NP2626 wjstix No offence meant to the OP, but maybe you would be happier in one of the larger scales like S or O, where the models are a little more durable. On30 and O "hi-rail" (1:48 scale models running on 3-rail track - see link below) are both growing parts of the model railroad hobby. https://www.youtube.com/user/normcharbonneau I find the above post to be somewhat short sighted thinking! Is this suggestion to switch scales to models which are more robustly made a statement that as HO modelers we must adapt to poorly built/engineered models?
wjstix No offence meant to the OP, but maybe you would be happier in one of the larger scales like S or O, where the models are a little more durable. On30 and O "hi-rail" (1:48 scale models running on 3-rail track - see link below) are both growing parts of the model railroad hobby. https://www.youtube.com/user/normcharbonneau
No offence meant to the OP, but maybe you would be happier in one of the larger scales like S or O, where the models are a little more durable. On30 and O "hi-rail" (1:48 scale models running on 3-rail track - see link below) are both growing parts of the model railroad hobby.
https://www.youtube.com/user/normcharbonneau
No, it's saying there's really nothing wrong with the models in HO, but that it's just a fact that some people are better working with very delicate things than others.
We all have strengths and weaknesses. I think I'm pretty good doing scenery and building and decorating kits, but I'm not great with trackwork. I appreciate the skill of people who can hand-lay track, but it's not something I think I'd ever be able to do....so I use Kato Unitrack, which works very well for me.
NP2626 "I’ve never seen any information on how well Athearn’s BB Locos sold and I’d like to see any information you might have, proving your point."
I've been modeling in HO off and on since the late 50's. While I don't have any sales figures for blue box locos, way back then, Athearn blue box locos were the hobby standard, unless you could afford brass imports. For essentially the same money as Tyco/Mantua, Life Like, Cox and others charged, Athearn provided engine that ran good, had decent detail and you could work on them. They weren't rivited together like most of the competetion. I find todays dcc/sound equiped diesels a joy to own. I've never experienced quality troubles right out of the box. I like to do a little "tinkering" and realize I need to be careful when handeling them. As stated, there are lesser detail, less expensive models available.
slamminI’ve never seen any information on how well Athearn’s BB Locos sold and I’d like to see any information you might have
Athearn has stated BB kits was not selling and they had to go to the current market demand.
You can find this in their Face Book blog or whatever face book pages is called. You will need to look it up but,its there.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
BRAKIE Athearn has stated BB kits was not selling and they had to go to the current market demand. You can find this in their Face Book blog or whatever face book pages is called. You will need to look it up but,its there.
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
The fragile handrails and details come from trying to equil brass model detailing with plastic, just does not work well. Just try to dust a model like this. Atleast if you bend a brass handrail, a little gentle pressure will return it back to normal shape. Of coarse a brass version of a diesel today will run you darn near $1000 per engine. I remember when I moved to mostly all steam in my mid teens. My choices were Mantua or Bowser diecast and the latter in kit form. Both needed extra detailing to look decent. Then you have Rivarossi, looked nice but other than the Heisler had pizza cutter flangers and a jack rabbit 3 pole motor. Then you have the choice I made, brass imports. But back then you didnt return it cause it ran crappy. You spent time at your workbench tearing it down and solving why it ran that way and fixing it. Yes back in those days of blue box engines, brass engines ect, we built kits and solved why an engine ran like crap. Now we just want to send it back and many times thats the only answer with all the electronics they have, no spare parts from the manufacture of the model. I repair trains for a couple hobby shops, I absolutly hate dealing with newer models, so fragile and complex to take appart. Three screws and I can remove the superstructure from my PFM/United brass ATSF 2-8-0, or any brass steamer for that matter. Now I have full access to the drive for service. I have owned newer P2K steamers, to fragile and I had axle cracking letting the drivers get out of quarter, similar to the cracked gears in the diesels. My 40+year old brass doesnt have that issue, just a new motor to replace the weak open frame, although I can replace the magnets in those as well. Quality control is how can we make this as cheap as we can and folks wont complain to loudly, thus maximizing profits. It is said in China they say "Nothing personal....its only business." My favorite tables at any train show are the estate sales of modelers that have passed on. They are a treasure trove of older kits, brass engines and models that I hunt for. As I find items I want in my collection of old magazines and Walthers catalogs, I keep a list with me for the next show. And that is what keeps it fun, the thrill of the hunt and excitement of finding an item from days gone by. Mikie
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome