Scale Trains Live video from 2/11/21 (5 new N scale locos in the pipeline?)

[robert3985]

Welllllll, If I were planning on producing a new N-scale, never-before-manufactured model, the UP Standard Turbine is exactly the one I would have picked.  I've been saying exactly that on many "what-new-locomotive-should-(insert manufacturer) make-next?" posts. 

I always indicate it would be good because (1) It has never been made before in brass or plastic in N-scale (2) Can be run simultaneously with UP Big Boys, Challengers, FEF's, GTEL Superturbines and many more commonly produced engines & trains (3) Would be easy to make the power chassis compatible with at least two more UP engines....Veranda Turbines and U50B Whirlybirds (4) It's unusual enough that even non-UP modelers would buy it (5) Was common enough prototypically that UP modelers would probably buy as many as they can afford (ME!) (6) The prototypes ran not only on the Wasatch Grade and later Sherman Hill (like Big Boys...which they replaced) but also in and out of Los Angeles on the LA&SL, and also occasionally system-wide giving them a broader appeal than either Big Boys or GTEL Supertubines.

I've got my pre-order in, and will be happy as a clam when I get mine in the middle of this year!!

If ScaleTrains adds more numbers, I'll be ordering them as well.

If ScaleTrains does Verandas, I'll be buying a sh!t-load of them too.

I love U50b's, but they're out of my era, so I won't be buying any...just like regrettably not buying any GTEL Superturbines (but, I was/am sorely tempted!).

Keep up the great work ScaleTrains!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Doug W]

A recent survey of 92+ TRW members disagrees with these notions. 1980+ modelers comprised only 29% of the respondents, with the "average" and "mean" modeling eras centering around 1970.

To a certain respect, "modern sells" because to a certain degree that's what's being offered with emphasis on modeling accuracy, take it or leave it. It is my opinion that 1960-1980 period is perceived as "covered" by Kato, Atlas, etc., nearly all of it with old-school tooling. If ST would step up to the plate with a series of "2nd Generation" diesels - not the least of which would be the SD45 they already have in HO - there is a market out there ready to drop coin on models a tad more faithful to 1:1 proportions than the 30- and 40-year-old tooling the traditional makers are leaning on.

I agree with all of this.

ScaleTrains needs to recognise that N is a different market from HO, but potentially just as profitable. Oddball locomotives (and freight cars) work in HO because HO modellers already have a good supply of standard prototypes. N lacks good, regularly-produced standard prototypes like the SD40 and SD45, which between them accounted for 2500 prototype units in 54 roadnames when new (and many more over their lives). They are useful for layouts from the mid-60s to today. Kato has done these, but releases them sporadically, and their models are old and have only been released in a handful of paint schemes. Many less common prototypes that ran in significant range of paint schemes like the U33/36C have never been produced in N and would also make good candidates for multiple runs.

Cheers

Doug

[Doug W]

Welllllll, If I were planning on producing a new N-scale, never-before-manufactured model, the UP Standard Turbine is exactly the one I would have picked.  I've been saying exactly that on many "what-new-locomotive-should-(insert manufacturer) make-next?" posts. 

I always indicate it would be good because (1) It has never been made before in brass or plastic in N-scale (2) Can be run simultaneously with UP Big Boys, Challengers, FEF's, GTEL Superturbines and many more commonly produced engines & trains (3) Would be easy to make the power chassis compatible with at least two more UP engines....Veranda Turbines and U50B Whirlybirds (4) It's unusual enough that even non-UP modelers would buy it (5) Was common enough prototypically that UP modelers would probably buy as many as they can afford (ME!) (6) The prototypes ran not only on the Wasatch Grade and later Sherman Hill (like Big Boys...which they replaced) but also in and out of Los Angeles on the LA&SL, and also occasionally system-wide giving them a broader appeal than either Big Boys or GTEL Supertubines.

An excellent choice for you Bob, but I don't believe it is for N scale as a whole as per my last post - unless we all become 1950s modellers of specific UP lines!

Cheers

Doug

[Angus Shops]

3466 GP9’s built in the US, and another 646 in Canada and as far as I can tell you can’t currently order one from the manufacturer, and even if you could it’s not up to current standards for N scale locomotives.

[EL3632]

To a certain respect, "modern sells" because to a certain degree that's what's being offered with emphasis on modeling accuracy, take it or leave it.

Since I started working at my LHS, I have kept the notion of "what do N Scalers/model railroaders in general actually model" in the back of my mind, and I can say: I don't know (yet).
Are there trends? Yes. When people come in to the shop quite a lot of first timers ask for models representing CSX/NS, our local Class Is. "Model what you see" is definitely a factor in sales and production, and, believe me, that is known.
Another trend is when first timers come in and ask for trains from their youth, which, depending on their age, runs from PRR to CSX/NS.
I have seen examples of the "young people model modern" group, in both N & HO, but have also seen the opposite, we had a young modeler asking about models of PC in the 1970's, and I know several "young" modelers who are rooted in the 50s to the mid 80s (myself included, I am "young" by most standards, but model the mid 1970s primarily).

Also, to add to the points being raised: I can say there is a trend, regardless of scale, that detailed models sell. New, or upgraded, tooling is good. Modelers in every scale are wanting more detailed items.
There are, of course, modelers who want more value, and I have found that while they are out there, most would prefer a more detailed, albeit more expensive model. I think this has to do with knowing there is a better version out there, but don't quote me on that.

The views in this post are not coming as a direct source from my LHS, and are merely my own opinion and observations.

[EL3632]

3466 GP9’s built in the US, and another 646 in Canada and as far as I can tell you can’t currently order one from the manufacturer, and even if you could it’s not up to current standards for N scale locomotives.

This is indicative of what I think we could really use in N, good, newly tooled, detailed, accurate, core models. We have GP7/9, sure, but the tooling is 30-ish years old at this point and could use an upgrade, same for the SD40/SD45, and other core, non-current engines. Sure, a GEVO is a core engine now, but because of its age, the tooling can't be 30 yet.
I really hope there will be upgrades to already made engines. I would buy a newly tooled Scaletrains or Rapido level engine and possibly replace my existing fleet if it ran well, and I had the money to.
Italicized cause I would actually put my money where my mouth is.

[squirrelhunter]

Beyond not having road specific details or seperate grabs, what's wrong with the Atlas GP-9? I've beat the drum that Atlas should probably have an annual release of their GP-7 and GP-9 tooling, but beyond adding sound the tooling is good.

I don't have a beef with old tooling that is dimensionally accurate- its with all the stuff that's not right, like the Kato SD40/SD45/SD40-2 or Atlas GP30/GP35 where the hood is too wide and its noticeable when compared to all the scale width Atlas, Intermountain,  Athearn, and Scale Trains engines out there. Same with all the 40' Trainman and MT boxcars out there.

On the platform issue, maybe I'm being too harsh, but it sounds too much like how the marketing for the various new build and rebuilt ES type locos. What other series could they really look at as a series of interchangeable parts (from a model basis)?

If they are taking more in terms of a chassis only, then perhaps the GE U23C/U30C/U33C/U36C and C30-7/C36-7 family.

[robert3985]

An excellent choice for you Bob, but I don't believe it is for N scale as a whole as per my last post - unless we all become 1950s modellers of specific UP lines!

Cheers

Doug

Doug @Doug W , it certainly is an excellent choice for me, and for many other prototype UP modelers.  The Standard Turbine (Baby Turbine) and its fraternal twin the Veranda, started on the UP in 1954 and lasted until 1964, giving it an entire decade to be prototypically correct for most of the UP lines, from east to west, from north to south....so, we really do NOT all have to "become 1950's modellers of specific UP lines!" as is your contention, just 1950's and 1960's modellers of the UP. Quite a bit less specific.

My opinion of what is good for N-scale is ANY well-done, well thought-out, well detailed model...even relatively exclusive or obscure ones.  There are enough manufacturers who will fill the voids eventually, and luckily, I am modeling one of the roads whose gaps are probably filled more often than many others, even though (unless I decide to do it) I seriously doubt that any model of UP's most common caboose will ever be made in N-scale....the ubiquitous wooden-bodied, steel-framed CA-1...another model that has never been made in N-scale either in brass or plastic....and no, the Revell/Rapido/Arnold model isn't a CA-1.

I am pretty sure that ScaleTrains is not looking to produce just models of engines that were/are the most prototypically common, nor "what is best for N-scale"...but what is most profitable for themselves, and I sincerely hope they are having remarkable success.

EDIT: Just went to the ScaleTrains site and they are completely sold out of their pre-orders of Standard Turbines.  I suppose I can conclude that this model was a roaring success for them and that there will likely be a second run. Great choice ScaleTrains!

Maybe they'll get into steam engines one day for N-scale.  I could sure use several Rivet-Counter UP TTT's in helper service on my Wasatch Grade!...or some Harriman Era SP & UP Consolidations switching side by side in my Ogden Yard...the SP with a whaleback tender and the UP with its little Vandy tender with an oil bunker installed and extended water hatches or the odd cylindrical tender.  With different tenders, these would be excellent foobs for other roads too...at least as good as the Bachmann 2-8-0 is, and with Rivet-Counter details....YEAH!  Both good for N-scale, and good for ScaleTrains simultaneously.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

 

[jpwisc]

I hope the SDL39 makes it to N, then I wouldn’t have to build my own. With the HO scale sales coming in higher than expected, this may translate into the possibility of good N sales.

[wcfn100]

Maybe they'll get into steam engines one day for N-scale.
 

A Yellowstone would be most welcome.  Hopefully they saw those 5 DM&IR brass ones go for over a grand a piece on E-Bay. 

Jason

[Missaberoad]

A Yellowstone would be most welcome.  Hopefully they saw those 5 DM&IR brass ones go for over a grand a piece on E-Bay. 
Jason

+1 and need a proper Minnesota ore car to go with it!

[Doug W]

My opinion of what is good for N-scale is ANY well-done, well thought-out, well detailed model...even relatively exclusive or obscure ones.
 

I think we'll just have to agree to disagree on this Bob.

We all want a good range of models, but an obscure prototype is ultimately only going to be able to generate a limited number of sales and runs compared to a more-common prototype, so I think it should have a lower priority, regardless of whether I want it. Manufacturers just give up on N if they don't get a high sales return - Exactrail and Hornby are examples of this.

I await further ScaleTrains announcements with interest!

Cheers

Doug

[sd45elect2000]

As an N scaler modeling the late 40s I have a dilemma.

As an ex Milwaukee employee, and an ex WC employee I was actually one of the people that painted out the Milwaukee road on the sides of the engines. I was also party to painting and making modifications to the SDL-39s on the WC like installing and wiring the ditchlights. They copied my brushstrokes to scale.

After CN took over WC I also got the engines ready to travel.

I almost feel the need to buy these in HO, all of them...

[garethashenden]

As an N scaler modeling the late 40s I have a dilemma.

As an ex Milwaukee employee, and an ex WC employee I was actually one of the people that painted out the Milwaukee road on the sides of the engines. I was also party to painting and making modifications to the SDL-39s on the WC like installing and wiring the ditchlights. They copied my brushstrokes to scale.

I almost feel the need to buy these in HO, all of them...

With a connection like that I'd get one and put it in a display case. Even though they are HO.

[learmoia]

As an N scaler modeling the late 40s I have a dilemma.

As an ex Milwaukee employee, and an ex WC employee I was actually one of the people that painted out the Milwaukee road on the sides of the engines. I was also party to painting and making modifications to the SDL-39s on the WC like installing and wiring the ditchlights. They copied my brushstrokes to scale.

After CN took over WC I also got the engines ready to travel.

I almost feel the need to buy these in HO, all of them...

Scale Trains: We produced each model to capture every detail for each locomotive number.

sd45elect2000: No no no... this is all wrong.. I put a 5/8" bolt on that ditchlight NOT 1/2".. 

... If I were in your shoes, I'd at least get the ones I remember working on.

 ~Ian