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How about an FM H20-44? That's odd, although the UP, NYC and PRR had some....
I second the above. Thank you Rapido! It's rare to get manufacturers to engage at this level, and I for one truly appreciate it, and clearly, there are others here as well. Thank you very much, Jason, your N scale models are awesome and (selfishly) I wish you great success in the N scale market.Having said that, the Railwire membership is (unfortunately) hardly reflective of the typical N scale buyer, and so one needs to filter the comments here, including mine, with a touch of real world marketing reality. But, for the most part, we are a bunch guys who are serious and passionate about this hobby, and for the most part, pretty knowledgeable.Now, some thoughts about the differences in marketing N scale. Forgive me if I state the obvious, but sometimes the obvious isn't so obvious to everyone... In my humble opinion, most HO-centric guys just don't get N scale. It's NOT a just a smaller version of HO, it's not "about half the size" of HO (and perhaps half as good ) It's not about competing in detail, but in volume. In our three dimensional miniature world, which is what our three dimensional layouts and trains are, the models are over SEVEN times smaller, and to take advantage of that small a scale, one shouldn't think of just shrinking HO. In a side by side tabletop context, an N scale engine will never look as good as an equivalent HO model next to it, even if it looks damn good. But, side by side, a ten foot N scale train next to a ten foot HO one in a well done layout setting might look more like the real thing (unless one is modeling a branch line; not that there's anything wrong with that ) It might look better because the power is good looking multiple units instead of one or two, and there are almost twice as many good looking cars, so the train looks like the real thing. Twelve of fifteen car HO "mainline" freights, I don't care how well detailed, pulled by huge locomotives always look silly to me. And this presents an opportunity to sell more N scale cars and locos; there maybe fewer of us, but we need more stuff. Perhaps that's why outfits like Bluford and Intermountain can sell tons of hoppers and reefers that tend to run in multiples; the money is in selling volume, and while good detail is important, things like fine underbody detail becomes less so in that context.A set of FA's, ones or two's, could be the next product, targeted at US audiences, where the markets are...Regards, Otto K.
Lastly, the TRW crowd may be a small and select group but they know what's out there (both past and present equipment) , how it was used, and usually every RR that used it, so getting a consensus of them to agree that a certain item is really good and needed is close to a thumbs up. Of course Peteski will usually be a holdout, but that's Peteski.
Yes, I dissect models to their smallest components. A model has to be made to very high fidelity and quality standards to get Peteski's vote of approval. From what I'm told, my evaluations are valued by most TRW members. I only cast dissenting opinions in conversations when I think I'm right (which is most of the time), and if I happen to be wrong or not accurate, I have no problem admitting that I was wrong.
Most model train companies (and indirectly their customers) could well benefit from hiring you to critique their new locomotive models at the pre-production stage, when making any changes or improvements is still possible, before the design is released for mass production.
Were we to bring out a model at MTL or Kato level, there is nothing to distinguish our models from theirs. Basically, what's the point?
Model selection!If there were three Atlas quality manufacturers out there pumping out locomotives, I'd happily buy SD40-2s from one, a U30B from another and an SW1001 from the third. They'd all get my money because I can't get the one from the others.You guys are in that same niche. Nobody else did the GMD. So what sets you apart from Kato? You did that model!Now, if you did AC4400s, you'd have to have a differentiator, but you're never really going to head.
Speaking of successful runs, I can't help but mention your meat reefers. Maybe are still sitting in stock at Brooklyn Loco Works (that is the only dealer I checked). If you ever re-run them, I suspect that fixing the mold to make the wood sides look more realistic (narrower and shallower gaps between the boards) would make that car a much better seller. I have a feeling that this was a reason those were not an instant seller. I know that if those were better made I would have bought at least one of each in the series. As is, I only bought couple, just to see how bad they were seen in-person. Sorry to bring this up again but it is is still on my mind.
Locos that seem like Rapido models to me...RS18 and RS18u....I doubt we'll ever see the LL/Hobbytown version ever again, and the "u" version is much needed...RS23..if not Rapido, who else would ever make this loco?I'd love some N scale SW1200RS action too, especially in CV green.... As for freight cars, that 3800 covered hopper is very similar to, but distinctly different from the Intermountain cylindrical hopper, which I recently read is the most-selling freight car in N scale...So I bet they'd be a hit if ever done in N scale...I know I'd grab a bunch..
The biggest issue with those cars is that the moulded-on coupler boxes didn't work. All the complaints we got from customers were about that and not about the board gaps. The board gaps are obvious is massive screen photos but not in person. That is a very good example of the response on forums being completely different than the response from customers. (Another good example is the fact that HO forums skew modern but HO sales skew to the 1950s, but I digress...)If you have our meat reefers I recommend cutting off the moulded-on coupler box and just attaching MT boxes. I doubt we will ever make a new run.Mike started the reefer project and then got sick. It was a tumultuous time for us. Now I will not let an N scale model go out without testing it myself rigorously, especially the couplers.
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Topic: Rapido N Turbo Train schemes and prices (Read 9641 times)
