Rocky Mountain Train Show Manufacturer report - of sorts.

[wcfn100]

I went to the Rocky Mountain Train Show yesterday and there were a few manufacturers which I asked a few questions.

Walthers had a small both which they displayed zero N scale stuff.  Sounds like there is some internal push for more N scale and with the new management now would be a good time to send them e-mails about what you'd like to see.  I asked of the old LL Centuries could be run and got in return a nightmare story about the acquisition of LL.  Overall I got no indication of anything new, but the guys at the booth basically said they don't know any sooner than what gets out on the internet.  They were both N scalers and would love everyone to send Walthers all their N scale ideas.

Hornby was a bit of a surprise to see at the show.  No SW1 samples only the U28C.  I asked if they had any plans to release their new coupler for sale and they said it's been talked about but not a priority.  I asked when we might see the SW1 and was told maybe this year.  I was also told the that Charlie Vlk coupler is dead, at least with Hornby.  I asked if they had any plans on something other than locomotives and they said that they would likely not do steam because of all the specific road variations.  I was asked what I'd like to see and said an updated GP30.

Kato had a sad little booth mostly featuring the sound system which should have more sounds in a month IIRC which should have a steam cartridge to go with the UP steamer.  THey had on display the F2/3s and some ATSF 'Late Warbonnet' F3s.   I haven't been able to find the ATSF B units and asked if they were going to run them again and he said 'What, the new one's?".  So if you were looking for these, I guess they've been or are being restocked without much notice.  I also pitched the idea of a new roof for the the F3/F7 with low fans and DB vent. This one roof would yield two new F3 Phases.  Leon said to email him directly so will see where it goes.

Intermountain didn't have a booth but I saw Bill (of former Red Caboose) at the Whiteriver Publications booth.  Sounds like the -2's are still getting tweeked.  I didn't try and pin down anything in particular moslty because because he was just there socially and there are just too many questions to cover in regards to that loco. Plus Bill is sales and probably wouldn't know all the details.  I did get the official word on Red Caboose.  All the HO is now officially IM and all the N scale including parts is FVM.

BLI had a booth but no M1 samples, just the Centipedes and a couple freight cars.  I asked about future N scale production and as long as I didn't misunderstand, was told that the new catalog next month will have a new N scale steamer.

Apart from that there was a vender selling Bachmann Piggyback flats for $22.  They did have Yale.  If that's a good price, I took a card and can PM the information.


Jason

[pjm20]

BLI had a booth but no M1 samples, just the Centipedes and a couple freight cars.  I asked about future N scale production and as long as I didn't misunderstand, was told that the new catalog next month will have a new N scale steamer.
Jason

K4! K4! K4! 

[Missaberoad]

I believe the c424 tooling was owned by lifelike canada. (hobbycraft?)

Its no big loss tho... It was only accurate for one locomotive (CP 8300) for the first couple years of existence. A proper c424/425 would be a welcome addition... I

[Puddington]

I believe the c424 tooling was owned by lifelike canada. (hobbycraft?)

Its no big loss tho... It was only accurate for one locomotive (CP 8300) for the first couple years of existence. A proper c424/425 would be a welcome addition... I

... and it was only "sort of" accurate at that...... still; a bird in the hand.......

The problem with tooling is that it gets damaged, it gets old, it gets worn out; it becomes dated and "out of date"; it doesn't meet the requirements of new producers, it gets lost...... and tooling becomes "home sick".... meaning it's really hard to move tools from one factory within China... trust me; it's not as easy as identifying your tools, backing up a van; loading up, saying thanks and driving away....not by a long shot.

In short tooling has a limited life in both design and "reality". The designs are as valuable and perhaps more valuable..... while tooling isn't cheap, it isn't as expensive if your final files are intact and represent the final production made from the original tool.

I would be willing to wager a 12 of Molson's without knowing anything factual that the C424 tools that were used for the last run of n scale loco's are no longer in truly serviceable condition and would need to be either augmented or replaced were Walther's to want to re-run them. Did Walther's get the final files.....? Is the original tool maker still in business and do they have files......? If the files are available and intact; are they modern.... I mean; we've come a long way since they were produced; do the files need updating; does the model need updating....? Is the chassie DCC friendly? What changes, improvements are needed to the entire project and how much will that cost ? How much will the new tool cost and how fast can you get it done....?

It's a daunting task; you'd think re-runs would be a slam dunk; they are not....... 

[Missaberoad]

It's a daunting task; you'd think re-runs would be a slam dunk; they are not....... 

I think its especially true since the original production was split between two companies, and both of those companies have had major transitions :S
I imagine the c424 and the Canadian gp9's are unfortunately lost...

I would love to be wrong tho...

[ednadolski]

I was tempted to go today but did not have time. (and Caboosie has a sale today too !)

Ed

[reinhardtjh]

BLI had a booth but no M1 samples, just the Centipedes and a couple freight cars.  I asked about future N scale production and as long as I didn't misunderstand, was told that the new catalog next month will have a new N scale steamer.

K4! K4! K4! 

Or H9/10sb!  Or L1s  Or I1sa  They have done all of these in HO    Well, the L1s is coming soon.

Of course, it could be a I-5...

[OldEastRR]

Didn't Terry Thompson - once managing editor of MR -- go to Walters and the production dept? He had some really innovative ideas in his MR editorials and seemed like a guy willing to go to bat for N scale. Maybe try writing to him at Walthers about N scale possibilities. Like doing at least HALF of the their HO buildings in N!

[mcjaco]

Didn't Terry Thompson - once managing editor of MR -- go to Walters and the production dept? He had some really innovative ideas in his MR editorials and seemed like a guy willing to go to bat for N scale. Maybe try writing to him at Walthers about N scale possibilities. Like doing at least HALF of the their HO buildings in N!

He did.  And from what I've heard from some of the guys, it's not been smooth at all.  And that's with HO.  They won't even discuss N. 

I know that the new Metroliners were the last Amtrak project they'll do in some time, as Terry does not like Amtrak......

[peteski]

He did.  And from what I've heard from some of the guys, it's not been smooth at all.  And that's with HO.  They won't even discuss N. 

I know that the new Metroliners were the last Amtrak project they'll do in some time, as Terry does not like Amtrak......

Oh the drama of the behind-the-scenes model-railroad world!  Sounds like a good candidate for a reality show!  They seem to have covered everything else already. 

[kschmidt626]

I guess "It was nice to talk you" would be the best way to start this.  I was one of the N Scalers at the Walthers booth that told you to send N scale ideas to Walthers.  I enjoyed the show and everyone that we talked to was great.  Looking forward to next year. 

Keith

[towl1996]

Walthers needs N scale ideas...?

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

Walthers needs N scale ideas...?

Because they are dumber than a pile of bricks. I know i know that is insulting to bricks, at least bricks are useful for building homes.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Because they are dumber than a pile of bricks. I know i know that is insulting to bricks, at least bricks are useful for building homes.

Damn, that's a bit much, isn't it?

[James Costello]

I guess "It was nice to talk you" would be the best way to start this.  I was one of the N Scalers at the Walthers booth that told you to send N scale ideas to Walthers.  I enjoyed the show and everyone that we talked to was great.  Looking forward to next year. 

Keith

Hi Keith @kschmidt626 - which email address should we send these suggestions to?

Here's some starting points for you:

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2915
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2916
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2917
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2918
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3024
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3038
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3081
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3085
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3086
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3098
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3760
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-4042

Feel free to check out Eric's great Housatonic layout to get a feel for how good big structures and warehouses look in N:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=25361.0