northeastern stuff is needed. Perhaps some self propelled rail cars like NJ tranist has, Pl42ac, and an Alp-46 would be nice.

[Anonymous]

plastic mechanical refers from early 50's/60's, like the old silver streak ones,52 foot gondolas from same time frame, besides p2k, preferably by branchline, red caboose or intermountain, athearn/horizon can't get those right,a quad hopper like atlas's hart car,but with quad discharge, staionwagons and four door sedans from sixties,and those early sixties vans,econoline,etc.