What is the purpose of this forum???

[thirdrail1]

Exactly what is the purpose of this forum. Is it for manufacturers to announce new products? For modelers to request new products? For modelers or others from Kalmbach to review new products?

'Twould be great if there was a single thread where every manufacturer would announce new products, but I expect pigs will become naturally airborne before that happens, so fill us in.

In case it's for requests, N Scale needs a TEN-WHEELER!

[thirdrail1]

Exactly what is the purpose of this forum. Is it for manufacturers to announce new products? For modelers to request new products? For modelers or others from Kalmbach to review new products?

'Twould be great if there was a single thread where every manufacturer would announce new products, but I expect pigs will become naturally airborne before that happens, so fill us in.

In case it's for requests, N Scale needs a TEN-WHEELER!

[Sperandeo]

This forum is intended to be a place where hobbyists can discuss new products and ask questions about them. That could include making suggestions for new products you'd like to see, but we can't guarantee that any manufacturers will be paying attention.

This is not the place where manufactuirers will be announcing new products. That continues to be the subject of "Product News" on the main page of this Web site.

Best wishes,

Andy

[Sperandeo]

This forum is intended to be a place where hobbyists can discuss new products and ask questions about them. That could include making suggestions for new products you'd like to see, but we can't guarantee that any manufacturers will be paying attention.

This is not the place where manufactuirers will be announcing new products. That continues to be the subject of "Product News" on the main page of this Web site.

Best wishes,

Andy

[thirdrail1]

Thanks, Andy. I suspect some manufacturers may lurk on here once they find out that the topic exists on here. Of course, you're in a position to let them know it's here..[:D][:D][:D]

[thirdrail1]

Thanks, Andy. I suspect some manufacturers may lurk on here once they find out that the topic exists on here. Of course, you're in a position to let them know it's here..[:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

What I want is an Atlas or Kato (or golly, even LifeLike)-made high-nose RSD-15 in N-Scale. But, what are the chances?

Here is an idea: an all-purpose Kato mechanism that can readily be modified to fit into most kinds of hood units. The split frame weight could be cut in half along its length and then drilled+tapped for a threaded rod to conect each side back together, with the benefit of being able to lengthen it by adjusting the rod. The worm gears might need some thought, but maybe they could just be extra long to allow for spreading the wheelbase. The shape of the split frame would have to be very basic and minimal, so there would likely be empty space within any given shell, but perhaps a simple molded insert could be developed by an enterprising third party. Styrene shims would work in the meanwhile. Standardizing the way trucks mount to this frame might prove tricky, but then Kato has already offered so many different units that I'm sure they could market any kind of deisel truck desired, ready-made for their Universal Mechanism. Again, third-parties would be free to develop novelty or specialty trucks if a market niche remained..

I know there are companies like NWSL and Sagami that try to do just this, but I would like to have an all-Kato powered fleet. A worthwhile concept?

[Anonymous]

What I want is an Atlas or Kato (or golly, even LifeLike)-made high-nose RSD-15 in N-Scale. But, what are the chances?

Here is an idea: an all-purpose Kato mechanism that can readily be modified to fit into most kinds of hood units. The split frame weight could be cut in half along its length and then drilled+tapped for a threaded rod to conect each side back together, with the benefit of being able to lengthen it by adjusting the rod. The worm gears might need some thought, but maybe they could just be extra long to allow for spreading the wheelbase. The shape of the split frame would have to be very basic and minimal, so there would likely be empty space within any given shell, but perhaps a simple molded insert could be developed by an enterprising third party. Styrene shims would work in the meanwhile. Standardizing the way trucks mount to this frame might prove tricky, but then Kato has already offered so many different units that I'm sure they could market any kind of deisel truck desired, ready-made for their Universal Mechanism. Again, third-parties would be free to develop novelty or specialty trucks if a market niche remained..

I know there are companies like NWSL and Sagami that try to do just this, but I would like to have an all-Kato powered fleet. A worthwhile concept?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by thirdrail1


In case it's for requests, N Scale needs a TEN-WHEELER!

Amen, amen, and . . . amen!
And while we're at it, what N Scale also needs is for Bachman to wake up and stop outfitting its SPECTRUM-series offerings with Rapido couplers!!
I mean, look at it this way: Bachman has already figured out that the modelers who buy its HO scale Spectrum products prefer a more realistic coupler than the old 'horn-hook'; is it really rocket science for the B-boys to figure out that the same logic applies with N scalers?[:o)]
And don't even get me started on the subject of questioning why they and certain other manufacturers (are you there, Kato?) can't at least offer an optional oil tender version on their steam offerings . . .
-- Paul

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by thirdrail1


In case it's for requests, N Scale needs a TEN-WHEELER!

Amen, amen, and . . . amen!
And while we're at it, what N Scale also needs is for Bachman to wake up and stop outfitting its SPECTRUM-series offerings with Rapido couplers!!
I mean, look at it this way: Bachman has already figured out that the modelers who buy its HO scale Spectrum products prefer a more realistic coupler than the old 'horn-hook'; is it really rocket science for the B-boys to figure out that the same logic applies with N scalers?[:o)]
And don't even get me started on the subject of questioning why they and certain other manufacturers (are you there, Kato?) can't at least offer an optional oil tender version on their steam offerings . . .
-- Paul

[Anonymous]

If someone with over 700 posts needs to ask the purpose of this forum, they either haven't been paying attention in the past, or are desperate for some attention now.
What this forum DOESN'T need, is to become like the Atlas forum, a never ending cacaphony of whining malcontents, demanding what manufacturers should make.
It also doesnt need the abject immaturity of giant fonts, color exclamations, and endless rows of annoying 'smilies'...I was afraid this would happen when Kalmbach provided an improved format.
It is happening. What a shame .
Mike

[Anonymous]

If someone with over 700 posts needs to ask the purpose of this forum, they either haven't been paying attention in the past, or are desperate for some attention now.
What this forum DOESN'T need, is to become like the Atlas forum, a never ending cacaphony of whining malcontents, demanding what manufacturers should make.
It also doesnt need the abject immaturity of giant fonts, color exclamations, and endless rows of annoying 'smilies'...I was afraid this would happen when Kalmbach provided an improved format.
It is happening. What a shame .
Mike