Tyco

[Anonymous]

My cousin came in the house with a "Tyco "sharknose in BN paint scheme. This thing is horrible. Why did Tyco make a sharknose in BN paint when they didn't own any? At lease to my knowldege BN didn't. Was this a "WHAT IF FANTASY" thing? Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure I'm not.

Thanks

[cacole]

Tyco wasn't the only company to make things that the real railroads didn't own. There has been more stuff decorated for the Santa Fe over the years that they didn't have, than what they actually did use, just because the Santa Fe warbonnet paint scheme is so popular and sells well.

[Anonymous]

I replied to your identical thread in the trains forums.

[DavidJ611]

QUOTE: Originally posted by A train

My cousin came in the house with a "Tyco "sharknose in BN paint scheme. This thing is horrible. Why did Tyco make a sharknose in BN paint when they didn't own any? At lease to my knowldege BN didn't. Was this a "WHAT IF FANTASY" thing? Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure I'm not.

Thanks

I'll take your word for it that it was not per prototype (no surprise there).

I just think it was a marketing thing. [Stylish loco + eye-catching paint sheme + (to a lesser degree of importance to Tyco as years went by) a readily recognizable road name]
You know, an "Ooh! Look at the pretty green choo-choo!" kind of thing.

Putting myself in the mindset of a typical Tyco trains buyer of thirty years ago (i.e. myself as a 5-year-old kid), I wouldn't have known the difference, and would have gotten(no, make that asked for) one if I'd wanted it. For the record, I didn't have one of those, but as a kid, I did have a couple "Chattanooga Choo-Choo's" and the "Chattanooga" GP-20 and the "Golden Eagle" Alco C-628. I've long since moved on to higher quality, more prototypical scale models aimed at the hobbyist market (instead of the toy market), but I still have most of my old Tyco stock, which I keep for sentimental reasons.

...Funny thing, though. You may have read (or should easily find) threads discussing some of the very finest hobby manufacturers that also issue wonderful models of locomotives and rolling stock dressed in paint schemes of roads that never bought them. [:0][%-)] I guess they figure some folks won't know, some folks don't care, and those that do know and care will be informed enough to make up their mind whether they want an aprotoypical model. One of the beauties of MRR-ing is every modeler can decide where they want to draw the line re: adherence to a prototype, and the manufacturers will always be glad to satisfy the demands of the market (protoype fidelity or not) if it helps them make a buck.

-Dave

[loathar]

There was another thread going last week titled Why do companies do this? I don't think there was an actual Chattanooga Choo Choo engine, but Tyco sure sold a lot of them.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the confirmation. I knew something was fishy with this model, although the big green did own Baldwins. Just not a RF-16.

[MisterBeasley]

Those who wi***o be as prototypical as possible are free to ignore this engine. Others may have Thomas the Tank Engine or Godzilla on their layouts. In between are those with the "it's my layout, and this is what I want" philosophy. All model railroads are, to some degree, based on fantasy. I'm happy to see manufacturers who are willing to provide non-prototypical equipment, because some modellers will appreciate it.

[AntonioFP45]

Is your cousin a modeler? Is he giving the unit to you?

In any case challenge yourself and consider making this Shark look more prototypical.

Strip the paint from the body by inserting it in 91% alcohol for an hour and then scrub with a toothbrush. Repaint it into a road that had these sharks, like the Delaware and Hudson, New York Central, etc. (There are two prototype Sharks in the D&H paint scheme).

[MidlandPacific]

QUOTE: I don't think there was an actual Chattanooga Choo Choo engine, but Tyco sure sold a lot of them.

It's a USRA 0-8-0, with the pilot deck extended by a scale foot or two to accomodate a pilot truck. I got one when I was a kid, and for all that people gripe about them, it was the best running steam engine I owned, until I was able to afford brass. They aren't great by today's standards, but I used to be able to make mine creep right along: probably the tender drive. I've still got it, planning to fix it up and convert it into an 0-8-0 when I get the time. It won't look as good as a P2K, but I still like it.

[davekelly]

Rob,

Isn't it great to run the engines we had as kids? Yeah, they aren't as detailed as today's models, nor do they run as nice (some would say "junk") but when I run them I remember how much fun it was way back when, before I worried about things like mortgage payments, bills and taxes.

[MidlandPacific]

It is. It's great fun. I'm repainting a lot of my older stuff - a man needs only so many reefers lettered for "Baby Ruth," particularly in 1913 - but they're a constant reminder of the people who cared enough to give them to me.

[Darth Santa Fe]

Tyco made a LOT of "fantasy" engines, including the Super 630 in every railroad they made it in, the "GG-1", or so they called it, the Silver Streak C-430...etc...etc... ... ... ... ... but the fantasy paints were usually attractive to little kids.

If they would have made the Super 630 I think in NS, it would have been realistic.

[csmith9474]

I don't care what anybody thinks about Tyco. Tyco is what got me into this mess in the first place. Long Live Tyco, especially the Bi-centennial stuff.

[dgwinup]

I just can't wait for some manufacturer to bring out a Big Boy ----------in AMTRAK colors ! ! !


AAARRRGGGHHHH !

Darrell, sputtering quietly...for now

[BRAKIE]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dgwinup

I just can't wait for some manufacturer to bring out a Big Boy ----------in AMTRAK colors ! ! !


AAARRRGGGHHHH !

Darrell, sputtering quietly...for now

Or worst..A GG1 in BNSF!!![:O][8][xx(]

[davekelly]

Does anyone remember the letter wars in Model Railroader when Walthers introduced a decal set for a Penn Central steam engine?

[IRONROOSTER]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

Does anyone remember the letter wars in Model Railroader when Walthers introduced a decal set for a Penn Central steam engine?

I remember that. It was unreal how over wrought some folks became. I don't see where it's a problem. If you want to run a GG1 in war bonnet paint scheme on your Santa Fe railroad or BNSF steam locomotives, why not? We're supposed to be having fun.

I started with Tyco and even though I am in S scale now I still have those engines (actually I have every model railroad thing I ever bought or was given - guess my real hobby is collecting stuff [:D]). I had a lot of fun with Tyco and have fond memories of my first layout with it's Atlas track, buildings and Tyco trains.

[dgwinup]

QUOTE: Originally posted by IRONROOSTER

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

Does anyone remember the letter wars in Model Railroader when Walthers introduced a decal set for a Penn Central steam engine?

I remember that. It was unreal how over wrought some folks became. I don't see where it's a problem. If you want to run a GG1 in war bonnet paint scheme on your Santa Fe railroad or BNSF steam locomotives, why not? We're supposed to be having fun.

I started with Tyco and even though I am in S scale now I still have those engines (actually I have every model railroad thing I ever bought or was given - guess my real hobby is collecting stuff [:D]). I had a lot of fun with Tyco and have fond memories of my first layout with it's Atlas track, buildings and Tyco trains.

I seem to recall several times where readers have gasped at models of railroad equipment that never existed in real life. Like an Amtrak steam engine or a BNSF GG-1, it isn't prototypical. That said, I firmly believe that YOUR model railroad should be run the way YOU want, and to heck with what others may think. It all comes down to what YOU are modeling and what makes YOU happy.

Me, personally? I have been attempting to remain true to the transitional period on my layout. It has been difficult with all the great new MODERN locomotives that are now available (I like the BIG ones! ANY big ones!). In the past, I bought things that appealed to me, regardless of era and more recently I have sold off most of the items that no longer fit my period. Even so, there were several pieces that I couldn't let go, perhaps enough cars to run a small freight behind an SD45 or my DD40AX. I enjoy seeing that, and I do it for my own pleasure.

Although most of my locomotives are UP and ATSF, I still have the very first N scale engine I bought in 1968 or 1969 - an Arnold F-something decorated for B&O. It still runs rock solid and dependable and I can't bring myself to part with it. It's not well-detailed and the paint is fading a little. Most of the time I use it to pull the track cleaning cars around the layout because it is less effected by dirty rails than any other engine I own. I do like the B&O paint scheme, and not too long ago bought an E8 in B&O just to keep the little Arnold engine company! LOL

If you are true to prototype, I can understand how you feel about some of the models that are available. I find it difficult to understand how a manufacturer can produce something like Penn Central steam decals when they know full well that it never happened. Maybe the manufacturers don't care, it's all for the money. Of course, I think they could make MORE money appealing to the larger audience of prototypical and ere-specific modelers. But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Enough from me. I've gone on too long as it is. Besides, I need to fire up the little B&O because my track needs to be cleaned, and the daily fast freight is due behind that DD40AX! Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk ! !

Darrell, cleaning quietly...for now

[dgwinup]

I still say for a guy who CLAIMS to be quiet, he really goes on for a long time, sometimes.

Darrell's other brother Darrell, the REALLY quiet one! ...for now........!

[DavidJ611]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly
Rob,

Isn't it great to run the engines we had as kids? Yeah, they aren't as detailed as today's models, nor do they run as nice (some would say "junk") but when I run them I remember how much fun it was way back when, before I worried about things like mortgage payments, bills and taxes.

[#ditto]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rriperger
It is. It's great fun. I'm repainting a lot of my older stuff - a man needs only so many reefers lettered for "Baby Ruth," particularly in 1913 - but they're a constant reminder of the people who cared enough to give them to me.

[#ditto]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csmith9474

I don't care what anybody thinks about Tyco. Tyco is what got me into this mess in the first place. Long Live Tyco, especially the Bi-centennial stuff.

[#ditto]

My feelings exactly, guys!!!! [snif!] (Oh great; now you've gotten me all weepy and sentimental. [:(!][;)][:I]) My first train set was Tyco with the Bicentennial Alco C-430 and matching caboose. 'Santa' brought it to me on Christmas 1975, and the addiction just keeps getting stronger with age.

I havent run my old Tyco stuff in over 20 years, but I'll never forget the sweet aroma of a warmed-up PowerTorq drive. [^] ...And yup, I know I have at least two of those Baby Ruth hi-cube cars with the chug-chug drum. How about them apples, QSI! [}:)][swg]

-Dave [8D]

[Anonymous]

There is a bit of, for want of a better word, discrimination in the response to things like a "BN Shark". One very famous HO layout (now replaced by a different layout) claimed to be set in 1977 yet a video I have of this layout clearly shows a boxcar lettered for a shortline railroad which did not exist until 1980. There is also some intermodal equipment in service that didn't exist on the prototype until the late 1980s. Because of the layout owner's status no one seems to notice. It didn't bother me either. If one ignored the handful of boxcars with running boards (remember, 1977 was the last year they could be used in interchange)the layout could easily have been set in 1987 and it was BEATUIFULLY DONE. Several of the "darling" manufacturers have offered models with paint schemes for railroads that never ran the prototype and you don't hear much complaining. Tyco, on the other had wasn't really a "model" manufacturer. They were a "toy" manufacturer so we get all bent out of shape because they sell toys. Hmmmmm.....I guess were human even though we play with trains. Go figure!

Cheers

[davekelly]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BRAKIE

QUOTE: Originally posted by dgwinup

I just can't wait for some manufacturer to bring out a Big Boy ----------in AMTRAK colors ! ! !


AAARRRGGGHHHH !

Darrell, sputtering quietly...for now

Or worst..A GG1 in BNSF!!![:O][8][xx(]

I think a GG1 in a Warbonnet scheme would be way cool. I'm guessing there would be a "warbonnet" on each end.

[davekelly]

Ed,

Very very insightful post. My thought is that if Tyco were around today and came out with a locomotive that ran better than a Kato you'd still have people saying "Won't buy it. I had a Tyco locomotive 30 years ago that cost me three bucks - it's junk, my $400 BLI runs much better."

[Anonymous]

Dave,

You're probably right on with that observation! There is another thread on here calling Eric Brooman a "sell out" for adding GE locomotives to his Utah Belt. It's his railroad and his explanation of both why the Utah Belt never had GE power and why it finally decided to add GE power is perfectly logical. It's HIS FREELANCED RAILROAD, but now someone decides to call him a sellout. You'd think the name caller was a Utah Belt stockholder who got outvoted. If Eric hadn't taken the time to write an article about the additions we'd never know about it and several pages of OUTSTANDING pictures of Eric's layout would not be in this month's MR. He has given us a great article to read, some insight into how management of a mid sized prototype would view the situation and somebody has to call him a sellout. Good gried, Charlie Brown! The same kind of name calling applied to the BN steam decals and the Tyco non prototypical stuff years ago. If it isn't causing trouble in your basement why worry about it?

Cheers,

Ed