Were not these previously scheduled for delivery in (I think) Feb '07? I see they are now TBD on PCM's delivery schedule. Not that I was interested in any of the first batch. Another one that is not off the drawing board yet? Ben
Well, that was yesterday. Now it says August '07. Seems to change every day. PA's now in March '07. I'll look again tomorrow. Ben
At least you know they're maintaining their website and keeping track of production times. Some manufacturers go for months, even years, between website updates! mg: I had heard that some of the delays are due to the paucity of reservations.
The E8/9 was tooled at the same time as the E7. I made my comments on the first test shots at the same time as the E7... and all the changes I suggested were incorporated in the E7s but I haven't seen any futher E8/9 units yet. The etched grilles (two styles... EMD fabricated and Farr-Aire stamped) are nicer than anything I've seen in any scale. The PAs are likewise tooled and there have been two generations of test shots. I don't know all the considerations but I would guess that March is a reasonable estimate as the tooling should be complete as we've had running test samples but no approvals for decorated shells yet. Charlie Vlk Railroad Model Resources/ Precision Craft Models Note that the PCM HO and N models will have separately applied handrails, stainless steel etched grilles appropriate for PA/PB-1/2 and PA/PB-3 units (the first time correct PA/PB-3 units have been made!) along with road-specific details such as turbocharger (air or water) numberboards (small or 45 degree), single or dual headlight, side numberboards (ATSF/D&H or D&RGW) dynamic brake/no dynamic brake... and roof numberboard (ATSF) and trainphone antenna (PRR). The detailing and accuracy will be a couple of steps above anything previously offered (brass or plastic) and the LokSound Alco sounds in the N Scale sample are even better than the EMD sounds in the E7!
I bought an undecorated E7ABB set to paint it in Golden State colors and I have to say I am very impressed with PCM. First all add on parts were in a small bag and I don't have to spend time to take them off for painting. I have not seen a factory painted model yet and only can judge it by my undecorated ones but I believe PCM produced a model that set new standarts for N-scale. If it takes more time for the PA and E8/9 to do a great job, please do. I word about sound. This is my first sound equiped model and even my cats had a blast.
Well I'm glad to hear that about the PA's. I have sets of both SF and SP on reserve. But the only E8 that interests me is in the 2nd run. Only Walthers has indicated a possible delivery date of Dec '07 for the 2nd run. Will it be pushed further into the future because of the Aug '07 expected delivery of the 1st? Seems plausible. Ben
Already have mine running. It uses Life-Like E7 shells on PCM mechanisms but its a honey. I'd like to post a photo but am camera-less. Maybe one using my wife's under-$150 Kodak will be better than nothing. I'll try to do that. Ben
Ben I also used the LL E7 for my first Golden State set. I got a good deal on the PCM set and that made my decision easier to redo those engines. This time I also will do the cars (Con-Cor, Kato). I wish PCM will do the E2 so I can replace the LL E6 City of San Francisco set.
Meanwhile no mention of the Pennsy M1a's and b's. Maybe PCM would like us to forget them but I ordered two for December 2005 delivery [the original delivery date]. Now they list it as the dreaded TBD. Will they ever produce it is the question. How many E7's, E8's and PA's do we need. Do we really need three manufacturer's? The inclusion of sound [at a hefty price] doesn't begin to justify another model no matter if it is the third gazillion phase.
Are you sure those are not mine? They are beauties! I didn't paint mine. They were done by Blake Tatar in New Jersey, a very talented modeler. He also did a consist of my choice that included Kato and Con-Cor smoothsides plus Rivarossi corrugateds. I had originally planned to pull Lark cars but went with the GS cars instead. The PCM mechanisms fit the L-L body shells with very little alteration. Blake did the mars light lens in red so I used the SP mechanisms both for truck/fuel tank color as well as the lighting. It and my L-L Santa Fe E6, also powered by PCM mechanisms, with Kato corrugateds and a kitbashed observation are my favorite consists. Ben
Maybe I'm getting more tolerant in my dotage, but TBD is better than seeing it drop off the list completely. Charlie Vlk covered the progress of the M1's in an earlier thread and I believe him. PCM has come through so far and I'm confident. Even though M1's don't fit my modeling scheme, and I don't plan to buy one, the success of them and other steam with sound (Athearn) may do worlds for advancing future products that do appeal to me. I read on another forum that Athearn is doing extensive testing before shipping the Challengers. If true and even if a further delay is warranted, good for them. Ben
I got the E-7a and an unpowered b unit. It is sound equipped, has the PRR trainphone already beautifully installed, and it certainly was worth the extra bucks. Blasting it out of a tunnel, it makes visitors' jaws drop. I whistle the crossing and turn on the bell as I pull into the depot. Now my silent Atlas locos are a bit boring. Trouble is, I was patient waiting for my M1a - but no more. :grumpy6ho: Hisself
I've noted that the PRR E8's still are not listed on the PCM web site. I don't believe they ever have been, actually. They appeared on a listing to dealers (at one point) and remain on the Walthers listing. PCM continues to accept reservations for these mystery units... stock #508 and #509.
They are listed in my PCM print catalog. I know that doesn't mean they will appear, but it does mean they intend them to. I think. Ken
These are listed in the 2nd run although the 2nd run was not listed in the delivery schedule the last time I looked. http://precisioncraftmodels.com/EMD-E8-9,-N---2nd-Run-c3237.html Ben
