I emailed atlas last week suggesting they look into producing some lease locos. Amyone modelling the modern scene would fine them useful (especially csx!). Theres plenty of FURX, GATX, HLCX etc running out there and some models would be ver easy to reproduce, especially the ones still in fomer owners colors. Alas i had no reply from atlas but what do people think? Would they sell? I think the only reason katos lease sd70 didnt sell to well is that it wasnt as common? what are your views? paul
I don't recall seeing anything where Kato did a SD70 lease scheme. Maybe that's why they are not selling? I did see where they are doing a CEFX AC4400CW. I am planning on getting one of those when funds allow. I would for sure get a FURX unit or two if they were produced.
Here is some I done myself. I think people would buy them if Atlas or Kato would do them. Scott [ January 30, 2006, 07:35 AM: Message edited by: Scott Teague ]
I think, an it's just me, that it would be pretty easy for say Atlas or Kato to make some of those lease units, many are just paint overs of the unit number and road name, some are even more simple patch jobs. It would be nice if MicroScale decals produced some sets for us to do ourselves, though I would buy some SD's and GE lease units, of course we would have to weather them to the hilt, to make them look right.
Nice custom jobs! Gives me an idea for a new revenue source for the Gray and Grandure: Truth is I think it would be a major gamble on any vendor's part. I have a feelling that the "average", (and I'm not sure how I define that), model railroader buys what they are familiar with or what is "pretty". Just me guessing. I could be way wrong.
I definitely think they would sell. For instance, I picked up a Kato CEFX AC4400CW to use as run through power. On the other hand, sometimes we can't make sense out of what is produced (ie. Algoma Central SD40's....?????!). Here is a CEFX SD40-2 I painted and detailed a few years back...
We lobbied for lease units when we met with the Kato Rep. over dinner in houston. As to Atlas, provide them photos: sides, nose, tail, detail of individual lettering placards etc. and see what happpens. However, we are still awaiting a unit be produced that we were told would happen, "In the next run." But that run already came and went without it so don't hold your breath. My guess they are backed up with possibilities.
Feather River Trains has some custom painted locomotives by Charlie Hopkins for sale you can visit the store on the following link Feather River Trains
Dont show me those Paul, Im broke! Phew... Just looked at the prices.. Im safe as houses [ January 30, 2006, 08:12 PM: Message edited by: virtual-bird ]
Very nice work, Scott! I am glad to see you here on TrainBoard. You are correct: leasers are definately a staple on the east coast (NS & CSX) and manufacturers would be wise to recognise this! Harold
