Taking a poll. Would you buy an N scale 2-6-6-6 and what would you pay?

Still about evenly split in the voting. One thing that really disapoints me on the brass version is that it has the dummy coupler on the front that wont couple to an N scale coupler. So much for pusher service.

 

I think it is kinda funny that they said there is no market for specialized steamers.... Intermountain has announced a second run of AC-12's, Athearn is doing a 3rd (is that correct? - please verify) and along with that, I think a second run of Big Boys (again please verify).

Also I would like to add that there are several old Con Cors out there running around as well as some brass models out there, and yet there is still a demand by the n scale crowd for a 4-6-6-4 and a 4-8-8-4.

FYI - I have a couple of challengers for sale as soon as those 2-6-6-6's are on the market

 

So here's my theory.

Folks all have their favorite prototype and model it or freelance something close to it. Mostly, they populate their motive power roster with engines that replicate the prototype. But big, late steam engines have an allure that transcends your favorite road. I model the NKP, but get a major kick out of watching a Y3, Challenger, or now a cab-forward run on the layout. All the drivers turning, the valve gear, rods, etc. moving - it's just mesmerizing.

So I think big, late steam has an appeal beyond a particular road name. An Allegheny, a Yellowstone, Big Boy, Challenger, C&O T1 or Pennsy J (or a ton of other big Pennsy steam), the N&W's Y's (a Y6!) I think would have appeal to a wide range of folks even if it's way out of their era or prototype.

So, I say, bring 'em on. I think the Alleghenys, Yellowstones, Y's, Challengers, BigBoys, Texas-types of all roads and similar ilk will sell well, as long as they are engineered and manufactured well.

John C.

 

Amazing that it stays about 50/50 in the voting.

 

I am sure that a few C&O modelers have bought Big Boys and Challengers. So in an effort to show good will, I would have to show my appreciation for there support and buy at least 3 Alleghenys. After all...... I would have to compare and have a pull off between The BIG BOY and ALLENGHENY!!

 

I confess....I have a bigboy and challenger.

 

The Big Boy and Cab Forward, or daylight GS-4, have 'sex appeal' or call it what you will, that other engines don't have. I know modelers who have Big Boys but know absolutely nothing about UP except that it is in the U.S. somewhere, they bought the Big Boy because it is a Big Boy, an engine that every model railroader and railfan in the world has heard of. The same people will buy the daylight for the pretty colors. Ask the same people if they'd like an Allegheny or a Santa Fe 2900 class they wouldn't know what you were talking about. I think the Big Boys, AC12's, Etc will always outsell other steam, unfortunately for modelers of other roads.

 

I agree on the bigboy but not so much on a cab forward or the challenger. HO and O have a plastic Allegheny.

 

oldrk
How many of the 50% saying not interested, don't like steam?.... As the pollster, you can interpret the number creatively

 

I would pay $200-250 for a non sound DCC ready unit. I would definetly buy one, maybe two.

 

I want to argue against your point though..... There is a truckload of Santa Fe & BNSF guys that would want one. And I think theres enough eastern modelers out here that want some large steam as well... Bachmann is producing a C&O model, might be a possible springboard.

Also, I think our poll results seem pretty close to accurate, but slightly skewed. First we are just asking the internet population only here. Second, if we asked this question about 3 years or so ago with a better economy, we may have more people wanting an engine because they wouldnt think much about a 300 dollar engine, and spend the cash... now people are holding onto the cash a little longer to see what will happen when it is made.

 

A bettwer comparison

Maybe the poll should have asked steam buffs only. Or something like if you own a bigboy, challenger or cab forward would you buy an allegheny?

 

I disagree, there were many people that didn't own a steam loco before the GS-4 came out.

 

I answered "wouldnt be interested" just for the prices listed ! The 200.00 made me think about it...but only for a second. Besides...the thing wouldnt fit on my HCD layout...JMO.

:tb-tongue:
.

 

I love super power steam and i have 2 y3's, 2 challengers, cab forward, and 2 big boys. Now in saying that i voted no on the 2-6--6-6, but i have changed my mind, i didn't have my coffee before voting. That's my story and i'm sticking to it. But yes i would want one, how could i not. Even though i model western railroads and modern to boot, steam engines will always have a place on my layout. SUPER POWER steam, i just can't get enough.

Dave