Guys, RUN down to your local hobbyshop and get the October 2002 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman. There is a four page advertisement starting on page 9 that is A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! Hint: the link http://www.athearn.com/nscale doesn't work yet! Charlie
I heard about this on the Atlas forum. If it's true, then it must be the best kept secret of the century, because I e-mailed Athearn last month, and they said they're not. If they are, I can only say one thing: HOLY MOLY!!!
I knew this was going to happen. Here's a message that I posted about 5 months ago on the Atlas Nscale Forum: sd80mac 269 Posts Posted - 03/04/2002 : 12:20:25 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Athearn's Response to an N scale proposal... Donnell, Thank-you for taking the time to write us with you suggestion about making N-scale products. We do not have any plans to make N-scale trains but we will pass your suggestions on to the product development group for further consideration. At 11:27 PM 3/2/02 -0500, you wrote: >Have you guys ever considered going into N scale? This topic has recently >come up in the Atlas N scale forum and on Trainorders.com. A lot of people >think that you would do fairly well, including myself. There was much >discussion about you possibly being the first manufacturer to offer an N >scale SD40T-2, well, that's if you guys were to do N scale. > >We also talked about the fact that Athearn has a great availability record. >It would be nice if we could have decent running, well detailed, affordable N >scale power that WAS available at the local hobby shop when we wanted to go >purchase one. Think about it. An N scale version of your current HO line. >There would be GP38-2s/GP40-2s/GP50s/GP60s , SD40-2s/SD40T-2s/SD45s, and >C44-9Ws/AC4400s. You would be the first to release SW1000s and 1500s >(switchers are much neede in N scale!) As well as F59PHIs, F45/FP45, and a >variety of U-Boats. Maybe you could even do R-T-R N scale versions of some >of the freight cars you offer. Then you could display them in smaller >versions of the R-T-R boxes. > >I realize this is just a pipe dream, not to mention the huge cost of >producing even just the SD40T-2 and GP60 (the two Athearn should make first). > But, I think it could be done. Kato is loosing popularity with modelers >and their runs are few and far between. Atlas is doing pretty good, but they >are just a tad bit expensive. LifeLike stopped at their SW1200 and offer >only first generation diesels. We really need you to fill the gap! I know >it's asking a lot (this sounds pretty desperate, huh?) > >Anyway, thanks for listening, Donnell > Romans 10:9-10
Is this some sort of new way to increase the sales of Railroad Model Craftsman? Sorry folks, I need verification and more evidence. If this is indeed happening, then N-scale just took a huge step forward in progress.
Guys....Take a step back now and breeeeaaaaathe. OK... Now that we all have clearer heads, I think you should know that the gang over at the Atlas Forum have been trying to one-up each other recently. With the recent rash of cross posting between the HO and N scale groups, I strongly suspect that this "rumor" was planted by a disgruntled HO scaler over in the N scale Forum. Furthermore, I strongly suspect that it is a crock of bull. It would be great if it were true but sadly, I think it is a ruse.
I have in my hands a regular copy of the October 2002 Railroad Model Craftsman which I purchased off the magazine rack at DesPlaines Hobbies (they came in yesterday, 29 August). Inside, starting on Page 9, is a four page advertisement announcing Athearn is seriously entering N Scale. First products: F59PHI Amrak West, Metrolink, Sounder, Coaster, West Coast Express, Dallas TRE Bomardier Cab and Coach Cars Metrolink, GO Transit, Coaster, Sounder, West Coast Express, Florida Tri-Rail, Dallas-TRE, Metrolink 10th Anniversary Ford C Trucks - Tractor, Stake Bed, Van - various colors and owners John Deere Tractors - Model B and Model 50 Billboards - Athearn, See the Country, Great Northern, American Flag, For Victory And, by the way, there is a statement the equipment will come with MicroTrains couplers. Athearn 'N' Scale Mission Statement: "Our pledge to the 'N' Scale model railroad hobbyist is to create and manage Athearn 'N' Scale following these basic tenets: - Customer Driven - Excellent Quality - Superior Value - Groundbreaking Innovation Athearn has set the standard for quality and value in the HO scale model railroad market. As we enter this new and exciting era with the release of Athearn 'N' Scale model railroad products and accesories, Athearn will continue to pursue the values that have made us successful for nearly sixty years. No joke. Charlie
As my (and Charlie Vlk's) former boss once told me, "Tucson is at the end of the Butterfield Stage trail -- the last to get the news". I can't have all the fun ==== AND did you read this line in Charlie's post ********* And, by the way, there is a statement the equipment will come with MicroTrains couplers. ********* Way to go Charlie eNjoy [ 30. August 2002, 15:49: Message edited by: dbn160 ]
Thank goodness! Now maybe SOMEBODY will bring out some F-3's or F-7's in SP colors. SP didn't order the pre-war FT's but did order more F3's than any other road. Hopefully Athearn will see the need and fill it!
Okay.. (pinches himself).. I'm really awake. It's not a dream. YAHOOOOO! N-scale just keeps getting better and better!
ESPEEMAN, if you are that desperate for F3s, I'll be putting a Kato CNR F3A-B set in sergeant stripes on ebay shortly. My era is CN green and yellow and I don't want to try and repaint this set. I also have two Kato F3B shells in stripe paint. I just noticed a similar stripped F3A-B set on ebay and the last time I looked, it was at $141......Good luck!
Crap, Just as I was settling on a track plan, Athearn has introduced the "West Coast Express." Unbelievable!!!!!!! I honestly thought I would never see the day. Now lets hope they are good runners.
I am still skeptical. But if I am wrong, I would never be happier about being wrong than this. I guess I have to have it in my hot little hands and read it with my beady little eyes.
