If the Brits (and Aussies) can do it, why can't we?

[3rdrail]

This looks like it will be a truly excellent steam locomotive model. It will have an MSRP of around $200+. Is that too rich for hobbyists on this side of the Atlantic??

http://www.dapol.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=226&Itemid=65

[Mark5]

Ya gotta take into account the weakness of the dollar, a few years ago (well, 5 yrs ago)that would have translated into about $150 MSRP. 

Still, for a limited run of 300 in ea. scheme - the price is quite good - if the product lives up to billing.

Gee, why are they wasting money on 5 pole motors? 

    *      Faithful-to-the-prototype detail, in British N scale 1:148.
    *      Fine-flange RP25 blackened, see-through spoked wheels.
    *      40:1 gearing for slow, smooth running.
    *      DCC ready with NEM 651 socket.
    *      High torque 5 pole, skew wound motor in the tender, driving the locomotive wheels via a Cardan shaft.
    *      12-wheel pickup.
    *      Self-lubricating phosphor-bronze bearings.
    *      Etched brass plates, factory fitted.
    *      An exclusive, included accessory pack featuring: fire irons, crew figures, lamps, and non-working screw coupling for fitting to the coupling hook.
    *      NEM coupler sockets.
    *      Alternate NEM knuckle couplings.

[ljudice]

Don't forget European prices include VAT - so in fact, the real price of that loco is around $200 US.

Lou

[Mark5]

Don't forget European prices include VAT - so in fact, the real price of that loco is around $200 US.

Lou

Not sure what you mean. £104 = over $200 now. Usually VAT is added to whatever price is listed, at least that's the way it used to be. If I order one of course I won't have to pay VAT (Value Added Tax).

(I used to own an import business)

Mark

[Chris333]

The motor is in the tender! That will never work 

I'd buy it. The 0-8-0 was around $125 + $35 for a new motor + ~ $20 for gearhead. I'm almost up to $200.

[3rdrail]

It says right in the copy to deduct 17.5 percent VAT if shipped outside the EU. But, I was inferring that perhaps the Brits were willing to pay more for high quality models. Ixion is a British-Australian partnership. There are a few Australian locomotives I'd consider buying, like an NSWGR Garrett.

[up1950s]

Not to doubt its ultimate actual model , but Precision also had a picture and a promise .

[Mark5]

It says right in the copy to deduct 17.5 percent VAT if shipped outside the EU. But, I was inferring that perhaps the Brits were willing to pay more for high quality models. Ixion is a British-Australian partnership. There are a few Australian locomotives I'd consider buying, like an NSWGR Garrett.

Thanks for straightening that out. My experience is dated I guess.

Mark

(I guess that makes the price £88.50 roughly for outside the EU, which at todays exchange rate is roughly $175 - before shipping)

[Mark5]

The motor is in the tender! That will never work 

That does tend to put a damper on kitbashing possibilities.

[inkaneer]

To answer the original question I think it ias that funky three axle tender.  Micro Ace can put a motor in a small 2-8-0 but it had a three axle tender also.   No US engine made in N gauge ever had a three axle tender so I think its sort of obvious.

[Iain]

But alas, those three axle tenders are SMALLER than US tenders.  Argument killed.

[squirrelhunter]

Iain does have a point- for engines like the Russian Decapod, the tender should be big enough to house an motor.

I could see a 4-4-0 or something with a slopeback tender having a problem, but I think that to some extent production n scale steam has to involve compromises and if tender drives get us models with small diameter boilers, than maybe that is the route that should be taken at this point.

[Chris333]

HO, but you get the idea:
http://www.xclent.freeuk.com/jhwmodels/loco-construction/b28-12.jpg
http://www.xclent.freeuk.com/jhwmodels/loco-construction/b28-14.jpg

[inkaneer]

But alas, those three axle tenders are SMALLER than US tenders.  Argument killed.

"...Argument killed" WOW, such a vicious kneejerk response.  My post was an attempt at a little humor.  Apparently some did not see that way.  My point was...   Oh the hell with it.

[Iain]

Pwnage