Left on the Table

[Denver Road Doug]

OK, there have been several mentions of Kato not stepping up to the plate with regards to road names.  For example, the bajillion possible SD40-2's they could do.

Naturally, this is due to FVM's GEVO announcement.

To the casual observer, this would seem like something akin to "printing money".  So what is the resistance, and what is the solution?

I don't think anyone will attempt to purposefully go head-to-head vs. Kato, but it does seem the the GEVO will be on Kato's short list.  Having said that, Kato sits on the hundreds of SD40-2 schemes.

It goes even further.  We have at least 4 manufacturers making Bethgons right now.  So, why do they all keep making the same roadnames?  Yes, as a BNSF fan I'm being taken care of, but BNSF's money comes from the utility cars.   There are dozens of VERY COMMON schemes out there, yet no takers.  The bethgons are pretty simple schemes, yet we still see the same BNSF, UP, CN, stuff.  I can understand doing that to amortize tooling, but then just sitting on the tooling like that?

I had sent DI a lot of research on "missing" Bethgons prior to their sale, and I guess that all got "S*** Canned" when they sold out.  It seems like very little interest in "not mainstream" Bethogons since the old DI exited stage right.  They did some cool schemes in the day, like the SATX gons.

SO my question is...what does it take to get a scheme done?   I'm still hoping for JB Hunt specific 53ft containers, BNSF H2 specific Dash 9's, and at least 4 different Bethgons that have never seen the light of day.  Am I whizzing in the wind?

[Denver Road Doug]

OK, possibly I mispoke...BNSF's money comes from THEIR cars given the opportunity.  BUT, they have far more utility cars eating up their revenue given a strategic mistake by BN back in the 80's.   Carry on....

[James Costello]

SO my question is...what does it take to get a scheme done?   I'm still hoping for JB Hunt specific 53ft containers, BNSF H2 specific Dash 9's, and at least 4 different Bethgons that have never seen the light of day.  Am I whizzing in the wind?

I'm hoping for the Hunts and the BNSF Dash 9's too Doug.

Athearn could pull the Hunt's out of the air, but I'm not hopeful we'll see a Hunt specific can anytime soon... so I'm thinking of doing something myself. I'll keep you posted if it sees light of day.

Unfortunately Intermountain had no intention to bring their HO containers, which does include a Duraplate container good for Hunt, to N when I last asked them.

[asarge]

don't think anyone will attempt to purposefully go head-to-head vs. Kato, but it does seem the the GEVO will be on Kato's short list.  Having said that, Kato sits on the hundreds of SD40-2 schemes.

IM already went head-to-head on the F3's and 7's. Kato still produces their F's because the toolings already paid for and they may have alot of shells and parts. Besides, they seem to be producing them in conjunction with the passenger trains and a few other passenger schemes. The same with the SD40-2's. Although i expect another couple of schemes in the not too distant future.Kato has told me more than once that they will explore the SD70ACE versions fully b4 they try a GEVO. There are more than ne version and alot of schemes to go. I don;t see a GEVO in their future for quite awhile. I didn;t expect them for another 2 or 3 years anyway. Now it may be alot longer. Everybody knows that Kato is a global company and the North American market has to compete for Kato's attention along with the a buch of other markets. They are a great company.

[Mark5]

OK, there have been several mentions of Kato not stepping up to the plate with regards to road names.  For example, the bajillion possible SD40-2's they could do.

Naturally, this is due to FVM's GEVO announcement.

Actually it's the same old complaint. Recurring over and over on many forums.

Some enterprising company eventually will go head to head on Kato, and if they do it right, will kick their keister.

Mark

[bbussey]

... SO my question is...what does it take to get a scheme done?   I'm still hoping for JB Hunt specific 53ft containers, BNSF H2 specific Dash 9's, and at least 4 different Bethgons that have never seen the light of day.  Am I whizzing in the wind?

Most likely guaranteed reservations so they don't get stuck investing a few thousand and not recouping that investment to advance other projects.

You always can approach them to produce a special run for you.

[3rdrail]

I asked several years ago. The minimum requirement of any manufacturer was 200 units. Cost to me slightly less than 3 grand. When several said they'd but only if it had a door from Mfr. "A", sides from "B", and roof and ends from "C", I thought, no wonder they say model train manufacturers are in it for the love, not the money!!

[kiwi_al]

BNSF H2 specific Dash 9's,

These should be announced soon Doug  ;D ;D
I have just about finished a correct BNSF Phase 2a Dash 9 with Gullwing cab and on top of pilot mounted ditchliights wide handrails in H1 and halfway through adjusting the H2 Phase 2b series with 4 window cab and correct rear end (Modified AC4400W rear end) and aircon etc. Given Murphys law or Randy's  Law the loco should be announced just after I post pictures of the finished item  ;D