Pennsy M1

[Norway2112]

Only thing I don't get is why the shells are so expensive.
Afterall, it's only resin.

And I guess there's $80 worth of material in a KATO diesel?.....you're not just paying for the resin, you're paying for the amount of time this guy is spending prepping the master, building the mold box, mixing the silicone and setting up the equipment.  Then once the mold is poured, he will then have to spend more time tweaking and perfecting it to get a good casting out of it, which can only be verified by pouring test castings, many of which get trashed.  So that's even more material used. 

My suspicion is anyone who complains about the price hasn't cast an engine before to know how time consuming getting to that first casting is, that or thinks other people's time has no value.

Point being, you're not just paying for materials.

[VonRyan]

And I guess there's $80 worth of material in a KATO diesel?.....you're not just paying for the resin, you're paying for the amount of time this guy is spending prepping the master, building the mold box, mixing the silicone and setting up the equipment.  Then once the mold is poured, he will then have to spend more time tweaking and perfecting it to get a good casting out of it, which can only be verified by pouring test castings, many of which get trashed.  So that's even more material used. 

My suspicion is anyone who complains about the price hasn't cast an engine before to know how time consuming getting to that first casting is, that or thinks other people's time has no value.

Point being, you're not just paying for materials.

I understand the process for casting in resin (recall that I am close friends with the man who was behind Camden & Amboy Models) as well as basic business principles.

I just don't see how only a shell can cost $100 when most complete engines can be had for the same price.


-Cody F.

[Dave V]

Cody, are you suggesting Jason can make these by the thousands to make the individual price point more to your liking?

Where do you think the shape of the locomotive comes from?  How many of the castings he makes do you think end up actually being usable?

I'm not trying to be mean, but I really don't think you understand just how much initial investment of time and materials goes into this, and how little money he will make with such few units even priced as they are.

[delamaize]

I understand the process for casting in resin (recall that I am close friends with the man who was behind Camden & Amboy Models) as well as basic business principles.

I just don't see how only a shell can cost $100 when most complete engines can be had for the same price.


-Cody F.

The reason they are $100 is because everything that was already said, and the fact that he is one guy, making small batches, small runs. His castings are well worth every dime they cost.

You can't co pair a "complete engine" from a mass manufacture, to a one off, small batch one man operation, turning out quality from his own workbench, witch I might add he's doing this for our benefit.

If you don't like the price, don't buy one. Or do one of your own for less, if you can. I'd be willing to bet you can't.

Jason, you make it really hard to stay true to the norther pacific sometimes!!! Lol wish I had an excuse to get a set of castings, but I got too many projects on my workbench right now as is.

[superturbine]

Thanks Guys!

Fortionately,  I have 2 other jobs which pays for my Hobby! 

On special right now!  CUP OF URETHANE 36 CENTS PLUS SHIPPING

[VonRyan]

Cody, are you suggesting Jason can make these by the thousands to make the individual price point more to your liking?

Where do you think the shape of the locomotive comes from?  How many of the castings he makes do you think end up actually being usable?

I'm not trying to be mean, but I really don't think you understand just how much initial investment of time and materials goes into this, and how little money he will make with such few units even priced as they are.

You don't sound mean to my ears. A reasonable amount of conjecture is healthy.

I'm well aware of the time involved and the limited number of shells that Jason produces, but the numbers just don't add up to me.
Now I'll admit that maybe I am not seeing something in the correct light.

While it is certainly not my place to ask, but the only way I could come to understand where the $100 figure is coming from is if Jason where to provide some insight as to the cost of raw materials, how much of the materials go into one specific run of shells, the time involved and it's assumed value, and any remaining profit margin.
(Again, not my place to ask, and Jason certainly doesn't have to explain himself to anyone except his accountant and the IRS.  )

I'll just leave it at that since I'm certainly not helping Jason to blow a hole in the PRR brass market. 

Thanks Guys!

Fortionately,  I have 2 other jobs which pays for my Hobby! 

On special right now!  CUP OF URETHANE 36 CENTS PLUS SHIPPING

I'll trade you a cup of #1 copper... 



-Cody F.

[superturbine]

I appreciate the curiosity Cody.  But this thread was more about those interested in a N scale Pennsy M1 urethane cast body.  I would rather not go into the economics of a very small run of castings.  I will count you as uninterested.   No problem.

Gladly Blowing a hole in the cost of the Pennsy steam market!

Jason Smith
Tomball Locomotive Works!

[robert3985]

Jason, YOU da MAN!!  A true gentleman and a scholar and you've got a boatload more patience than I would have had if I were putting up with the same HS shoveled your way.

My hat is off to you once again! 

[kelticsylk]

FWIW

I have to apologize in that I'm probably among the folks who was interested in the K4 shell but didn't buy one. Like Cody, I had sticker shock when I heard the price. Still, I do appreciate the effort that goes into these little gems, especially when I think that all that work is for something Jason may not use personally.

Having said that, I actually did try to sell my decrepit bass boat so I could purchase the T1 and K4 shells (dead serious). Unfortunately the one "buyer" never showed up. My loss all around. I have to settle for the Trix steamers I can scavenge off E-Bay.

Jason please don't let buttheads like me discourage you from your craft.

[CodyO]

I`d buy two of them!

[Dave V]

Filing/grinding the siderods to look more like an M1...  I'm not scared of much of anything in this hobby, but messing with valve gear in N scale always gives me fits.  I have disassembled and reassembled the Bachmann light mountain's gear enough times that I still get night terrors about it...

What's your technique?

[superturbine]

Leave all of the valve gear on the engine and removed the rods and take a hand file and reshape. It really is pretty simple and the rods are tough!

[JMaurer1]

I've done my own casting before and I have bought several shells from Jason and I've already put in an order for one of his upcoming projects. The casting part is rather easy, it's the MASTER that is hard. For $100 it's worth it (to me) to be able to build engines that I would like to have but don't have the time to scratch myself or want to spent the money to buy in brass (if I could even find them). You won't find better quality or detail that what Jason does. Heck, I'm tempted to buy that cup of urethane just to have something else from him.

Don't like his prices, DO BUY ANYTHING FROM HIM. But you won't find better work for any price (short of brass and sometimes not even then). Keep up the awesome work Jason and don't listen to the haters.

[chicken45]

I don't think anyone, specifically Cody, has a problem with the prices. He asked a question, not meant ot offend, but to widen his understanding. It's like on Pawn Stars. People want to sell their item for retail price, now whole sale price. Not everyone understands all that. I'm sure now he does. Time to move on, kids!
Jason's castings are top notch. He's great to deal with, super nice, friendly...and yes, patient, not quick to judge, or crucify. Worth the price, IMHO.
If those more knowledgeable than me can figure out a way to do a J1 or a post war M1, I'm in.
The fiscal cash black hole season is upon us. I try to buy PRR stuff even if it is outside my era (like some of the recent ESM offerings) to support them and hope that we get more. I'll eventually go in for each one of Jason's castings. I'd even pick up a K4 shell!
Jason also has an insane turnaround of these shells. The wallet does not have enough time to recover before he lets loose another shell!

[superturbine]

Wow.... thanks guys!

Houston, the Pennsy M1 is a GO!