Blaine - I really like the products you've brought to market - I hope you guys consider it a compliment from N-scalers when we ask for more. With Atlas, Athearn and Intermountain (and others) delaying or reducing N-scale offerings, we look to the newer, more enlightened manufacturers to fill in the gap. - Lou
Lou,I guess you didn't see the reduce N Scale releases over the past 2 years? ER is saying one thing and the evidence points to a decease in N Scale.. I see nothing to thank ER for other then the lack of new N Scale releases...
Larry - I know - I think that's what I said in my post back on page 1 on the bright side, they've released more new models than Atlas and Athearn combined in the past two years. I just think it's better to be positive and encourage them than to be negative... - Lou
I just think it's better to be positive and encourage them than to be negative... - Lou ------- Could be..I've tried the rough approach maybe its time I tried the pretty please approach? Make no mistake I'm very thankful for their past products like the PS-2CD 4427, Gunderson 5200, Evans 5277 Box Cars and the Trinity 50' Hy-Cube Box Car as well as the Thrall 3564 Gondola and the Trinity 5161.I have several of these cars and will probably buy more. I suspect I am wanting to see more ER N scale instead of a empty bag month after month.. BTW..I have several of their HO waffles and three of their Greenville 60' Double Plug Door boxcars and have included 2 P-S 7315 Waffle Box Cars with my last HO order.
I would stand to say that ER is like many other manufacturers that are waiting for consumers to have more funds to purchase the products they spend their money on as well. If we all look at what has happened in the last two years that many announced items have been cancelled due to lack of response from us. Two examples I can give without much thought at all is ER canceling their HO C50 Caboose, and ConCor recently canceling the Sp version in N scale of their upcoming U50. Just my own observation but still fact none the less
I believe BLMA's experience this summer shows us that if a product is released that people want, they will buy it regardless of tight money or not. And if Exact Rail releases something I want, I'll buy it. But I can't buy it if they don't release it. I only hope the pipeline has something interesting to me in it...
Exact Rail has a full page add for the 64' Trinity Reefers on page 5 of the nov/dec issue of N Scale Railroading.
I agree Jim, The market has spoken, manufactures that put out a high quality N scale product even at premium prices, can, and do sell out. Thats even in this overall sour economic climate.
I can't really relate to being concerned/upset about what's available or how manufacturers conduct their business. its nice having stuff, but in the end who cares? I guess having gone the the 70s and 80s in N scale I'm done with wishing stuff was available.
I just got an email from Jamie Ericksen at ExactRail promissing the car by the end of this year. It doesn't prove anything, but since they're advertising it in the mags too, then I think they must have gotten the ball rolling. If I had to guess, they got sidestepped by the BLMA release, which is now almost sold out. So now ER can release their car before BLMA does a second release. Personally, I'm just looking forward to comparing the two and getting a little healthy competition.
I'm not impress at all with ER commitments to N or their promise of the Trinty by years end.I'll believe it when I see it. Why? They drag their heels on the Trinity reefer or any new N Scale car and tickle our ears with high hope promises while releasing 2 more HO boxcars the Evans 5277 Boxcar and the Pullman-Standard (P-S) 5344 Boxcar. I just wish they would come clean and say Sorry guys,we are no longer interested in N Scale. At least Walthers doesn't hide the fact N scale isn't very high on their production list. We haven't seen anything new from Atlas or Athearn either.
Considering there's issues like the economic downturn, as well as constant manufacturing delays in the overseas factories which are mostly out of the control of the US-based manufacturers, I would give all of the above companies the benefit of a doubt.
Ok..Fair enough if you can explain how new HO gets release and sold in a timely manner. Like you I use to believe that till I started watching more closely and being a HO dabbler help me compare the new or rehash releases of both scales..Then that worn excuse didn't hold water because HO was seeing new products every month plus the rehash releases.. You're right about the economic downturn playing a part and IMHO I suspect the manufacturers-including Atlas and Athearn has cut N Scale tooling in favor of HO since its a larger market and they can have a quick return on their investment.. Yet done of them has the common courtesy to tell us they have curtain N Scale production due to the economic downturn and the smaller N Scale market..I don't think none of us would fault the manufacturers.
As a late breaking informational update concerning N Scale projects from Blaine via e-mail I will give ER a benefit of a doubt and see how things develops. I must admit it sounds very ambitious and exciting! I'm am looking forward to these releases. Thank you Blaine. Good luck!
The Nov/Dec issue of N Scale Railroading has an ExactRail ad for the TRINCool reefer on its page 3. Judging from the five very closeup pics in the ad, it appears to be generally identical to the BLMA version... ...except for one thing... [cue dramatic music] ...COUPLER CUT LEVERS! :O :O :O Say it with me: AAAARRREEE YOOOOUUUU READY TO RUMBLLLLLLLLE?!?!?!?!?!
