Micro Trains cancellation of the SW1500 for 2016?

[JoeD]

Problems with China...never ending it appears.  We have other options on the table...more later.  Sorry, wish I could be more specific Danial.

Joe

So... This incarnation of the tooling is being retired?

I am just very curious as to what happened. I'm sure glad that Conrail was in the first batch!

[peteski]

I'm not trying to troll, but wasn't the Micro Train's N scale FT mechanism also made in China (only the decorated shell was made in U.S.?). I think that is what is indicated on the set of B&M FTs I own.

Hmm... I wonder if this might imply that MT is looking to have the entire mechanism made in USA?  That would be different.  Again, not trying to stir the pot - just thinking out loud...

[Chris333]

I believe the FTs chassis being made in China is why there are no more FTs.

[peteski]

I believe the FTs chassis being made in China is why there are no more FTs.

    And I thought they just didn't sell well enough (especially with IM also making FTs - in China  ) to produce another run.   

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Hmm... I wonder if this might imply that MT is looking to have the entire mechanism made in USA?  That would be different.  Again, not trying to stir the pot - just thinking out loud...

That would be fantastic! I would really like to see some engines produced in the US, even if they are at a bit of a premium. I feel really bad that there are so many headaches on this engine. This was a really in-demand little switcher. And while I may joke at Joe's expense on the hood width, I am very happy to see them produced and bought several (Two full Conrail engines plus three undec shells).

I know that motors are not available in the US, but what about from Japan? Does Kato sell OEM motors to other manufacturers?

[Wutter]

I'm sure that can be arranged   

I am also interested in a spare SP SW1500 shell......

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Continuing on the line of questioning... Do you have any hood mounted handrail shells tooled?