2016 NSE Convention in Overland Park (Kansas City) KS — news

[bbussey]

More Atlas, including Z scale c55 flex track.

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[bbussey]

Walthers finally is offering new structures in N.  They also had the Tomytec bus running on an oval.

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[bbussey]

The ScaleTrains coupler is NOT magnet-compliant.  It must be operated with a RIX or similar stick tool, as they seem to believe that is the preference of the majority of N modelers.  Fortunately, their coupler boxes are 1015-compatable and will accept MTLs, MTL-clones, Accu-Mates, and McHenrys.

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[bbussey]

Additional disappointing news — the BLI stockcar tooling is solid for ALL versions of the model, including the non-sound version.  Ken does not seem to be concerned that there will be blowback against compromising the model for what amounts to a gimmick feature.  Upon further reviewing the samples on the table, the ends, roof and possibly the side cross braces can be salvaged to kitbash an X23 boxcar or R7 reefer.

[Missaberoad]

Additional disappointing news — the BLI stockcar tooling is solid for ALL versions of the model, including the non-sound version.  Ken does not seem to be concerned that there will be blowback against compromising the model for what amounts to a gimmick feature.  Upon further reviewing the samples on the table, the ends, roof and possibly the side cross braces can be salvaged to kitbash an X23 boxcar or R7 reefer.

Incredibly disappointing... Well no Milwaukee foobies and 100$ stays in my pocket...

[bbussey]

And finally, a sound-equipped FL9 took a spin on the convention layout with an NSC baggage car in tow.

[Chris333]

Odd that a sound car has solid walls  You'd think they want the sound to get out.

I have an old steam cuff sound car in a Atlas stock car.

[Bob Bufkin]

Does the FL9 have the Hancock Whistle?

[C855B]

Additional disappointing news — the BLI stockcar tooling is solid for ALL versions of the model, including the non-sound version.  Ken does not seem to be concerned that there will be blowback against compromising the model for what amounts to a gimmick feature. ...

But between the stock car and the water tower, it's starting to sound (...no pun...) just a bit like the sound features are being thumped a bit hard and modeling is becoming an afterthought. Trying my damnedest not to be snarky about it, but I gave up gimmick sounds and silly automation when I graduated out of Lionel and American Flyer.

 

[bbussey]

Does the FL9 have the Hancock Whistle?

Yes.

[wcfn100]

Incredibly disappointing... Well no Milwaukee foobies and 100$ stays in my pocket...

The model is a mess anyway, not having open slates is just unbelievable.


Jason

[Dave V]

But between the stock car and the water tower, it's starting to sound (...no pun...) just a bit like the sound features are being thumped a bit hard and modeling is becoming an afterthought. Trying my damnedest not to be snarky about it, but I gave up gimmick sounds and silly automation when I graduated out of Lionel and American Flyer.

 

My thoughts exactly...  BLI can and does some fantastic prototypical stuff; I wished they'd stick with that niche rather than trying to be the MTH of N scale.  Some gimmickry doesn't scale well to N.  I was also thinking "Lionel" with that water tank.

Nevertheless I have no N scale stock cars for my PRR layout.  I might consider one of the sound-equipped ones for fun if they turn up with a decent street price.  But not going to break the bank for it.  Also not going for a "quiet" one if the body is solid.

In the meantime I'm bracing myself for BLI's PRR T1.

[djconway]

When they release the ducking stock caring giraffe they will have reached Lionel level.
BLI has some great models, but, leave the gimmicks to the toy train makers.

[OldEastRR]

Bryan:

Tell Walthers to re-run a big batch of ONLY their Modulars Wall Columns and Caps in N. Then all the other unsold sets would be useful again, maybe even clear out the old inventory of them dealers have.

[powersteamguy1790]

Bryan:

Thanks for all the fine photo's. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Bob