Is this really necessary re: 4000CD cars?

[wcfn100]

If you haven't seen it, Exactrail has their cars up on the site ready for sale.

I know having options is good, but do we really need this?





I thought part of the draw to these cars was the number of paint schemes that could be applied.  ???  As much as I would like to support BLMA over EXR (3-0 so far).  If BLMA is handicapped by Tangent for their paint schemes, they could take this one in the shorts.


Jason

[bbussey]

They are at the same price point.  Some people will go for the company that produces their roadnames first.  But most of the people will decide based on the quality of the tooling and finishing.  I don't think BLMA will have a problem selling their product.

[wcfn100]

The problem is that BLMA gets Tangents scraps for paint schemes and Tangent doesn't have competition in HO for these cars so they can do as they please. Exactrail will almost always be first to the table without any pre-ordering.    

Regarding purchasing based on quality, that only holds if the EXR car does meet expectations of most.  That has yet to be seen but you're the guy that says most people don't care that their gondolas are 3' too short.  I can't imagine the EXR car has any issues on par with that.


On a good note, that NW hopper looks primo for striping.  

Jason

[bbussey]

Regarding the gondolas, I don't recall saying that.  However, this is a different situation.  Given two models that are the same price, most people will go for the more accurate and intricate one - as opposed to only one model available that is close but nor not correct to the prototype.  Looking at the photos of the two models you've posted above, distinct differences are very apparent.  I know that the BLMA model is accurately rendered and meets all prototypical dimensions, including height above the rail.  From a modeler's standpoint, I'm going to go with the model that is more prototypical and therefore requires less work on my part to make it an accurate model.  You've stated in the past your preference for prototype fidelity.  I find it hard to believe that you would purchase the less-correct model based on a paint scheme and be satisfied - rather than paint the more-correct model in the scheme, wait for the more-correct model to be released in the scheme, or buy the less-correct model as a stand-in until the more-correct model is released in the scheme.

Since BLMA personnel frequent these boards, they can address your "scraps for paint schemes" statement.  But I wouldn't assume that the schemes BLMA has announced are the only ones planned for the model.

[Craig Martyn]

We've got many, many more schemes coming.     Second, I'd like to thank everyone who pre-ordered our cars - the numbers were tremendous. 

Other than that, the market can make their decision...

[asarge]

They definately have some schemes that BLMA hasn't done that will sell well in our neck of the woods. But whoever does C&O first NOT Chessie C&O will be the champ down here.

[wcfn100]

Regarding the gondolas, I don't recall saying that. 

Yeah, sorry I had extrapolated your posts about manufactureres probably not tooling another gondola to a correct length to mean that most people don't really care enough to make that a likely proposition.


Craig didn't dismiss my post about the paint schemes.  Maybe he just chose not to address it. Either way I never said they wouldn't do more schemes only that if Tangent is somehow controlling what gets made, they could be at a huge disadvantage as Tangent doesn't have competition for their cars.

I've ordered from BLMA and look forward to them in March-April(early 2010?). Meanwhile my Tangent cars will be here this Thursday.  I don't know which is better as I haven't seen either yet.  If I went just by pictures, I'd have to assume that all BLMA models will have warped running gear.

If the EXR cars are less detailed, I may be better off anyway as they should be easier to strip and repaint. I'll know Friday.

And if it's lost in my post, I a big BLMA supporter, which is why I even give a crap about any of this in the first place .

Jason

[Craig Martyn]

Craig didn't dismiss my post about the paint schemes.  Maybe he just chose not to address it. Either way I never said they wouldn't do more schemes only that if Tangent is somehow controlling what gets made, they could be at a huge disadvantage as Tangent doesn't have competition for their cars.

And if it's lost in my post, I a big BLMA supporter, which is why I even give a crap about any of this in the first place .

Jason

Thanks for the support Jason - I know you've been a longtime supporter.   

As for paint schemes, we are working with Tangent on the PS-4000 project; however, in DUE TIME we will cover everything.  Patience people, patience...  Furthermore, keep in mind that with every release of new paint schemes, some modelers will buy them, and some won't.  Again, in due time...

[bbussey]

Yeah, sorry I had extrapolated your posts about manufactureres probably not tooling another gondola to a correct length to mean that most people don't really care enough to make that a likely proposition.

It's not that most people don't care about having correct 52' gons.  It's that not enough people consider it important enough after being conditioned for 40 years of having 50' gons.  Someday, someone will tool one of the signature 52' ones (similiar to what EXR has done with its SP Gunderson gon) and test the theory.  But retooling the numerous prototypes the MTL cars are based on to the proper length probably won't happen anytime soon - unless MTL decides to do it.

[asarge]

As for paint schemes, we are working with Tangent on the PS-4000 project; however, in DUE TIME we will cover everything.  Patience people, patience...  Furthermore, keep in mind that with every release of new paint schemes, some modelers will buy them, and some won't.  Again, in due time...

Oh Craig, you know everybody wants THEIR schemes done up front or it just won't ever get done. ;D Then they will all scramble for undecs so they can do their own schem and then try and get rid of the undecs when their fav gets announced.

It's not that most people don't care about having correct 52' gons.  It's that not enough people consider it important enough after being conditioned for 40 years of having 50' gons.  Someday, someone will tool one of the signature 52' ones (similiar to what EXR has done with its SP Gunderson gon) and test the theory.  But retooling the numerous prototypes the MTL cars are based on to the proper length probably won't happen anytime soon - unless MTL decides to do it.

Good point mbut remember, most people think in terms of 50' and may not realize 52'6" may be what they are looking at. It's not that people like nice round numbers, just that they don;t know any better. This is speaking from a retailer perspective.

[pfs]

....As for paint schemes, we are working with Tangent on the PS-4000 project; however, in DUE TIME we will cover everything.  ...

Undec = cover everything 

[asciibaron]

Undec = cover everything 

that's the only way i'm getting 2 dozen LV covered hoppers for the zinc mine!

[asarge]

Undec = cover everything 


that's the only way i'm getting 2 dozen LV covered hoppers for the zinc mine!
 
 
 

Famous last words! ;D

[ljudice]

What 4000CD cars are still in service - if any???

I notice Tangent sells decals for cars to be roller-jobbed into lease or private owner service.

[asarge]

Very few as they are well past the 40 years of service rule. Some have gotten extensions or are in company service.