I hate seeing this vicious circle play out. I WANT IM to be successful.
I WANT them to build models.
But they seem to be stuck in this whole zero risk mindset that's preventing their growth and success.
I've always wanted them to be successful. As an SP modeller, they are the only choice for a cab forward (even if it is the ONLY N scale engine that actually goes TOO SLOW). Coming from HO, I actually loved their freight car kits. If there is one thing we are missing in N scale is more MFRs that have a full model line: steam and diesel engines, passenger cars, and numerous freight cars.
However, THEY are the one thing that is keeping them from being successful. As already said, instead of announcing 20 roads in 10 different numbers, come out with 5 roads with 3 different numbers. I have two layouts: a small one for the house and part of a large NTrak layout that's part of a club, but even though I could USE 10 SP boxcars, I don't want to spend $250+ just to get 10 SP boxcars (that I probably can't run all 10 on my home layout at any time). There are some roads that are just about guaranteed to sell: SP, UP ATSF, NYC, B&O, PENN, etc...maybe stick to several of those and one lesser road for a run.
The main things that I want from them is I want them to be honest and only announce what they are going to actually run as well and stop making false promises for things that they MIGHT run (but probably won't). Come out with these things in a timely manor and stop throwing EVERYTHING against the wall to see what sticks. It will take awhile to earn my trust back and even then, I won't be pre-ordering anything from them again.
