Athearn N Scale Announcements June 25, 2021

[Mark5]

New Announcement: N Ford C Box Van: http://www.athearn.com/newsletter/062521/13_N_Ford-C_Boxvan_062521.pdf

New Announcement: N 40’ Parcel Trailer: http://www.athearn.com/newsletter/062521/15_N_40ft_Parcel_Trailer_062521.pdf

New Announcement: N 40’ 3-Bay Ribber Hopper with Load: http://www.athearn.com/newsletter/062521/12_N_40'_3-Bay_Ribbed_Hopper_062521.pdf

New Announcement: N 50’ SEICO Box Car: http://www.athearn.com/newsletter/062521/11_N_50'_SIECO_Box_062521.pdf

New Announcement: N 34’ Overton Passenger Cars: http://www.athearn.com/newsletter/062521/14_N_34'_Overton_Passenger_062521.pdf

From here: http://www.athearn.com/Articles/Hobbywire.aspx

Mark
EDIT 7/15/21 to Fix Box Van Link and add the 34' Overtons that I missed.

[cfritschle]

Thanks Mark!  The HO vehicles showed up on the 1/87th Vehicle Club's site on July 1.  I wonder if Athearn has canceled my newsletter "subscription" because I inquired about the incorrect lettering/graphics on the N scale PGEX (Portland Rose) Bethgons? 

Edit:  I wish Athearn would have used the newest UPS paint scheme on the Ford C in this release.  At least two of the Ford C box vans used in Southern California were painted in the new scheme.  https://www.flickr.com/photos/southerncalifornian/416032006/ and https://www.flickr.com/photos/southerncalifornian/3043189172/

[Angus Shops]

The prices on the vehicles seem a little steep to me. They’re priced $5.00 more than the rolling stock per unit…

[thomasjmdavis]

EDIT: Mark fixed the link, so you can ignore the following...

Mark, I think you need to edit your first link, which goes to the HO page (at least, it did for me).  The N scale page:
http://www.athearn.com/newsletter/062521/13_N_Ford-C_Boxvan_062521.pdf

[Dave V]

For obvious reasons I'm very bummed that Athearn discontinued the Roundhouse old-time series in N scale.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

For obvious reasons I'm very bummed that Athearn discontinued the Roundhouse old-time series in N scale.

Did they, or have they just not made anything in a while?

[Dave V]

Did they, or have they just not made anything in a while?

They had a litany of announcements including 2-8-0s and boxcars that they cancelled, so I assume that means they're not doing them anymore ever.

[Mark5]

Mark, I think you need to edit your first link, which goes to the HO page (at least, it did for me).  The N scale page:
http://www.athearn.com/newsletter/062521/13_N_Ford-C_Boxvan_062521.pdf

Thanks - Fixed! I also missed the Overtons (fixed as well).

Mark

[Maletrain]

Considering the price differential between "Overton" and "Overland" passenger cars on eBay, I am surprised they didn't do the Overland version.

[peteski]

Considering the price differential between "Overton" and "Overland" passenger cars on eBay, I am surprised they didn't do the Overland version.

I have seen this type of statement made many times (about various items).  But the question is: do manufacturers realty monitor eBay for any type of a sales volume and pricing references, and even if they do look, does that influence  their decisions about whether to re-run something?

I suspect that we are expecting too much from the manufacturers.  Does anybody have any concrete proof that manufactures decide whether to re-run an older model based on its eBay sales prices?

[delamaize]

I just wish they would re-run the Bombardier commuter coaches. I could use some sounder cars to go with the loco I have.

[Maletrain]

I have seen this type of statement made many times (about various items).  But the question is: do manufacturers realty monitor eBay for any type of a sales volume and pricing references, and even if they do look, does that influence  their decisions about whether to re-run something?

I suspect that we are expecting too much from the manufacturers.  Does anybody have any concrete proof that manufactures decide whether to re-run an older model based on its eBay sales prices?

I don't know what the manufacturers look at when choosing to rerun some old stuff.  But, I doubt they just flip a coin - they must think about it to some extent. 

My comment about the Overton cars is based on my experience watching how many Overton and Overland cars I see for sale on eBay and how much they sell for.  Overland cars are seen far less frequently and sell for substantially higher prices.  So, if I wanted to make as much profit as possible, I would try to sell the product with the higher price and less competition from resales of the older version.  That just doesn't seem like rocket science.  And, eBay is a free source of info -  no need to hire any marketing experts to tell you what is selling for what price.

Of course manufacturers are free to do as they please - and I reserve my "right" to be surprised when they don't do something that makes sense to me. But, what do I know? Maybe they accidentally busted the molds for the Overland cars?

[jagged ben]

I have seen this type of statement made many times (about various items).  But the question is: do manufacturers realty monitor eBay for any type of a sales volume and pricing references, and even if they do look, does that influence  their decisions about whether to re-run something?

I suspect that we are expecting too much from the manufacturers.  Does anybody have any concrete proof that manufactures decide whether to re-run an older model based on its eBay sales prices?

I think we had some intimation that MTLJoe was alerted to our comments about LBF TBOXes on eBay.   And perhaps I'm making it up, but I recall pointing it out to Kato in their suggestion box regarding SD70Ms, which they just reran.

Anyone who thinks manufacturers should look at eBay might do well to send them that comment as a suggestion.   

[williek]

  But the question is: do manufacturers realty monitor eBay for any type of a sales volume and pricing references

They may do so, but they may understand that high prices on eBay merely reflect demand in excess of supply. They do measure actual demand. Many an obscure record label has watched records initially printed in low volume reach prices of several hundred dollars apiece only to do a re-release and then sell but a handful of copies. The twenty people who desperately wanted the record were thrilled however. That said, I suspect there is significant demand for the Overland cars, based on forum threads.

[CBQ Fan]

I have one Overland car in the Northern Pacific scheme that I wouldn’t mind picking up additional cars at some point. But as alluded to above they rarely hit the market and go for crazy high prices. I found mine on eBay really cheap and grabbed it cause it was unique.