Author Topic: BLMA Searchlight Signals - will we ever see them?  (Read 1446 times)

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coldriver

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BLMA Searchlight Signals - will we ever see them?
« on: March 29, 2014, 11:05:56 AM »
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I believe the N scale searchlights were originally added to the BLMA website back in 2009 but has not been updated for several years with a note indicating - "Pre-Order info coming soon!  Expected:  We are currently experiencing delays with our development of this project.  Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.  We appreciate your patience and support!"

 Is the project is dead?  Five years is a long time to be teased with "Pre-Order info coming soon!"  If it's not dead can we get an update on the timeline?  I need about 30 of these...

randgust

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Re: BLMA Searchlight Signals - will we ever see them?
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2014, 11:22:34 AM »
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I got tired of waiting and special-ordered Tomar 3-aspect LED searchlight signals and mounted them on my BLMA bridges.  If you contact Tomar they will sell them to you.

C855B

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Re: BLMA Searchlight Signals - will we ever see them?
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2014, 11:40:22 AM »
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I have to wonder, as well. I've corresponded with Craig on multiple occasions about this project - even chatted with him personally at his office - and each time it was "production issues", especially that the maker he had doing the HO versions was not capable of doing the N version, with the N version requiring a different design approach.

We also may have to factor the competition emerged in the interim: BeN Scale, Showcase Miniatures, and the recently announced Train Cat product. Signals are definitely a niche interest since cost and complexity are high hurdles, so IMO market saturation would come quickly. So I would not blame Craig one bit if he changed his plans and withdrew his own offering, throwing moral support to the others.

I have BeN Scale signal heads sitting on the bench for one long-procrastinated project, and a handful of the Showcase signals for future stuff. I like the BeN Scale heads for their brightness and the Showcase for their awesome detailing. However, I'm standing by for what Bob (Train Cat) is going to offer before I go whole-hog and buy 55-gallon drums' worth for the yet-to-be-constructed layout.

Since you're modeling the OSL, are the BLMA signals the right style? I'm modeling the LA&SL, which happens to be the prototypes Craig modeled, unusual head spacing and all. So I'm still rooting for Craig to do them, but, again, I have to wonder.
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coldriver

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Re: BLMA Searchlight Signals - will we ever see them?
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2014, 07:15:41 PM »
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Signals are definitely a niche interest since cost and complexity are high hurdles, so IMO market saturation would come quickly. So I would not blame Craig one bit if he changed his plans and withdrew his own offering, throwing moral support to the others.


Since you're modeling the OSL, are the BLMA signals the right style? I'm modeling the LA&SL, which happens to be the prototypes Craig modeled, unusual head spacing and all. So I'm still rooting for Craig to do them, but, again, I have to wonder.

You're point is well taken on market saturation.  Certainly we haven't had an overwhelming response to this thread which in itself would likely reflect limited market demand. And many railroads had their own version of searchlights so it's not like manufacturers can make a standard version to satisfy everyone's wishes.

I don't actually model the OSL (UP subsidiary Oregon Short Line), I model the freelanced Oregon Joint Line which is an NP-GN jointly operated line.  So I do have some leeway with prototype although an NP prototype would be probably be the most appropriate.  But ultimately for me it comes down to (embarrassing admission time) whatever will get me to an operating CTC system with searchlight signals the quickest regardless of prototype. 

John

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Re: BLMA Searchlight Signals - will we ever see them?
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2014, 08:02:13 PM »
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I'm building my own signals .. the commercial versions are just to expensive for my taste ..

coldriver

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Re: BLMA Searchlight Signals - will we ever see them?
« Reply #5 on: March 29, 2014, 08:11:15 PM »
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I'm building my own signals .. the commercial versions are just to expensive for my taste ..

Yes, quite an investment even for kits.  Do you have some photos to share?