In the spirit of the Atlas thread I thought I'd prompt discussion regarding Athearn and it's N-Scale offers, or lack there of. What would like to see? What does/has Athearn done best in the past? What would you like to see rerun? I've noticed that currently their site list no Diesel Locomotive offerings whatsoever. Should we be worried? I'm currently in the market for a couple of Santa Fe FP45s to run a late 1960's combined Super Chief / El Capitan. But many of the eBay offerings are asking a lot.
Since the MDC line is under their umbrella the little 34 ft. Overtons and the 50 ft. Overlands would be nice.
I really wish they would have done the John Deere 4020's in N scale. I would have bought a ton. Jason
I would like to see them do all of their HO diesel locomotives in N scale, but the ones I'd be most interested in is the SD38, SW1000, SW1500 and a high hood GP50.
I have Overlands, in B&M of course. The bodies are very well done, though their trucks drag badly. I replaced the trucks with Bachmann 60' passenger trucks which my MP B&M American loves...five cars without slipping. You notice I could care less about authenticity. I want equipment that performs well and looks sorta close, regardless of accuracy. Honest, I have a photo of a B&M American with three Overland coaches at Beverly, MA station in 1940...so there.
I have 5 of their Overland cars, too. My Bachmann Alco 2-6-0 would slip when trying to pull more than one of them. So, I simply replaced the wheels in the Athearn trucks (with BLMA wheels) and now the 2-6-0 pulls all 5 without any sweat. Steve
A full baggage in the Overland. A RPO/baggage in the Overland. An eight wheeler on the consolidated/mogul frame, or a ten wheeler. The USRA lights that you did in HO (MRC failed to update the 1970s construction methods on the old MP line). Horse drawn waggons.
Folks like Paul Graf, CEO Atlas, read these forums to get ideas what their customers are looking for. So please don't criticize modelers for expressing their desires.
All of the old MDC old 36 foot freight cars also! It's hard to find these old gals, and they look so good. And I second the wishes for the Overtons. All in N-scale. N-scale! And the 2-6-0/ 2-8-0. Maybe expand and do a different tender and a ten-wheeler? My nickel's worth.
How about more FP/ F-45s !!! Nobody does it better(Ask Carly Simon !!! Ha,ha,ha !!!) And an Alco C-415 !!!