Locomotives with Molded-In Details or Pre-Drilled to Add Details?

[GaryHinshaw]

I would propose that you use a proven alternative to both options: holes pre-drilled almost all the way through from the inside.

This is a nice idea for roof details, but not all holes along vertical surfaces will be accessible for drilling.

[jcox3751]

Pre drilled or dimpled for me.

[Englewood]

Molded on. I have a bunch of Kato diesels with molded on details and it doesn't bother me a bit. I also have a bunch of FVM diesels with parts bags that I've never touched. Too many layout projects, too little time.

[coosvalley]

Dimples!

[Chris333]

Funny I thought dimples would win, but seems about 50/50   

[ljudice]

I think the Rapido FL9 proves you can put this free-standing detail on at the factory for a reasonable price.

I'm not a fan of a package of tiny parts I can barely see... 

Exception: True kits where you know what you're getting into when you purchase it.....

[SD452XR]

Pre-drilled with separate super detail kit.

[basementcalling]

Dimples on operator. Pre installed on rivet counter.

[TLOC]

Molded on the Operator series, added on the Rivet.

TomO

[Peter Amling]

I vote for the FVM method.  I have their GP60s and they look great without the parts installed. Someday I will install them. But they're ready to run right out of the box.

I would especially love if you provided the nose bell for the CNW SD40-2s. Something that has not been done on the Kato or Intermountain versions.

[Rossford Yard]

I would vote for pre-molded on the operator series.  Go to any train show, watch some Kato Dash-9 locos running around.  Modeler needs to put on exactly two handrails on the cabs, but it seems 90% of them never get put on.....including mine.

[Cajonpassfan]

With all due respect, this may not be the most representative group (but I do very much appreciate being asked).

My gut tells me most guys out there will just pull out whatever is in the box and run it. If the objective is to give us as prototypical model as possible (thank you!) and sell as many of them as possible in order to make a decent profit and bring more product to market, than keeping the price point reasonable has to be a big part of the equation. Personally, I don't mind adding details, especially if the model is designed to accommodate additional detailing (like dimples). Having to scrape off molded on stuff make this more difficult because now you have to paint, fix scratches etc. Also, I think some more prominent details, like nose grabs, are more important than others; a combination of molded-on and freestanding when it really counts would be fine with me.
Otto K.

[Missaberoad]

I would vote for pre-molded on the operator series.  Go to any train show, watch some Kato Dash-9 locos running around.  Modeler needs to put on exactly two handrails on the cabs, but it seems 90% of them never get put on.....including mine.

None of my Kato dash9's ever had extra grabirons. Are you thinking of the Atlas SD60M?
It has been a few years since I owned any is this a recent development?

[Glenn Poole]

Isn't Kato one of the best sellers in N-Scale?  Take a lesson from them---molded on fine details.

[Missaberoad]

Would anyone refuse to buy a locomotive because of dimples?

I know if I wanted a GEVO or a Ace, Fox Valley would get my buisness over Kato... All other things equal, I would refuse to buy molded on detail...