Welllll....having thought about this for the past few days while unpacking my belongings in my new digs, I'm going to divide this up into three categories (1) What will
likely happen (2) What probably
should happen, and (3) What I would
like to happen.
(1) What new steam and diesel engines will
likely be introduced next:
(A) Steam. The most likely new steam engine will be another turn of the century small steam engines, such as a modernized, larger "American" (4-4-0) or 4-6-0. It'll be modeled from a generic enough prototype to foob several different roads, and be equipped with DCC/sound. The reason they'll introduce it is because I have no need whatsoever for it.
(B) Diesel. This one's easy...it'll be an Alco FA-1, FB-1, with both small and large nose numberboards, separate wire grabs, etched fan grill on top with a fan inside, body mounted close coupling couplers, DCC/sound. It's been too long and the market is tipped on its edge waiting for this model.
(2) What new steam and diesel engines
should be introduced next:
(A) Steam. Kato should take the bull by the horns and with minimal effort introduce one of two new steam engines in no particular priority. They should have produced a deskirted GS-4 a LOOOoooong time ago. Why they haven't, whatever the reason, is a big marketing mistake. Kato should also produce an FEF-2 which would be done by making a new bolt-on, lift-up couplered pilot part that would snap right into their existing FEF-3's pilot mounting holes. If they wanted to get a little more accurate, they would also make the double stack a bit slimmer with 2 weld lines on each stack side to indicated a fabricated double stack as opposed to the FEF-3's cast double stack, but I'd be happy with the bolt-on pilot. Lastly, Athearn should introduce an SP MT-4 since all the research has been done because of their HO version. If they were smart, they'd offer it in several configurations to more than double sales as opposed to if they only make one version. It's logical, and I'd buy several.
(B) Diesel. The N-scale world needs (NEEDS) a modular EMD F A & B model like the HO Highliner kits. Since F-units came with and were modified with so many different parts and configurations, it would be logical to finally make these more accurate depictions easily done with a high-quality, modular model. Include etched and 3D printed parts along with the injection molded parts, with a matching modern DCC/sound-ready powered chassis, and trucks with separately applied details. Perhaps several different F-unit versions could be offered assembled and painted...but this is the diesel engine that SHOULD be introduced and which the N-scale market NEEDS, including me.
(3) What new steam and diesel engines do I
want to be introduced next:
(A) Steam. This one's easy. I want a U.P. TTT (2-10-2) to pull local freights and for helper service in the 1950's.
Photo (1) - U.P. TTT at Wasatch after uncoupling from train and "kicking the caboose" heading towards the wye on the north side of the tracks: 
...I'd also like a Kato FEF-2,
Photo (2) - FEF-2 Showing "Drop-coupler" bolt-on pilot as opposed to the FEF-3's "cast" pilot:
...or a Harriman Era 2-8-0 in both SP (with whaleback tender) and UP (with Vandy tender). I'd buy several of any of these engines.
Photo (3) - U.P. Consolidation with Vanderbilt tender:
Photo (4) - S.P. Consolidation with Whaleback tender:
(B) Diesel. I want several diesels, but the one I want most isn't a diesel, but the first "Baby" Turbine, both with and without oil tender.
Photo (5) - U.P. "Baby" Turbine crossing Devils Gate Bridge with 3700 class Challenger pushing in the distance: 
...I'd also like the Veranda version, both with and without oil tender. Accurate modeling, fine separate plastic, etched-bent metal and 3D parts with quality DCC/sound. Oh yeah...I'd buy half a dozen...at least.
Photo (6) - U.P. Veranda Turbine #75 coupled to Big Boy 4004 during power transfer heading west. 
...If no turbines are forthcoming, I'd like an updated and improved GP-7 and GP-9, with finer detailing, wire handrails and grabs, and road-specific parts such as tall exhausts, steam generators, plows and B-UNITS! Oh yeah...GP-9 B's! All with quality DCC/sound of course!
Photo (7) - GP-9 with trailing GP-9 Cabless "B" Units:
Photo (8 ) - GP-7 with extended stacks, big plow, low numberboards on the front and cold weather hatch:
Okay. 'Nuff said.
Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore
