Those seem like premium prices for models that are well over a decade old and not really on par with the ScaleTrains levels of detail.
The FVM GEVOs were nice when they came out and certainly still decent (I own quite a few), but I am personally a little let down. Not A Christmas Story-Ralphie-and-Little-Orphan-Annie-decoder-ring levels of let down, but whatever. Still happy about the SD40-2s!
and
Didn't the FVM GEVO's come with user applied grab irons? I suspect some detail improvements will be on the FVM GEVO's.
According to Scale Trains web site under GEVO product details they are listing:
- Factory-applied detail parts: wire grab irons, 3-hose MU clusters, uncoupling levers, windshield wipers, sunshades, brake wheel, and more
- DCC ready with Next18 connector
When GEVOs were originally released in 2010, FVM did supplied the etched detailed parts in order to keep product prices down for the average modeler. MSRP at that time was around $120 and I could find FVM GEVO's from $55-$89 which I thought was acceptable. I've have put the details on a few of the engines and believe me it does take a bit a time drilling all the dimple holes and patiently applying the etched details to avoid CA glue globs. I still have a few locos to do.
That being said, I am happy that Matt is now part of Scale Trains as a full-time Senior Product Developer. I am looking forward to the release of the CSX "Law Enforcement", "First Responders" and "Armed Forces" locos and I might get one or two FEC road number as well. A price point of $119 for factory applied details is acceptable to me without sound. Plus having a Next18 connector will (when I want to) make upgrading to sound a lot easier then the GEVO's I do own .
-Craig K-
