"N"ew for 2002

Hi all,
For those of you on the AOL boards I posted this there already with a good response so here it is on this board...
Christmas is now behind us and new year's just ahead. What a good time to be making predictions for 2002 and the things that we would to see. Here are my own:

I hope that JnJ will finish their 44 ton centercab and I predict that we will hear more steam announcements. (Wouldn't a Decapod be nice?)

What do you all predict or hope for?

Russ

 

Hmm, Im really hopeing Kato will announce Late model SD40-2's so I would have to bash any more for BN, I need at least 12 SD40-2's in BN green for my fleet. And mabey LL will re do there F40PH with a split frame and some better detail. Oh, and if CC would do a NP Northern I would be in heaven.
Kevin

 

Well, predict I can't ! But I'm still hopeing for a
F-45 from Kato. (Hint, Hint

 

Predict:
1. Kevin and I will get the BN SD40-2's we are waiting for from Kato.
2. But first, Kato will re-release the SD40. (and the Genesis and Superliners)
3. Kato will announce late something big like the SD40T-2's that won't be here till mid '03.
4. Atlas will reign king with 4-axles, including Dash 8-40BW's, U-Boats and GP38-2 announcements.
5. Atlas will anounce late the SD70 series. (SD70, SD75M, SD70MAC) that will be produced throughout '03.
6. Atlas will announce late it's new steam offering.
7. Life-Like will revamp the F40PH with DCC and a good motor and make a killin'.
8. Life-Like will announce a modern switcher (MP15 or SW1500) with DCC and make another killin'.
9. All new rolling stock released will be equivalent to the latest Atlas and M-T releases and prices will level off.
10. Atlas Code 55 will be a hit, and they will release additional track including larger turnouts and weathered concrete flextrack.

Hope
1. I get a bunch of BN/BNSF SD70MAC's for Christmas next year.
2. A new coupler system comes out that looks good and works. Don't care if it's "compatible" or not.
3. Atlas comes out with a Dual-Mode N-scale decoder so they maximize their investment and we can have better availability of new locomotives. OR better put, all locomotives from all manufacturers will be dual-mode by the end of 2002.
4. Kato and Atlas will fire up the paint shop and get some new and interesting paint schemes going. Especially MKT, MRL, SOO, DRGW,MP, RI, WP, etc.

 

My money is on the following:

Classic RSD-12 and RS-11 -The Rs-11 was printed in the 2000 Atlas catalog as a future classic release - perhaps the foot short will be corrected as well like the HO was (barely noticable in N) make mine NKP and N&W.

Different versions of the GP38 (hint early version like HO) DT&I of course!

Second releases of the B23-7 B36-7


Lifelike - there was a rumor about a year ago that lifelike accidentally leaked that they were working on an S1/S2 switcher - the HO model shortly followed.

Lifelike is due for more releases of the GP-20 and SW9

Longshots -

Atlas - Steam! perhaps a Pacific

Baldwin Switcher

Lifelike longshots US version of the canadian Alco

 

Paul,
Unfortunately I don't have any insider info. I was just presenting what I would consider a best case scenario, extrapolated from a few discussions I've seen along these lines. I think Life-Like is really sitting in a good position as their latest releases have been very good products and the stigma of being ranked right on bottom along with Bachmann is slowly drifting away. I have four of the LL GP20's and they are first class, especially for N-scale and Life-Like. My only wish would be DCC-friendly (or better yet equipped!) versions. Since LL has a marginally successful F40PH, this would seem to be a quick win for them, as well as their existing switcher chassis with a more modern appearance and roadname selection.

 

Hey guys,

If I were to have a fondest wish come to life, I would really love to see a plastic Baldwin DR-12-8-3000 Centipede. Could fit in two (four?) motors, a ton of weight and DCC for those so inclined. (grin, grin)

But, really, I look forward to large #'ed and double slip code 55 turnouts.

And GHQ to do some PRR conversions for the new steam (and for the Kato 2-8-2 reruns).

Paul
PRR in Atlanta

[ 28 December 2001: Message edited by: PC ]

 

One thing fairly certain is that we will get new Roadrailers from Deluxe Innovations. Don't know which roadname but I would think at the least Amtrak... with KATO releasing their Amtrak items. Maybe they might even release 53' trailers in roadnames like Swift, Schnieder, Werner etc... Just paint variations of the roadrailers shouldn't take too much. (hint: buy one of the Deluxe BN tractor trailer sets to make them a success... they are testing the waters of vehicle products).

Here are my thoughts on what might and should happen, for what they are worth!

As for power I think that it would be a no brainer for Atlas to do the SD70 series. But as long as we get their Dash 8-40s in standard and wide cabs I won't complain.

KATO lets see the Superliner cars next year along with that genisis unit. The ATSF fans would probably like a GP60 in WARBONNET and premium heritage if you must (don't forget the B unit).

Life like, hop on the coat tails of Kato with that F40ph... a lot of people like those better than genisis units.

Whatever happens look how far we've come.

Happy new year!

Bryan

[ 28 December 2001: Message edited by: bmalonef45 ]

 

how about a rerelease of the kato gp50's and a new run of gp60's. and what the heck i need sd40-2's in phase II like crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!