I'm not complaining about the wait. That's something we have to go through since everything has been moved to China if we want correct and well functioning models these days. My issue is the paucity of communication. Maybe you dealers got a bit more. But we who are supposed to buy in the end from the dealers ought to get the info as well. And while I'm not fond of Facebook, I have nevertheless found that this is a quick way to communicate with customers and giving feedback to manufacturers.
Posted on Facebook in an August 9, 2013 Product Announcement/Shipping Update: "The GP60's will arrive next month and are expected to start shipping in mid Sep. " I doesn't get more "Mid Sep" than September 15th. The better question in my mind, and as George alluded to, is....will they be done correctly?
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say I think they will be the best loco to date by any manufacturer. Matt WANTS these right. And I can hardly contain myself over the thought of FVM ACes... I know thats a strong prediction - but look at the Hiawatha... This isn't a "committee" loco - it's one guy, pretty much - an entrepreneur - who has done some pretty good things for us to date. My money's on Matt (and let's not forget Craig Martyn here - another entrepreneur who strives for excellence). Will there be some problem locos in the batch? Of course. No one's perfect. But, as he has done in the past, they will be taken care of. Eagerly awaiting,
And count me in with the "Eagerly awaiting" crowd. This is the last major locomotive missing from my 1995 Tehachapi/California layout era.
My fear is I'll go to the LHS to pick up the ABBA set in Santa Fe I ordered and they'll have the other road numbers and I'll say, "OK, I'll take those, too." Nothing says western railroading in the 90s like GP60Ms.
Well the premise of my post was actually intended to be positive....BECAUSE it has taken so long, there's a better chance that these are done right....or if not I would rather wait longer until they are. I realize nobody is perfect, and I *get it* that Matt is rolling with a minimal crew. I don't have one of his locos, partly because the only one that is really somewhat relevant to me is the early BNSF AC4400 run. (the early GEVO's were still considered AC4400's on BNSF) However, the paint and lettering on these was...off. Not gonna beat a dead horse but I think most folks you ask will say the H-II scheme just wasn't quite right. Couple that with the two decoration issues on the first two RD-4's I bought, and let's just say I'm not quite as gung-ho as you. I still think Matt has made some great models, and I have a lot of FVM cars on my roster...20+ But I just think, well maybe he should get a little help in certain areas...his attention to detail is a growth opportunity, IMHO. Contrast to Craig/BLMA, where the details are almost to the point of ridiculous as to how incredible they are. Anyway, I'm eagerly awaiting mine, too. I think they will be awesome locos, and I know quite a few folks that have double-digit numbers of these on order. I really love that FVM does free standing grabs, and I want to support that kind of innovation. Here's to fulfillment of your prediction of "best locomotive to date". :-D
FVM doesn't do free standing grabs, actually they don't do any grabs and leave it up to the modeler to finish them.
From what I understand, the grabs are included to install. EDIT: Well, it does say "optional" so maybe it's gonna be an add-on purchase for the GP60's. I'm pretty sure they were included with the Gevo's.
I've checked on the FVM Facebook page and their web site without success and was wondering if I had missed any indication from Matt that the GP60Ms might be offered in the BNSF swoosh scheme in future runs...
Due to the limited number of railroads that actually have the GP60M and GP60B (ATSF & BNSF), I'm sure FVM will do as many paint schemes as possible. The swoosh does look good.
It's funny but I always thought the Heritage II scheme was such an improvement over the Heritage I but didn't take much to the H3 Swoosh design. Now I really like it. However, I'm also still running a lot of R&S Warbonnets (SF and BNSF) and have ordered two SF GP60Ms.
I was the same way on the BNSF schemes - orange and green, nah. Orange and green with bright yellow letters was a yay! Orange and black, not so much. Funny how little details can make a difference on a paint scheme. Similar is that I like the CSX dark future, but never cared much of CO/BO blue. Maybe big yellow letters makes enough contrast, whereas the 60's style small letters weren't very visual. Hey, I didn't even mind Seaboard Gray, as long as they had that interlocked SS logo to brighten it up, whereas CSX gray with blue letters was a big bag of nothing. Even NS black is okay with big enough white letters and the horse logo. Other than that, I always liked the simple BN green, Conrail Blue, etc. of the 70's, whether or not the lettering was anything to write home about.
And a photo of the SF, H2, H3 units is on the FVM Facebook page along with a Maersk unit. Not sure how I missed it.
I see the Kato NS heritage ACEs are in. Sorry Kato, I'm holding out for the GP60s. Its been a long wait. 'Sides the GP60s ARE heritage!
I have three of the FVM SD70ACe's on order and am passing on the Kato SD70ACe's. I have four of the Katos but, well, they always seem a bit plain compared to my FVM GEVOs. Close-up photography (especially product marketing) is usually unkind to N scale.
I am going with the FVM aces as well. I believe they will have working rear ditch lights! GP60M's first!
Anyone have any idea what DCC decoder goes in the FVM GP60M & B units? I waited two years for these locos. I'd hate to have them be shelf queens for another couple months until the almost certain run on the decoders for them has passed.
Dont wanna be a stick in the mud...but I see lots of people gettin all pumped up about these...and thats fine. Some people have love/hate thoughts on Atlas...Kato...FVM...etc etc. I am on the other side of the fence with FVM. I only bought one FVM...a nice looking Gevo. Nice looking dont cut it. The thing is now pretty much a shelf queen !! I am reluctant to part with anymore of my hard earned $$$$ On a FVM anything. Yea...I know...if I dont like it dont buy it. Yadda..yadda...yadda. Just voicing my displeasure with FVM. There are 2 sides to every coin/discussion...this is mine...thnxs.
