Weekend update 13 December 2009

[James Costello]

As it is, the parts I hacked have a few compromises, but they're good enough for now.  I think it's time to start an etching co-op for like-minded modelers to go in on small runs that aren't commercially viable.  Don't know if that idea could really work, but I've been thinking about it and would be curious if anyone's tried something like it.
-gfh

I'm in and I bet Russ (MLE) would be interested too.
I have another etching project in mind that I was hoping to have a play in Corel next month to get done too. I had never really thought about upgrading the Kato Maxi-IV, as I always thought of them as fillers until the DeLuxe version got released.... It needs them though!

You could get half a dozen projects easy just by looking at simple upgrades for walkways, handrails etc for the N Scale Kits line for starters.

[Hiroe]

I think it's time to start an etching co-op for like-minded modelers to go in on small runs that aren't commercially viable.  Don't know if that idea could really work, but I've been thinking about it and would be curious if anyone's tried something like it.

Mr. Wallet's
interest is piqued.  Any thoughts of what products might be in the initial mix...

I'd also be interested. I need about two dozen O scale "AC MOTOR STOP" signs (plus additional "PB" (phase break), "LOW WIRE", and "HIGH WIRE" signs) etched from brass sheet.

[Philip H]

Since we're all asking - I'd love a CF-7 convserion kit, and etchings for a Rail Power Products Green Goat.  Heck, etchings for a Genset would be nice as well.

[ednadolski]

I think it's time to start an etching co-op for like-minded modelers to go in on small runs that aren't commercially viable.  Don't know if that idea could really work, but I've been thinking about it and would be curious if anyone's tried something like it.

I'm very interested.  Would it be good to start a 'sticky' thread under 'Scratchbuilding' ?  (like the shortline boxcar thread)

Nomination for a pilot project: a body-mount coupler box to fit the new McHenry couplers.

Ed

[bbussey]

Nomination for a pilot project: a body-mount coupler box to fit the new McHenry couplers.

Use the MTL 1015 box or the Atlas Accu-Mate 23015 box (from the diesels or available directly from Atlas) - either works fine.

[tehachapifan]

...I'm in and I bet Russ (MLE) would be interested too....

I'm interested in new ideas but it's tough to get serious when my current products just continue to sit there and collect dust.

Haven't sold a thing in weeks! :

This is fine, I never expected to make any real money (and I haven't). But, I need to be able to at least break even to keep things going.

Russ

[Blazeman]

How 'bout something more in scale to replace the oversized ground throws we have to use.

I would think anything even slightly over sized but still smaller than what Caboose offers would be lights out for anyone doing that. It would sure get cash flowing to your operation.

[ednadolski]

Nomination for a pilot project: a body-mount coupler box to fit the new McHenry couplers.

Use the MTL 1015 box or the Atlas Accu-Mate 23015 box (from the diesels or available directly from Atlas) - either works fine.

Aren't they rather oversized because of the (relatively) thick plastic walls?   Not to mention, hard to hold paint?

I was thinking something more like the K&S rectangular brass tubing, but with thinner walls and perhaps some half-etch detailing (and holes, to save all that drilling).

Ed

[TiVoPrince]

Thinking
Hydra-cushion extended draft gear/cut levers (body mount).  I would need an actual shed-load of those...

[AlkemScaleModels]

Nice stuff guys.

I changed my user name from "envirodude" to my real name... besides that I haven't made much layout progress.

Every time I saw envirodude I thought of Envirotex resin and Evinrude outboard engines.

[sirenwerks]

...I'm in and I bet Russ (MLE) would be interested too....

I'm interested in new ideas but it's tough to get serious when my current products just continue to sit there and collect dust.

Haven't sold a thing in weeks! :

This is fine, I never expected to make any real money (and I haven't). But, I need to be able to at least break even to keep things going.

Russ

In my case, I've seen your hitches used by a few modelers on several lists and like what I see. If they're suitable for early TOFC I can see myself using them, but that's precluded by the fact that there are no models suitable for my era (60s-early 70s) yet to apply them to.

That being said, a cursory review of the modelsphere and I see your distribution's limited, product line is narrowly focused, and your marketing seems to be based on word-of-mouth. Now the latter is how I discovered your product so I can't say it's not effective, but it's really not. So how's product gonna fly off the shelf like that?

I consider myself someone who keeps up with new products, so much so that when I speak to the N scale manager of a reputable retailer that has both dedicated bricks & mortar customers AND a significant online reach I am often informing him of new products; and it took me a bit of memory jarring to remember what MLE had in terms of product. I gotta say, you have to let people know the product's there. It's not gonna spring off your shelves otherwise. Maybe some advertising? Product placement in a mag article or two? At least put your URL in your signature line so we can find your site easily? Give us something to work with.

[wm3798]

Bryan's angling for a marketing job...
Lee

[tehachapifan]

Bryan's angling for a marketing job...
Lee

Ha! And I appreciate the feedback. Points well taken!

[sirenwerks]

Bryan's angling for a marketing job...
Lee

Always a dangerous idea, considering one side of my familiar line includes Roma blood and I can count Victor Lustig as a relation.

[mcjaco]

Since we're all asking - I'd love a CF-7 convserion kit, and etchings for a Rail Power Products Green Goat.  Heck, etchings for a Genset would be nice as well.

All I want are gong styled bells for CNW units.  That is all.  Curses, Sunrise!   >