Scaletrains game changer

[Missaberoad]

Yes, N scale. The grabs are the most prominent giveaway.

I agree about the coupler. My guess is it's a McHenry. I hope they haven't literally painted us into a corner about replacement - look at what they've done with the coupler pocket.

If its a Mchenry then an Accumate or a Broadway limited coupler should be a direct swap (and I believe a Bowser Z scale coupler can be used without too much fuss)

[thomasjmdavis]

Appears they have changed the description since earlier this morning.  It does now say "powered" and "all wheel drive" for the B unit.  That being the case, given the price of N scale locos recently, $350 is pretty reasonable for the two powered units plus tender.  I don't need one, but it is a pretty piece of equipment.

[C855B]

Clearly, they are lurking here.

That's great news on both being powered. BTW, in close-up shots from the website the coupler appears to be their own design, or a modification of an existing one, especially the rear.

I'm looking for projected delivery dates and not (quickly) finding them.

[Xmtrman]

It would also be nice if those trucks from the A or B unit were available as parts...
Add a Shapeways shell for a new-to-N GE U50C  (or is that up next?) 

[C855B]

It would also be nice if those trucks from the A or B unit were available as parts...
Add a Shapeways shell for a new-to-N GE U50C  (or is that up next?) 

Heh heh. Yes, it certainly solves the trucks issue for a U50C. My problem if it's done with Shapeways is I'd have to sacrifice two turbines - for most of their life (and all their life on the LA&SL) the U50Cs were run as lashups of three... not two.

I don't see Scaletrains doing the U50C. Now there's a truly oddball niche locomotive. Heck, it was so short-lived with none preserved that many MRR'ers don't even know they existed.

[pdx1955]

Clearly, they are lurking here.

That's great news on both being powered. BTW, in close-up shots from the website the coupler appears to be their own design, or a modification of an existing one, especially the rear.

I'm looking for projected delivery dates and not (quickly) finding them.

I think I saw November 2016 in the release.

[C855B]

I think I saw November 2016 in the release.

Thanks. Will probably slip to sometime early 2017, so I'm safe.

[peteski]

If its a Mchenry then an Accumate or a Broadway limited coupler should be a direct swap (and I believe a Bowser Z scale coupler can be used without too much fuss)

That doesn't do me much good - to me the only real (and best operating) coupler is Micro-Trains (slinky or no slinky).  All the ones you've mentioned are either funny looking (Accumate) or not what I consider fully operational.

The next best coupler out there is the new Arnold/Vlk coupler, but it is not being marketed and it also has its own set of problems (like not easily coupling to some other N scale knuckle couplers). Plus, it has a MT-like coupler pocket.

I still can't figure out why McHenry didn't make their N scale coupler about 2/3 size of what they came up with.  That would have been a game-changer. 

Hmm... the more I look at that photo of the N scale model the more I don't think it is a McHenry coupler. There is something odd about it. Could it be a new Scale Trains coupler?  Maybe that is the game changer?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Know what's actually game changing about it?

It actually uses a tiny little jet engine...

I kid. I think calling it "game changing" was a bit much, but it does look like a really nice model. I'm happy for my UP modeling brethren who are getting something quite fun.

[jmarley76]

I think calling it "game changing" was a bit much

That was good marketing. While I am underwhelmed about "the big blow," I will say that Scale Trains did a good job of stirring up enthusiasm and interest. Nice to have that every once and a while to keep it interesting.

[kiwi_bnsf]

It's great that we have another loco manufacturer entering N scale - that's not something that happens every day, and it should be celebrated.

The UP Turbine might be a bit niche, but I think it will sell well. It will appeal to both UP prototype modellers as well as enthusiasts who appreciate the novelty of the turbine technology and the high horsepower.

The photos of the test model look great (marketing terminology notwithstanding).

I really hope they release the water tenders separately, as they would be great for modelling pre-2006 UP 844 and 3985 steam excursions (before the water tenders had their steam jacketing removed, and became Jim Adams and Joe Jordan as produced by Kato).

[Missaberoad]

That doesn't do me much good - to me the only real (and best operating) coupler is Micro-Trains (slinky or no slinky).  All the ones you've mentioned are either funny looking (Accumate) or not what I consider fully operational

I agree to a point, except the fact that i feel there is no "only"
N scale coupler. All N scale couplers have flaws and issues Microtrains included. And they all are funny looking compared to the prototype.

I feel the one thing N scale needs is a properly proportioned reliable line of couplers.

My personal desire would be for a sergent engineering like coupler, but understand something like the kadee #58 is probably alot more practicle...

[bbussey]

... Hmm... the more I look at that photo of the N scale model the more I don't think it is a McHenry coupler. There is something odd about it. Could it be a new Scale Trains coupler?  Maybe that is the game changer?

Looks like a new coupler, albeit without the magnetic trip pin.

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[Sokramiketes]

What parts don't resemble the McHenry couplers?

[Lemosteam]

Looks like a new coupler, albeit without the magnetic trip pin.

(Attachment Link)

Could that be a DCC operated coupler?    Looks like a pull wire inside the spring...