ScaleTrains Dash 9 Run 3 - NS Tops Hats & Frankenlocos

[Smike]

https://www.scaletrains.com/product-category/rivet-counter-n-scale-ge-dash-9/


First RD # of the NS Top Hat in sound sound out. 

[Mark5]

Damn, I'll need a TopHat for my modest NS fleet.

[jagged ben]

'Frankenloco' but no H1?

[James Costello]

The email newsletter also has for January 2021 an announcement of "an often requested N Scale freight car" which has me intrigued.

[POVC]

The email newsletter also has for January 2021 an announcement of "an often requested N Scale freight car" which has me intrigued.

Hope it's the Greenbrier Multi-max autorack they did in HO...

Tim

[Chris333]

What is a Top Hat and Frankenloco

[Shaggy170]

I'm happy they finally did the tophat. I feel like they have been hinting at making it eventually during the first two runs. Already got one pre-ordered along with a frankenloco and #4560 (unit with a CR-Q door).

[Shaggy170]

What is a Top Hat and Frankenloco

TopHat is a nickname for the spartan cab (standard cab) C40-9 units that NS ordered. Named for the large AC units on the cabs that look like tophats.

BNSF has several frankenlocos which are the result of replacing the middle section with parts from another unit and the paint job doesnt match. Smaller instances are common like mismatched battery boxes or access doors.

[w neal]

Hope it's the Greenbrier Multi-max autorack they did in HO...

Tim

I'd like that model as well, but both Atlas and SC brought in a new barrier. I am OUTRAGED at anyone having to pay $75 for a plastic autorack. For the first time, I wanted a model's sales to totally fail. When freight cars reach those prices, I don't care to hear anyone comment about how the hobby is faltering.

[davefoxx]

I'd like that model as well, but both Atlas and SC brought in a new barrier. I am OUTRAGED at anyone having to pay $75 for a plastic autorack. For the first time, I wanted a model's sales to totally fail. When freight cars reach those prices, I don't care to hear anyone comment about how the hobby is faltering.

Is the $75.00 street price or MSRP?  I understand how that price is steep, especially if you're building a unit train.

But, I have to add to be careful what you wish for.  Anytime a model fails to sell, the manufacturer is taking a potentially huge hit on the bottom line.  That affects other products that they are making, R&D, and future models.  I also vote with my wallet, but I would never call for a boycott or wish ill-will on any model manufacturer.  These guys ain't exactly bringing in the big bucks.  Refer to the MTL TBOX thread for an idea of the sheer amount of work required to bring a good quality model to market: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=50906.0.

DFF

[w neal]

Oh nevermind.    Same ole. Sale ole. Round and round.

[dem34]

Adding my 2 cents to what was said by Dave. There has to be a legitimate reason for it to be high even if it is just a plastic freight car.
Conversation always reminds me the slew of 00 startup manufacturers out of Britain that were so gung ho to undercut Hornby's entry level market share only to find that when all was said and done they were losing money hand over fist selling products only £5 cheaper than the mfgs they thought they could topple.
Hell, I'm pretty personally convinced the Firebox fiasco happened because our the one in charge realized that at the end of the day if he wanted to turn any profit with the FCC compliant mods he'd just be selling a less capable SPROG at the same price point.

[sundowner]

I'd like that model as well, but both Atlas and SC brought in a new barrier. I am OUTRAGED at anyone having to pay $75 for a plastic autorack. For the first time, I wanted a model's sales to totally fail. When freight cars reach those prices, I don't care to hear anyone comment about how the hobby is faltering.

The new run of FVM/IM former RC racks are msrp at $70. People will pay over that on ebay for the old run. When RC first made them in the early 2000 they were around $40.

[peteski]

The new run of FVM/IM former RC racks are msrp at $70. People will pay over that on ebay for the old run. When RC first made them in the early 2000 they were around $40.

I guess the days of a $4 boxcar, and a $40 locomotive are long gone.

[Mark5]

I guess the days of a $4 boxcar, and a $40 locomotive are long gone.

I think I paid $16 for my new Atlas SD45, but that was a "few" years ago!