Micro-Trains 10-1-2 Sleeper Schemes

[wcfn100]

The actual question is why the proto schemes don't come out first.

Well that was sort of answered.  Prototype modelers rank somewhere after the guy's who have to sneak trains into the kitchen when their wife's gone.  So hopefully they're pretty high on the list. 


And for the record, I don't know a single member who doesn't like Micro-Trains or has any issues with you Joe. 

Jason

[sizemore]

It's not that foobie schemes are done that is the issue.  It's necessary in order to finance the prototypical releases.

The issue is that when a new model is released, you generally don't see prototypical schemes released initially.  Or, you see blatantly inaccurate schemes released prior to most of the prototypical schemes.

 Especially when the heavyweights have tended to be released two schemes at a time when they appear.

I think ya missed my argument. Regardless if its a foob, its what sells that matters. My ultimate point is that they're making what has a better chance of selling to keep the lights on while giving the other masses what they want at a later date. Joe pretty much confirmed what I thought.

The S.

[Alwyn Cutmore]

Hi Joe,

I do contact you or MTL and do get replies. I am very thankful for your response and while I may be critical on some issues with regard to the HW coaches I am not. I was a little miffed about the RPO but of late have changed my mind and purchased a number for cut up to make proper Pennsy Head end cars.

While they may not have been what I was after initially I can use them for a number of cars to completed as varies roster of Head end car. I do agree with Dave on this.

While the new coach my not be Pennsy I am sure that with little effort it will be made into a P70 or P70 variant. Now all we need is the riveted bogies (for the US modeller trucks ) similar to Lima/Model Power units but with MTL quality and availability and made in the USA.

Go get em Joe. :

Regards

[JoeD]

After getting off work and out of the pressure cooker (and a beer under the belt) I wanted everyone to know that I really respect what is going on here on Railwire.  It's why I keep coming back.  So much to learn and this is one of the very few forums where serious stuff gets done.  We all have our passions and blather on about them, sometimes going too far, or not far enough.  I also appreciate that folks don't always "get" what we are doing, but I see the bottom line everyday and see what is working and what hasn't.  Thankfully we can go out on a limb from time to time and offer a suggestion from guys on this forum...re the Interstate 2 bay hoppers  http://needtrains.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=4141&zenid=a5703b1e7ddee6e7a8ea8119f407a800 which was offered up with a compelling narrative, but proved to perform poorly.  Others have been homeruns...  I don't have any regrets about any of those decisions and stood by them because I felt it was important enough to do something different and see what happens.  If a few folks finally got what they have wanted, then I feel I did my job.   I'll keep chipping away at it...lets hope the Shipx 3 dome tank car pack does better  and Mark can change his signature!

Joe

[Puddington]

But that is kinda the point. Some of us aren't buying that would if some of those proto schemes were being done.  And once again, as has been stated twice already, no one is against the foobie or fantasy schemes. The actual question is why the proto schemes don't come out first. However it never gets answered and we somehow end up talking about the foobie and fantasy schemes again.

... and Bill, I understand that feeling; you would purchase proto schemes; as would I. That said, do we really think that MTL marketing research is so flawed that they have missed you and I ? I suspect not; I'm sure that for every Mike, Bill and other Railwire proto guy there are "x" number more who want what MTL is offering....The simple answer to why the foob's come in the order they do is "that's what MTL marketing says will sell.......... and they've been around for a while so I guess they aren't completely wrong........ pity the fact !

[Chris333]

I would buy a single Shipx 3-dome, but don't need a "pack" of them. Same with the Interstate hoppers. I want diversity not multiples of the same car. If they sell in packs then that is fine, but please sell them separtly.

[wazzou]

I would buy a single Shipx 3-dome, but don't need a "pack" of them. Same with the Interstate hoppers. I want diversity not multiples of the same car. If they sell in packs then that is fine, but please sell them separtly.

+1

[DKS]

I would buy a single Shipx 3-dome, but don't need a "pack" of them. Same with the Interstate hoppers. I want diversity not multiples of the same car. If they sell in packs then that is fine, but please sell them separtly.

Strongly suspect they'll be available individually through some eBayer or dealer. Price may be a bit higher than normal, but I would expect that sort of thing.

[SkipGear]

All they are trying to do is finish up the series of cars they have started before tackling new road names. MTL could be like the Centrailia cars and you could wait for years and years for a second car in your road name to be produced after they made the first one that got you hooked. I'm also happy that they are not dumping complete sets of cars in the same road at once. I don't think I could afford the day when the B&O stuff starts rolling out if they dumped them all at once.

The other issue is simple economics. Why produce the protypical first. Some people buy whatever is new, because it is new, not because it is correct. Get those cars out of the way first and complete the sets of cars for the road names already run. Once those are done, then work to the proto stuff that will sell to the people who are more picky. It makes perfect sense to me. You may not like it but it makes business sense.

The proto cars will come and those that want them will buy them. If they blow their wad in the beginning, nothing keeps sales going later in life. Always leave them wanting more.

[jmlaboda]

"Not sure why I bother sometimes because there are folks who just don't like MTL (or me) and no matter what will find fault."

I am sure Charlie Vlk would understand how you feel...

"A lot of folks wanted it to complete the train...expect it on the Diner too. (give you a head start on the complaining)"

As I have already stated Pullman did indeed have coaches, and a scary thought for some, operated a large number of dining cars as well, which did, indeed carry the "PULLMAN" name.  The only question, really, is what plan will be used for the diner.  Once that can be announced I will try to match up car names for you all...

Pullman Plan 3952 (and subclasses) were PULL #1 - #16... sold to ACL, ERIE and NH.
#16 with NYC lettering for the 1926 Cardinals' Train though it was never a NYC car.
http://www.themetrains.com/images/cardinals/cardinals-train-04-800x.jpg

Plan 3954 #188 - #193... sold to ACL and KCS.

Plan 4004 #17 - 22... sold to ACL and NH.
"re the Interstate 2 bay hoppers"

What???  Well I will have to buy some of these once the new year starts because I know some will show up in shipments to my roads...

[jmlaboda]

"However, I have since relented and bought two for cutting up and making my own prototype."

Speaking of which there is a great article by Claus Schlund in the current Keystone Modeler on how to build the M70A mail car.  While PRR only had 2 cars, numbered 8616 and 8617, the N&W had 12 Class Me, numbered 1100 - 1111.  All were later rebuilt to other car types...
http://www.prrths.com/Keystone%20Modeler/Keystone_Modeler_PDFs/TKM%20No.%2075%20Autumn%202010.pdf

[Alwyn Cutmore]

Hi Jerry,

While the article by Claus is the catalyst for my cutup the way and how are my own.  That is not to take away from the excellent work of Claus.

Regards

[rogergperkins]

I just came from the LHS and asked the owner to reserve the two Pullman coaches for me that he will receive in his standing ordered.

The Micro-Trains Line rolling stock has brought me a tremendous amount of enjoyment during the 37 or so years that I have been purchasing them.  I would not have stayed in n-scale is it had not been for the consistent high quality of their products.

These heavyweight passenger cars seem to have brought out more critics than usual.
Personally I am delighted with each of the body styles that has been released to date.
I am very pleased that Joe has posted on this forum to share some inside views of MTL and to opening ask for input and suggestions.

[CBQ Fan]

GN, PRR and UP I think have all been released in each car except the new coach.

Here's the list.

140 00 040   Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe   RPO Heavyweight Passenger Car
141 00 040   Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe   10-1-2 Heavyweight Sleeper Car

140 00 030   Burlington   RPO Heavyweight Passenger Car

144 00 080   Canadian Pacific   3-2 Heavyweight Observation Car

140 00 010   Great Northern   RPO Heavyweight Passenger Car
141 00 020   Great Northern   10-1-2 Heavyweight Sleeper Car
142 00 020   Great Northern   12-1 Heavyweight Sleeper Car
143 00 020   Great Northern   28-1 Heavyweight Parlor Car
144 00 020   Great Northern   3-2 Heavyweight Observation Car

140 00 020   New York, New Haven & Hartford   RPO Heavyweight Passenger Car

144 00 050   Pennsylvania   3-2 Heavyweight Observation Car
140 00 050   Pennsylvania    RPO Heavyweight Passenger Car
141 00 050   Pennsylvania    10-1-2 Heavyweight Sleeper Car
142 00 050   Pennsylvania    12-1 Heavyweight Sleeper Car
143 00 050   Pennsylvania    28-1 Heavyweight Parlor Car

141 00 010   Pullman   10-1-2 Heavyweight Sleeper Car
142 00 010   Pullman   12-1 Heavyweight Sleeper Car
143 00 010   Pullman   28-1 Heavyweight Parlor Car
144 00 010   Pullman   3-2 Heavyweight Observation Car
145 00 010   Pullman   Heavyweight Paired-Window Coach Car
145 00 010   Pullman   Heavyweight Paired-Window Coach Car

140 00 200   Ringling Bros. Extravaganza 'Miss Leitzel' Car   RPO Heavyweight Passenger Car

142 00 040   Santa Fe   12-1 Heavyweight Sleeper Car
143 00 040   Santa Fe   28-1 Heavyweight Parlor Car
144 00 040   Santa Fe   3-2 Heavyweight Observation Car

140 00 070   Southern Pacific   RPO Heavyweight Passenger Car
144 00 070   Southern Pacific   3-2 Heavyweight Observation Car
145 00 070   Southern Pacific   Heavyweight Paired-Window Coach Car
145 00 070   Southern Pacific   Heavyweight Paired-Window Coach Car

140 00 060   Union Pacific   RPO Heavyweight Passenger Car
141 00 060   Union Pacific   10-1-2 Heavyweight Sleeper Car
142 00 060   Union Pacific   12-1 Heavyweight Sleeper Car
143 00 060   Union Pacific   28-1 Heavyweight Parlor Car
144 00 060   Union Pacific   3-2 Heavyweight Observation Car

Jason

Boy that Burlington RPO sure looks lonely!!

[Sokramiketes]

Boy that Burlington RPO sure looks lonely!!

MTL should do this Q 12-1 to go with it!