So Athearn is announcing a new Genesis Loco at the show. Genesis = HO or at least has historically. So probably great for the HOers but more likely somewhat for N-Scale. Anybody on this forum been there for setup who has seen or heard what else they or any other Mfr. could be announcing in N-Scale at this show?
This was the best show I've ever been to. Went in 2009, it even impressed my wife! Wish I could make it this year. If there is someone going from the forum, take some pics of the new and/or cool things please.
I will be there, but I will be working for most of it. If I can get around and take some pictures, I will post them.
Kato will be in the BLC building... Section 1... tables C&D. Hopefully they will be in a talkative mood... or perhaps have an actual announcement.
Model:160 is reporting live. New Atlas PS-1 boxcar and NARC Canadian Coal Gons already. http://www.model160.com/2012/01/28/springfield-2012-atlas-announces-new-ps-1-boxcar-tooling/
Speaking of Kato, maybe mention to them releasing their N Scale Volvo tractors in two packs, like Atlas did with their Ford 9000's. I don't want to buy the trailer/containers.
Wish I was there but fiscal responsibility prohibits it - this year. If all goes well I'll be there with "Grandure Lady" next year.
No one has mentioned the Exact Rail cars...new gondola with body mounts. Looks like it rides nice and low. I'm not 100% sure of their current offerings but it looks like possibly a new boxcar as well. At least new road names of previous cars. I believe the Model160 blog linked to earlier in this thread has photos. I didn't go to the show, just saw the ER stuff posted on other sites. I can't tell from the photos if the boxcars have body mounts or not. The coupler boxes are painted to match the car body and I can't tell if they are attached to the truck or body. ER should have had a press release or something ready to go with their samples. Features, paint schemes, prices, shipping estimate, etc. but it looks good!
Maybe everyone is still wondering why ER chose to duplicate a gondola that Atlas already has produced in N.... especially when there are many others they could have done....
Well... its over now... and no one seems to have seen anything earth-shattering or mind-blowing at the Amherst Show in Springfield MA. I feel like the 'Charlie-in-the-box' stating that 'we were forgotten again' on the Island of Misfit Toys.
Yeah, I think this might be announcement of the decade material for many n-scalers. I'll probably buy some of the ExactRail boxcars, personally. I agree it's getting a little old having them release duplicates of everyone else. Especially the BLMA and Atlas cars that are pretty much state-of-the-art already. I bet I can come up with 100 specific prototypes including just about every major car type that they could do in N with at LEAST as many roadnames as the cars they are doubling up. (please, nobody tell them about BETHGONS!!!! lol Actually, scratch that...at least they might do utility-owned cars if they did produce a coalporter.)
I'm equally confused by their choices. I first thought they might be coincidences...but it's happened so often it makes you scratch your head. However, someone on another forum who attended the show confirmed that all of the previously released cars now have body mount couplers. That's pretty cool. And chances are their next car will be something no other mfr. has done. Personally I could care less if Atlas already made the gon, I'll take the ER version where I don't have to buy and install body mount MTs. Also, those PWRS Canadian gons look nice! I see the Herzogs roll through ATL pretty often. So while not "earth shattering" I think we got some pretty cool stuff. At least Kato didn't announce ANOTHER UP or ATSF passenger car set I'm not going to buy
What's the story on the Atlas coil cars? I see them on their website announced for Q1 2012 but have we actually seen a finished car at any time? It's been years of nothing...and all of a sudden there's a new boxcar-fine, but the coil cars interest me a lot more.
