$$$$$????? What are these guys thinking???

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ereimer

QUOTE: Originally posted by Trainnut1250

Here is the website:

http://westerfield.biz/

thanks trainnut . i've seen the westerfield site before , it was Sunshine models that i haven't been able to find

Even MR doesn't show a weblink to them (Sunshine models).

[ghonz711]

me personaly, i would go for the cheap cars... buy the IHC models and fix 'em my self. These retailers are getting RIDICULES!!!

[Anonymous]

Eriemer,

My mistake, I haven't been able to find a site for Sunshine either. Do they have one??? I would love to see it.

[JohnT14808]

Well, without going on and reading all the posts on page two, I'll add my two cents here at the bottom of page one.....

Hey, I'm with some others that prefer to shop around the swap meets and resurrect a derelic car that has seen better days, clean it up, repaint, redecal, rewheel, recouple....all for a lot less than $40.00. More fun as well. To each their own!!

[cjcrescent]

Like the others have said, these are models of specific prototypes that will never be produced any other way. They are fantastic kits and if a detail was on the prototype, its on the model. I got off of e-bay last year a set(5) PRR G-21A hoppers (I think thats the class), and got them for 10.00 each unbuilt. I have several other of the Westerfield & Funaro kits (about 15 total) and they do build into models that rival present day brass. I enjoyed building each and everyone of them.

[orsonroy]

The biggest problem with Sunshine is that they DON'T have a website. They're sort of stuck in the 20th century in that respect. I think it's probably because the owner/manufacturer is basically running a one man show, and he's basically overwhelmed by the orders he's currently got. Of course, running a large and well-attended prototype modeler's meet in Illinois every year takes up a pretty large chunk of his time too!

One of the prototype modelers online DOES have a PDF file of every Sunshine kit ever produced. It's on the Steam-Era Freight Car website:
http://www.steamfreightcars.com/modeling/new%20products/sunshine/sunkits112003main.html
(there's an updated list on the STMFC Yahoo Group, but you have to be a list member to view it):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/STMFC/files/Sunshine%20Kit%20List/

Westerfield's website is fantastic: www.westerfield.biz
Funaro & Carmelengo has a decent website: www.fandckits.com
And there are several others, including Wright Track and Sylvan (a Canadian company), all of which have websites which are listed on the NMRA RR website directory.

[loathar]

WOW!!! I never thought this post would take on a life of it's own. My oiginal point was-How much detail can you put into a Gon to make it worth $36 plus S/H.???(without trucks and couplers???) It's a cast plastic product that you have to finish yourself??
Sorry guys! I just can't see this.Maybe some of you can, but I can't.[%-)]

[Tracklayer]

I'm on a tight budget, and can't really aford the expensive cars. A lot of my rolling stock is what's known as slightly used/second hand in very good to like new condition, and I'm very grateful to be able to at least get that. Maybe one of these days I'll win the lottery and be able to buy anything I want (dream on Tracklayer...).

Tracklayer

[Anonymous]

Geeze you guys! Limited edition high accuracy stuff costs more, and is usually of interest only to a select small group of modelers, NOT because they are expensive, but because kits like this usually represent prototypes of interest to a smaller group of potential buyers. What is there to criticise? You ought to see what its like in O scale and On3, NOT On30 mass produced cheap stuff, but real On3. I would LOVE to have 40 dollar prices for high detail cars......Instead we have much higher prices to pay than HO and N, requiring careful planning of how hobby dollars are spent.

There are plenty of very affordable products in HO and N scale, and also some low volume specialty items that cost much more. Its called 'having choices' .....Please don't get bent out of shape that some special products are offered for a special interest market segment.

[Anonymous]

Orson,

My they have been busy at Sunshine!! The list is 16 pages long!! Thanks for sharing.

[JohnT14808]

Better look closer, TrainNut.....some of the entries on those 16 pages are 'discontinued' or 'sold out'.....
I think Jennifer has hit it on the head. Some like the detail and are willing to pay for it, some don't. Isn't it nice to belong to a hobby with such flexibility??!?